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What is the Philippine Arts Council?

What is the Philippine Arts Council?

By: Alisa Samuel

Published on: September 08 2022

         Photo: Jasmine Atay  

The Philippine Arts Council is a non-profit organization based in Edmonton, Alberta. It’s made up of Filipino immigrants and descendants who want to grow the presence of Filipino creatives in Canadian culture. Their projects include cultural events and educational workshops. In 2021, they released a documentary on both the heartwarming and sad survival stories of Filipino immigrants to Canada.  

Filipinos have been in Canada since as early as the 1890s. In the 1960s, Canada received its first major influx of Filipino immigrants. At the time, a points system further opened the country up to skilled newcomers.  

According to the 2016 census, Filipinos are one of the largest visible minority groups here. The government of Canada calls people who are not white or indigenous “a visible minority.” There are over 800 000 people living in Canada who report having Filipino origins. It’s the fastest growing ethnic group in Canada.  

In 2018, the House of Commons unanimously declared June of every year as Filipino Heritage Month across the country. Filipino Heritage Month is meant to officially celebrate and spread awareness of the contributions Filipinos make to Canadian social and cultural life.  

The Philippine Arts Council, however, reflects upon the teachings of Filipino history and culture all year round. The organization provides Filipino immigrants and descendants with a platform to share their work and network with other Canadian-Filipinos. The Philippine Arts Council is an artistic community that keeps the conversation about diversity in Canada alive. 

This year, the Philippine Arts Council presented “The Filipino in Me—Insights into Living Heritage” for Filipino Heritage Month. “The Filipino in Me” is a public online exhibit that explores Philippine living heritage in Canada through multimedia works. Various themes cut across the creations showcased. Check out the gallery here. You’ll see everything from naturally-sourced jewelry crafted by Filipino artisans to folklore-inspired traditional food. ​ 

Jasmine is a digital self-portrait of second generation Filipino/Turkish Albertan artist Jasmine Atay. She incorporated jasmine flowers into her design to represent both her name and the national flower of the Philippines. Her work appeared in the “The Filipino Living in Me” exhibit from the Philippine Arts Council. In case you want to see more of Jasmine Atay’s work you can visit her at https://www.instagram.com/jasmine.atay.designs.  

The Philippine Arts Council offers memberships for those who wish to support their work. For anyone struggling to obtain residency in Canada, the organization suggests reading Domestically Yours. A Caregiver’s Inspiring Journey by Annie Chua. It’s a book about a mother who left the Philippines to work and make money as a nanny in Fort McMurray, Alberta. She encountered homesickness and culture shock like so many newcomers do. But she overcame her hurdles. Chua is now a proud Canadian citizen who wishes to inspire you with her story.  

A 2018 study says Filipinos are “hospitable, amiable, and resilient” because of the values they hold. Some of these values include pakikisama (to get along with), pagkakabigan (friendship), and utang na loob (feeling grateful). You can say the efforts made by the Philippine Arts Council to honour their heritage outside of the Philippines is an expression of utang na loob.  

Canadian diversity and theatre culture

Canadian diversity and theatre culture

By: Elie Ngoy

Published on: September 07 2022

Photo: Ludovic Migneault (Unsplash)  

Performing arts and theatre culture have always been a pillar of Canadian culture. In historical terms, many indigenous peoples performed rituals and dramas as part of sacred ceremonies and traditions. These dramas and rituals were performed hundreds of years before the European settlers arrived.  

European theatre came to Canada with Sir Humphrey Gilbert and “a little company of mummers” in 1583. This set the tone for the rich theatre culture that defines Canadian culture today. At the time of this venture, the protestant and catholic churches were not fully supporting the theatre trend, likening the entertainment to brothels.  

However, as norms began to change, theatre culture grew and expanded into central and Atlantic Canada. Plays became a prominent form of entertainment, and they were performed anywhere they could be set up, such as in local taverns and pubs. It was not the norm to cast females at the time, so male actors performed many original plays.  

In 1789, significant steps towards mainstream growth began with soldiers in Halifax building the famous Grand Theatre, and it officially opened with a production of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. After its initial successes, more theatres would be built across Canada.  

The first theatre built for the public in Canada was the Theatre Royal in Montréal, Canada. Many of the first professional theatre companies that began touring in Canada performed at this location—paving the way for Canadian cinema, drama, and performing arts as a significant symbol of Canada.  

Fast forward to today, theatre culture has played an enormous role in the life of Canadians, and it has allowed us to celebrate our great diversity. In various cities such as Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, London, and Vancouver, theatres solely dedicated to the development of pieces by and about Canada’s diverse cultural population were established, such as Black Theatre Workshop (1972), Teesri Duniya Theatre (1981), Cahoots Theatre Projects (1986), Obsidian Theatre Company (2000), fu-GEN Asian-Canadian Theatre Company (2002), and  Neworld Theatre (1994). Visible minorities finally had a new and empowered outlet to tell their stories through the artistic opportunities of the creative arts. This latest push for diversity also allowed Canadian theatre to develop many new forms, styles, and reports that were unlike the conventional European works of Shakespeare.  

Photo: Robin Gislain Gessy (Unsplash)  

One of the richest forms of Canadian theatre is the works of First Nations Theatre—which has managed to reach a broad audience throughout the country. Tomson Highway, Monique Mojica, and Daniel David Moses are some of the great pioneers and ambassadors of First Nations theatre, and they have helped this form of theatre to grow throughout the country. 

In Canada, we also have a rich indie theatre culture. Numerous graduates around the country have opened up workshops and theatre companies with the exclusive mandates of championing inclusiveness and diversity. You can find these works at the local university theatres that often have played with free admission or a low cost of entry, a perfect family outing!  

To experience the great culture of Canadian theatre, please visit your local theatre and support the work of local artists, directors, and playwrights. Here are a few theatres throughout various cities for all those who may be interested:  

Theatre is a fantastic way to learn about Canadian culture and diversity. Not only is it a unique opportunity to spend with friends and family, but it is a pathway to understanding a lost art in the generation of on-demand cinema and digital video. Many playwrights and actors/actresses may work year-round to prepare for complex productions; this is also a fantastic opportunity to show support for your newfound community!  

Punjabi Sikhs in Brampton

Punjabi Sikhs in Brampton

By: Alisa Samuel

Published on: September 07 2022

Photo: rawpixel.com (Freepik) 

Brampton is a large suburban city in the province of Ontario. The 2021 census tells us Brampton is home to 656 480 people. Sikhs make up roughly 20 per cent of the city’s total population.  

I’ve lived in Brampton all my life. As a Canadian born of Indian descent, I’m interested in how my hometown has changed over the years. Brampton’s ongoing influx of Punjabi Sikh immigrants has changed the way the city looks and feels. Here, there are Indian sweet shops and grocery stores, traditional clothing boutiques, religious temples, and Punjabi language speakers on almost every street corner. In a sense, Punjabi newcomers from India aren’t too far from home in Brampton.  

One thing to note: not all Punjabis are Sikhs and not all Sikhs are Punjabis. Punjab is a cultural region that was split up during the Partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Punjabi is the language of this region now in both countries. To be Punjabi is to be part of an ethnic group—not a religious one. My Christian parents, for example, are Punjabi people who natively speak Punjabi because they grew up in Lahore. Lahore is the capital city of the Punjab province in Muslim-majority Pakistan. Guru Nanak founded Sikhism around 500 years ago in a village near Lahore.  

The first Sikhs 

The story of Sikhs in Brampton begins with the first settlement of Sikhs in British Columbia. As part of the British Hong Kong army, Sikh soldiers living under Crown rule travelled to Canada in the early 1900s. The army came to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and Albert Edward’s coronation. The soldiers would return home to India with tales of this promising new world called Canada. Inspired by what they heard, the first Sikh immigrants arrived in British Columbia between 1902 and 1904.  

By 1908, before the Canadian government banned South Asian immigration, a Sikh community of nearly 5 000 immigrants had been established. Canada’s immigration rules relaxed after the end of World War II.  

Currently, Brampton has one of the largest Punjabi Sikh populations outside of India. Sheridan College’s Davis Campus on McLaughlin Road illustrates this fact. International students account for 30 per cent of the school’s overall population. Of that 30 per cent, around 65 per cent are from India. The Davis campus offers multiple student services in Punjabi.  

A Punjabi Sikh learner and their family back home will sell off assets and land to fund the trip to Brampton. To them, schooling in the city means consequential work opportunities and potentially Canadian citizenship at last.  

Sikhs contribute greatly to the city’s economic and social development. According to their religion, Sikhs must earn honest livings and serve others without reward. Guru Nanak saw mankind as one whole. Therefore, he teaches his followers to work practically towards a universal human society.   

Many Sikhs in Brampton today are municipal politicians, real estate agents, small business owners, truck drivers, healthcare providers, and farm workers.   

The Khalsa Sikhs 

We recognize Sikhs by what they wear. Some Sikhs wear turbans to maintain their hair. In a practice known as kesh, Sikhs let their hair grow long without ever cutting it. Kesh is to show respect for the Creator God in the Sikh religion (Waheguru). You might even notice that almost all the Sikhs you meet and know wear a plain iron bangle, or a kara. The kara visually reminds Sikhs to stay committed to their community and the eternity of Waheguru.  

When Sikhs are old enough to seriously understand the teachings of their gurus, a small number of them might get baptized. Baptized Sikhs become members of a special group called the Khalsa. They not only wear kesh and the kara, but also the kaccha, kanga, and kirpan. The kaccha is cotton underwear that represents the virtue of self-control against unmarried sex. The kanga is a comb that Khalsa Sikhs use to brush their hair with twice a day. The kirpan is a medium-sized knife that they always carry to show their defensive concern for the weak, poor, and oppressed.  

Together, the kesh, kara, kaccha, kanga, and kirpan are called the “Five K’s” of Sikhism.  

The troubled Sikhs 

Sikhs have had their fair share of challenges in Brampton. In December of 1988, the Peel board of education classified the kirpan as a weapon rather than a symbol of faith. A few months later, Sikh teenager Sukhdev Singh Hundal was suspended from Central Peel Secondary School for wearing a kirpan on school grounds.  

Soon after the Peel Board’s decision, Harbhajan Singh Pandori, a supply teacher at Hundal’s high school, stopped teaching.  

Sikhs believe in putting up a righteous fight. When they couldn’t wear kirpans in the classroom, Pandori filed a complaint with the human rights commission. He argued that Sikhs were being discriminated against for exercising the practices demanded by their religion. Freedom of religious expression is a constitutionally protected right in Canada. In the summer of 1990, an Ontario judge ruled that kirpans could be worn in Peel schools.   

A recent example of the Sikh community’s negative experiences in Brampton takes place in 2014. That year a flyer targeting mass immigration was distributed throughout the city. The flyer showed a photo of Sikhs in traditional garb under a photo of white people from the distant past. It asks: “Is this really what you want?” with “this” being a mostly brown Brampton.  

Brampton has gained a reputation for being a “ghetto.” Punjabi immigrants can get by without learning or speaking English. The city has high car insurance rates because of new driver crashes and fake claims. Sikh human-trafficking gangs are on the rise. Cash-strapped international students live in overcrowded illegal basement units. Most retail businesses pander to South Asian tastes and holidays. Non-white residents are choosing to leave because of the growing divide between brown people and everyone else.  

Some Sikhs in Brampton also support the Khalistan movement. They want an independent country for Sikhs to be made from the north Indian Punjab state.  

It’s not unusual to see large stickers of guns and Jarnail Singh plastered on the rear car windows of young Sikh newcomers. Jarnail Singh was a Sikh militant. He violently campaigned for a separate Sikh homeland throughout the late 70s and early 80s.   

The Indian government has formally raised concerns over Khalistani elements in Canada. In March of 2021, pro-Khalistanis attacked participants in a Brampton rally organized by Canadian Indians calling for stronger India-Canada ties. Earlier this year, Deepak Punj, the Hindu host of a Punjabi-language radio show in Brampton, was physically assaulted near his studio for criticizing the anti-India sentiment of the Khalistan movement. The city, in this way, has become a hostile place.   

The question arises: how will Brampton’s race-related success and social turmoil play out? Punjabi Sikh immigration clearly lays the groundwork for the city’s future.   

Racial discrimination and diversity in Canada

Racial discrimination and diversity in Canada  

By: Elie Ngoy

Published on: September 6 2022

Photo: John Schaidler (Unsplash)  

Diversity has played a significant part in shaping Canada’s history. Canada has the greatest proportion of foreign-born citizens of any G8 country. With approximately 401 000 entrants joining the nation in 2021, Canada will have embraced a historic number of immigrants since 1913. By welcoming immigrants, Canada has established a community of various languages, cultures, and faiths. 

The diversity of Canada’s populace is predicted to grow much more, particularly in big urban areas. According to Statistics Canada, by 2031, 25 to 28 per cent of people will be foreign-born, and 29 to 32 per cent will be members of a visible minority group. Visible minorities are predicted to make up 63 per cent of the demographic in Toronto, 59 per cent in Vancouver, and 31 per cent in Montréal.  

There are robust human rights laws and institutions in Canada to combat prejudice. However, there is also a history of racism, especially against Aboriginal people, but also against African, Chinese, Japanese, South Asian, Jewish, and Muslim Canadians. This legacy continues to impact our institutions and structures, hurting the lives of racial minorities and all Canadians. 

Photo: Jason Hafso (Unsplash)  

What the numbers say 

The 2019 General Social Survey (GSS) on Canadians’ Safety found that discrimination was much more prevalent among Indigenous peoples than non-Indigenous or non-visible minority peoples (33 per cent versus 16 per cent).  

More precisely, 44 per cent of First Nations people, 24 per cent of Métis, and 29 per cent of Inuit had experienced prejudice in the five years before the study.  

According to GSS data, a much larger percentage of Black persons reported prejudice in 2019 than in 2014 (46 per cent versus 28 per cent).  

Four in ten (41 per cent) of all Black people have experienced prejudice based on their race or skin colour, which is around 15 times greater than the percentage of non-Indigenous, non-visible minority individuals (three per cent) 

Among those who encountered bigotry, 21 per cent of Indigenous people and 16 per cent of Black people stated it occurred while interacting with police, compared to four per cent of non-Indigenous, non-visible minority individuals. 

How do you address racism and xenophobia? 

The issue of racism in Canada is deep-rooted but has improved over time. To effectively address racism, it is essential to understand the situation, where it comes from, and how it affects our lives. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the Canadian identity, and though the plague of racism has hampered us, the improvements have been steady.   

The government of Canada has spent many years building a consensus foundation for change, which has required it to acknowledge its shortcomings as well. Many newcomers are from communities that face deep systemic racism and discrimination in our country. Recent events, such as the truck attack in London, Ontario, have shown that even here in Canada, no community is safe from hateful rhetoric.  

Over the years, the Canadian government has begun to apply an intersectional lens on the issue, allowing us to see how deep this issue goes correctly. Between 2018 and 2019, the government held engagement sessions across the country to gather input from all Canadians, including newcomers, to assist in forming a new anti-racism development strategy. 

Psychological research shows that racist attitudes are learned. Much work is still left to be done to assist those in need of support. How can you deal with racism in your new communities?  

Here are some suggestions:  

  • Stay calm and react calmly 

It’s okay to show that you are uncomfortable and disapprove of how you have been treated — people must know that they have hurt you. Always feel free to convey your feelings and question their use of words and actions. Never try to get triggered—stay calm and let it go.  

  • React towards the issue, not the person 

Racism says a lot about how a person was raised, where they attended school, status, and what influences they had as a child. Avoid confrontation and be attentive to the words you hear.  

  • Be the opposite  

When they go low, we go high. When confronted with racism or xenophobic remarks, sometimes the best thing to do is be the bigger person. This can mean anything from not responding to attacks on you, not giving the same reaction, or remaining cheerful as they spew negativity. This can be a great learning moment if they are willing to listen 

  • Expect ignorance  

As a newcomer, you must know that Canada is a culture of many races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Many Canadians may not know much about where you come from, your country, or what language you speak. To save yourself the stress, it is best to assume that there is a chance you may be mistreated.  

  • Do not be afraid to engage the authorities.  

If you have been a victim of unwarranted racial abuse or xenophobic attacks, you are well within your rights to get the police or authorities at work involved. Do not be afraid to speak up when you are wrong; it is your right, and you should do so. As a newcomer, you deserve to feel safe in your new country. 

  • Be kind.  

Sometimes being kind is the most fantastic way to combat evil. Please treat everyone with respect and do not feel like you owe anyone a reaction or anything. It’s highly possible, and it’s expected that you would want to speak out, be upset, and maybe even lash out. However, do not give attention to the things that do not serve you in the long run. Some individuals are highly committed to misunderstanding you, and that’s a significant issue. 

You are not obligated to endure any type of harassment. If you have encountered racism and bigotry, you should take the following steps. You could wish to communicate with the individual if you feel comfortable doing so. If you do not feel comfortable facing the individual, talk with someone in charge, such as a supervisor. If you are in urgent bodily danger, dial 911. 

If this occurs at work, you should talk to your boss or the Human Resource manager about it. If this occurred at the workplace, when you were accessing services, or if you suspect it was a hate crime, you should report it to The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT). You might call the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth if someone committed a racist act towards your kid or if it happened at their school. 

If you have encountered racism and bigotry, you may wish to seek help from others. Racism and bigotry are seldom isolated incidents, and many individuals in your community can assist you in adjusting, feeling secure, and speaking out against racism in Canada. Canada is and will always remain a country that welcomes others. It is a beautiful land where dreams come true. 

How to accept your LGBTQ2S+ identity after leaving a homophobic country

How to accept your LGBTQ2S+ identity after leaving a homophobic country

By: Callum Denault

Published on: September 5, 2022

Photo: Karolina Grabowska (Pexels)

“It is absolutely imperative that every human being’s freedom and human rights are respected, all over the world.” These are the words of Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, the first world leader who is openly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and/or Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+). While Canadian values stand for equity and inclusion for all, some parts of the world are intolerant of the LGBTQ2S+.

Out of the roughly 195 countries in the whole world, 88 at least partially support same-sex marriage, and 24 have fully legalized it. Unfortunately, it is illegal in 72 countries. The LGBTQ2S+ community is intersectional, meaning members of the community can also belong to a racial minority, have a disability, or be migrants. This changes the experiences of each member of the community. For example, a black, trans woman could experience a different type and increased amount of discrimination than a white, cisgender gay man.

With an estimated 281 million migrants around the world as of 2020, it would only be natural for there to be many people leaving their home countries to move to places that are more accepting of people who are LGBTQ2S+.

“We have inquiries from all of the most draconian authorities on the planet, so we get lots from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq,” said David LeBlanc, managing director for Ferreira-Wells Immigration Services. Ferreira-Wells specializes in helping LGBTQ2S+ newcomers and refugees.

LeBlanc added in many of the countries his organization gets inquiries from, people risk being hurt or even killed for their identities.

Internalized homophobia and how to stop living in denial

Internalized homophobia is when bisexuals, lesbians, gay men, and other members of the LGBTQ2S+ harbour negative beliefs and attitudes towards their community. Society in general is heteronormative, meaning there is an expectation everyone is or should be straight and cisgender.

Signs of internalized homophobia include wishing to not be attracted to certain genders, feeling shame about one’s identity, trying to “pass” as straight and cisgender, as well as distancing oneself from people who are openly part of the LGBTQ2S+.

Growing up in conservative, homophobic communities, not seeing positive examples of LGBTQ2S+ people in media, and lacking a strong support system, are all factors that lead to internal homophobia.

Internalized homophobia increases your risk of mental health issues and relationship problems. People who are afraid of asking for help—including those worried about the stereotype that the LGBTQ2S+ are sexually promiscuous—also risk suffering from sexually transmitted diseases. One way of handling internalized homophobia is by challenging harmful stereotypes about the LGBTQ2S+.

Photo: FransA (Pexels)

Accepting yourself as a newcomer from a homophobic country

Ray Carino is a volunteer executive board secretary with the Asian Community AIDS Service (ACAS), a charity which helps East and Southeast Asians in Canada who are members of the LGBTQ2S+ and/or have HIV/AIDS. Carino works as a corporate analyst for Rogers, and he is also a gay man from the Philippines.

The Philippines has an anti-discrimination bill which would prevent prejudice against people on the basis of their sexuality or gender identity, but it has yet to be passed

“It hasn’t been passed by the congress because most of the congress people are homophobic,” Carino said.

“They don’t understand that people who identify as a queer person need this bill turned into law. There is nothing that protects queer people in the Philippines.”

Carino’s mother arrived to Canada before he did, having worked in the Middle East before transferring with her employer to a position in Canada. She sponsored Carino and his sister to arrive in 2011. A community organization in Ottawa received Carino and his sister along with other recent immigrants. While the two of them did get informed about various organizations that help families, they were not told about any LGBTQ2S+ supports.

The town Carino is from—Urbiztondo, in the Pangasinan province—is six hours away from the Filipino capital of Manila. He said while there are more resources for the LGBTQ2S+ and people with HIV in areas surrounding Manila, the outer parts of the Philippines lack both resources and education.

“Sex education is next to none in the Philippines,” said Carino, referring to the country’s outer areas such as Pangasinan.

After spending two years in Ottawa, Carino moved to Toronto and found ACAS through independent research while looking for a charity that can help LGBTQ2S+ people from Southeast Asia. Speaking English as a second language, ACAS helped provide Carino with services in his native tongue. 

ACAS offers services in nine languages other than English. These are: Filipino, Viet, Chinese, Korean, Malay, Japanese, Thai, Indonesian, and Laotian.

“Coming out to myself was exhausting,” said Carino, adding he educated himself upon arriving in Canada. Seeking aid from charities like ACAS helped the process.

He advised that other LGBTQ2S+ immigrants who are not ready to come out to their friends and family do come out to one person they can trust.

“I’ll use my gut feelings. If I’m friends with someone, I will know way more than what their family knows about them. Always hanging out with them and sharing ideas or your feelings with them will make you know that you’re ready to tell that person.”

Helping as an LGBTQ2S+ ally

There are ways for allies of the LGBTQ2S+ community to help LGBTQ2S+ refugees make their way safely into Canada. 

Collaborations between organizations that support the LGBTQ2S+ and immigrants can help reduce discrimination against members of both communities. Programs that increase healthcare access for immigrants and cultural competency training for healthcare providers can also improve the lives of newcomers from diverse backgrounds. Along these lines, the UNHRC has a checklist for providing aid to refugees from LGBTQ2S+ backgrounds.

LeBlanc said Ferreira-Wells is working with a Syrian national who has “quasi-status” in Turkey. LeBlanc requested the young man’s name be changed in this article to protect his identity, so he will be referred to as “Mohammed.”

Mohammed is living in Turkey after his father outed him as gay to the authorities. If he is deported back to Syria he risks being executed. Mohammed needs to walk into a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) office in order to get refugee status, but the Turkish authorities do not allow people from certain countries to enter the UNHRC building. 

Despite not seeming to want him in Turkey, the Turkish authorities also beat Mohammed as punishment for his failed attempt to illegally emigrate into Greece. LeBlanc attributed this to “cruel bones and intentions.”

Without refugee status, Mohammed has to apply to immigrate to Canada through a point-based merit system. LeBlanc said “young, single males that have limited education [and] limited travel” are flagged by an artificial intelligence—including Chinook—so someone can later deny the applicant entry. Other Western nations like the United Kingdom have similar point-based merit systems that would not accept Mohammed.

“Here’s a young man who is 21,” said LeBlanc. “He has the ability to be saved. But the whole system is engineered against him, and time is not on his side.”

LeBlanc said he “begged” a director from End of the Rainbow in Calgary to form a tenuous connection with Mohammed, which the director was able to do. He said this connection is rare, because organizations like the Rainbow Railroad that rescue LGBTQ2S+ people from homophobic countries are severely underfunded and lack public support.

“They’re overwhelmed with requests and they don’t have time to respond,” said LeBlanc, later adding, “I wish someone would swoop in and give money to them the same way they do to museums and public institutions.”

There are several charities that help members of the LGBTQ2S+ living in discriminatory countries emigrate to Canada, including the Rainbow RailroadEnd of the Rainbow, and The 519. See these lists for more LGBTQ2S+ charities in Toronto and Canada, if you need help or wish to donate to the cause. 

Citizens, permanent residents, and people registered under the Indian Act can sponsor a family member to come live in Canada. You can also sponsor refugees through certain community organizations

What are land acknowledgements and why are they important?

What are land acknowledgements and why are they important?

By: Anson Wong

Published on: September 2, 2022

Photo: Jared VanderMeer (Pexels) 

Land acknowledgements are a common way to acknowledge Canada’s history. They validate the groups that came before and the abuse they have endured. Government attempts like residential schools stripped Indigenous youth of their culture and heritage. 

Residential schools exposed its students to all manner of physical and sexual abuse. The effects left a legacy of post-traumatic stress, alcoholism, and substance abuse problems. Generations today continue to deal with the trauma inflicted from these schools.

Remembering these moments in history is important in ensuring the same acts do not happen again. Acknowledging the land we inhabit means honouring the many first nation groups that continue to struggle to this day.

The City of Toronto acknowledges that land traditionally belonged to many nations, including  Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. These acknowledgments give credibility to territory taken by the government. Other websites like Native-Land create digital borders to inform users where traditional territories lay. 

Below is a brief guide on some of the common names referred to in land acknowledgements.

Mississaugas 

The Mississaugas are a subtribe of the First nations who inhabited the lands north of Lake Superior and around Georgian Bay. The city of Mississauga is named after them. Mississauga is derived from the word Misi-zaagiing in the Anishinaabe language, meaning “[Those at the] Great River Mouth.” 

Today, six first nations make up the Mississauga Nations. They are the Mississauga First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) continue to celebrate their heritage, including multiple events that celebrate their history. 

Anishinaabe 

Anishinaabe is the term for a person that is part of a group of culturally related indigenous peoples from the surrounding area of the Great Lakes. The Anishinaabe hold a variety of art styles, including birchbark, ash baskets, and boxes. Much of this art is still created today with talented Anishinaabe artists such as Frank Shebageget, Robert Houle, Bonnie Devine, and Katheryn Wabegijig carrying the legacy.

Anishinaabe is the spelling of Ojibwe, and a common misconception is that the term is synonymous with Ojibwe. Anishnabeg is the plural form of Anishinaabe and is used to refer to the people. This term for example is used by the City of Toronto in their land acknowledgement.

Chippewa

The Chippewa are another group of Anishinaabe people who reside in southern Canada and the northern Midwestern United States. They are also known as Ojibwe, Ojibwa, and Saulteaux. Much of the knowledge known to the Chippewa was recorded in birch bark scrolls and rock carvings, which was a common practice. Many efforts are made today to restore their culture, including cuisine. Traditional ingredients such as maize, fish, corn, and more are being examined to preserve the diet before colonial times.

Haudenosaunee 

You may recognize Haudenosaunee under another term, Iroquois, which the French referred to them during colonial rule. The English called them the Five Nations as they comprise of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca. Haudenosaunee is a recognized confederacy of First Nations people by both the Canadian and United States governments. Every year, Haudenosaunee celebrate 13 ceremonies relating to the lunar calendar. 

The Haudenosaunee produced artworks through bowls, pottery, and clay. Their designs resembled human and animal imagery among others. The Haudenosaunee founded lacrosse, which was a sport played among clans. The goal was to carry or throw a deer-skin ball to a goal post using netted sticks. Today, lacrosse is famous worldwide but the sport has its origins as practiced by the First Nations.

Wendat Peoples

The Wendat Peoples referred to four major tribes: People of the Bear, People of the Cord, People of the Rock, and People of the Deer. The Wendat held a gender specific culture where men hunted and went to war while women made clothes, cooked, and raised children. Traditionally their territory occupied much of the north shores on Lake Ontario and southeastern shores of Georgian Bay. The Wendat people used birchbark canoes to travel throughout the lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

Self-employment as an opportunity

Self-employment as an opportunity

By: Elie Ngoy

Published on: August 23, 2022

An ageing population and declining fertility rates in Canada mean newcomers are critical to economic development and growth. However, despite this predicament, many newcomers cannot use the same skills that may have been a ticket to their arrival in Canada.

Photo: Mike Petrucci (Unsplash)

Newcomers have played a significant role in where Canada is today. The contributions of newcomers have significantly strengthened our labour force, allowing us to integrate new life into our economy as our population ages. Canada has also introduced pioneering programs such as the “Express Entry program, ” which has allowed Canada to recruit computer programmers, accountants, lawyers, software engineers, and other top professionals. All newcomers will become tax-paying citizens, valuable contributors, and skilled assets. Not solely have newcomers been a great asset to our economy, but Immigrants have also played significant roles within our communities. One-third of Immigrants in Canada have volunteered, and over two-thirds are part of social organizations.

Newcomers also played a massive role during the COVID-19 pandemic. They worked as front-line workers that kept Canadians fed throughout the country, were local nurses and healthcare aids at health facilities in our cities, and worked in farms and factories that kept our economy running. Through their efforts, domestic and international trade was possible, and province-to province labour sharing was achievable, which fixed logistical issues in our trucking industry. They often worked in jobs that no one else wanted.

Immigrants generally have higher levels of education when arriving in Canada, but they are highly underrepresented regarding formal employment and pay. One strong example is foreign-trained medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, who often face complicated systemic barriers to being able to practice here.

Many newcomers are turning to entrepreneurship and self-employment to deal with the employment and income gap. For many, this is out of necessity due to a significant shortage of suitable labor opportunities within the market.

Canada has taken steps within the last few years to make self-employment accessibility more straightforward for those who want to move to Canada as self-employed individuals or possibly start businesses while settling inCanada as newcomers.

The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as self-employed persons. There are some requirements to the program that may not make it suitable for all, but for the individuals that do qualify, here are the requirements:

While this is a great option, the selection criteria might not work in everyone’s favor; this means that many will be left out and won’t be able to participate—creating another loophole for newcomers who already have enough barriers toleap through. This criterion includes: 

  • Experience
  • Education
  • Age
  • Language abilities
  • Adaptability

You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you get to Canada, which is mandatory.

Jobskills.org has a self-employment pathway for Newcomers. It is an innovative three-phase program currently being delivered online. The program will allow newcomers to learn about starting a new business in Canada and provide access to resources for them.

The program will take you through the legalities of starting a new business, forming a structure, and registering. It also teaches newcomers about taxation and accessing small business financing.

The program also assists you in assessing your business concept, market opportunity, and where to obtain a local mentorship program.

To be eligible for this program, you must meet one of the requirements:

  • Permanent residency or a pending application for permanent residence with a letter from the IRCC informing them their application for landing has been approved
  • Convention refugees
  • Live-in caregivers
  • CLB Level 5 minimum

Canada is a country of many opportunities and great wealth, and everyone has an excellent chance to succeed and live the Canadian dream.

These are just some of the many options for newcomers interested in self-employment!

Gaining social confidence through Toastmasters

Gaining social confidence through Toastmasters

By: Alisa Samuel

Published on: August 22, 2022

Photo: Fauxels (Pexel)

People who host big formal dinner parties were once was known as “toastmasters.” Today, the old American term has taken on new meaning in the world of public speaking—particularly for newcomers.  

What is Toastmasters?

Toastmasters is a non-profit educational organization with over 15 000 speaking clubs across the world. Since 1924, the organization has helped people become strong communicators and leaders. When a person joins a Toastmasters speaking club, they become a member. 

Members aren’t trained to become traditional toastmasters who preside at events or anything. Instead, verbal exercises teach members to communicate more effectively, for success in presentation speeches, the workplace, and personal interactions. 

Club meetings are essentially “learn-by-doing” workshops. Learn-by-doing is a teaching method that suggests people learn better and faster when they study something through their own actions. Rather than just listening to lectures, reading instructions, or observing other people’s work, learn-by-doing is based on hands-on experience and performance.

Let’s say you want to play a musical instrument. To learn the instrument, you must physically engage with it. You must discover where its sounds come from and how to make them by using your own senses. You learn by “doing” instead of simply watching or listening to someone play the instrument you yourself want to play. 

In a Toastmasters meeting, members learn how to speak in front of people by delivering preprepared speeches on various topics. Workshop meetings get more challenging as they go on. Members must adapt to those challenges in order to continue learning through action. The end goal is for members to stand before their clubmates and talk for four to six minutes straight.  

How does Toastmasters help newcomers with limited English?

Toastmasters welcomes people from diverse backgrounds. For limited-English speaking immigrants to Canada, Toastmasters isn’t going to teach you the English language. But speaking clubs are great spaces for English speaking practice. That is, to apply your language learning. Learn by doing!

Members write their speeches before meetings. Knowing what you’re going to say cuts the nervousness of communicating your ideas to others in half. After written preparation, members make their speeches with a focus on vocal delivery. Some aspects of vocal delivery are articulation, pronunciation, and fluency.  

Publicly speaking in a language that you don’t yet completely understand can be scary. The good news is that you can grow your English communication skills at your own pace with Toastmasters. You don’t even have to say anything in your first meeting. You can just watch and listen. Share any questions or concerns about participation that you might have with the club officer afterwards. The club officer will most likely encourage you on your path to strong speaking abilities. A couple of Toastmasters’ core values are service and excellence.   

Clubmates give each other respectful feedback on what they do well when speech-making and how to improve. Mentors are also available to guide newcomers in meeting their unique goals. One goal could be to feel more confident about job interviews. Another might be to simply feel comfortable carrying out everyday conversations with strangers in a new location. 

Why is Toastmasters a good way to make friends?

With the common interest to connect with others through speech, members compassionately support each other in Toastmasters meetings, creating a community-like environment.  

Case in point: Toastmasters’ Acting International President, Richard E. Peck, felt immediately welcomed when he attended his first meeting in 2006.

In a recent article for Toastmasters magazine, he wrote: “People initially join to learn something, to grow, and to improve themselves. And that takes not only a willingness from within to be vulnerable but also positive support and encouragement from others. I think that’s why so many of us have forged such deep bonds with each other.”

For stories about friendships made through Toastmasters, click here.

If interested, take your time in finding a club that best works for you. Start to build a social circle wherein you feel at home in this country with Toastmasters. 

Due to pandemic uncertainty, most meetings are currently held online. The cost of membership is $45 every six months with a one-time new member fee of $20.

Adapting to Canadian weather and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Adapting to Canadian weather and Seasonal Affective Disorder

By: Callum Denault

Published on: August 22, 2022

Photo: Pixabay (Pexels)

Ever feel happy and energetic during the summer, only to feel sad and tired in winter? Do you feel the most peaceful during colder months of the year and find it hard to stay motivated as the temperature rises? It could be that you find it hard to adapt to the changing seasons. It is also possible that you have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). 

Either way, this is a normal problem to have and there are ways to deal with it.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

SAD is a type of depression that begins and ends roughly the same time every year. 

Symptoms of SAD include feeling sad or lifeless most days, losing interest in activities you used to enjoy, having little energy, sleeping too much, or feeling hopeless. Fall and winter SAD may also involve oversleeping and diet changes that can result in weight gain. Spring and summer SAD may cause trouble sleeping and a diminished appetite that may lead to weight loss.

Even if you do not have SAD, not being well prepared for noticeably hot or cold weather is enough to make anyone uncomfortable. However, if you feel down for long periods of time, it is recommended you speak to a doctor. SAD can be treated with therapy and/or medication.

Studies have shown there is a correlation between SAD and a person’s ethnicity and their country of birth, along with other factors like their age, drinking/smoking habits, and overall health. Essentially, if your mood changes according to the weather, it may be partially due to factors out of your control. There are also some indications that resistance to SAD has a genetic component for people from certain climates. For instance, descendants of Icelandic people living in Canada have lower rates of SAD than average.

Nurses who travel a lot for their job are also at risk of developing SAD due to feeling homesick, adapting to changing time zones, along with struggling to make friends and feel comfortable in a new community. These sources of stress may also be experienced by a newcomer who is still adjusting to the country they moved to.

Dangers of extreme weather

BBC News reports that in 2018, 28 million people were internally displaced, meaning they had to leave their homes and find refuge somewhere else inside their country. 10.8 million people were displaced because of human conflict, while 17.2 million were displaced due to disasters. These disasters include earthquakes and extreme weather events such as drought, floods, and storms. 

According to BBC, “double vulnerability” refers to people who are displaced for one reason—such as an armed conflict—and are at risk of being displaced yet again because of extreme weather. Temporary camps for displaced people in parts of Africa and Asia have been affected by extreme weather, which creates significant challenges for the humanitarian agencies operating there. In some cases, the camps have to be run longer than is planned. This is because sometimes people feel no reason to return to their homeland if extreme weather made that part of the world less liveable.

The Canadian government has advice on how to prepare for and safely get through various emergencies, including natural disasters such as avalanches, hurricanes, and wildfires. The bottom of this webpage also links to various guides on planning for emergencies, including tips on making emergency kits with food and/or medical supplies. Some of the advice—such as staying up to date on weather alerts for your local area—apply all over the world. 

However, if you are living or staying outside Canada, it would be ideal to find resources from your country’s government to prepare for an incoming weather event.

Tips on dealing with summer weather

Keeping cool in hot weather is important, especially with global warming, meaning that summers may soon be “too hot for humans” to work in. Millions of people around the world are at risk of suffering from heat stress, which is when the body is unable to cool itself down and a person’s temperature rises to dangerous levels. If the air is too humid for sweat to evaporate, this can lead to heat stress. 

Heat stress is more common in tropical parts of the world. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers were at high risk of heat stress because they had to wear several layers of protective gear during work, and hospitals turned off air conditioning to keep the virus from spreading. This is an example of how certain circumstances at work can make it hard for workers to safely cool down.

When your core temperature rises too high, you risk having your internal organs shut down, which can be fatal. 

You can deal with heat stress by drinking lots of water and other hydrating fluids, staying in cool places, and taking breaks when working. The American Department of Labor said workers are more likely to experience heat stress if they either raise their body temperature working physically, or if they work in a hot environment, such as inside factories and industrial plants. In Canada, some of the most common jobs newcomers take are in the manufacturing, transportation, warehouse, and technical fields. This overlaps with the type of work that might put employees at risk of overheating.

The American government suggested workers spread out physical labour over more people to reduce stress on a given person and reschedule hot jobs for a cooler time of day. It was also recommended workers drink an average of one cup of fluid every 20 minutes along with some salt, and that employees have somewhere air conditioned to cool off and rest.

Photo: Gustavo Fring (Pexels)

Tips on dealing with winter weather

It may not be a surprise considering this country is somewhat infamous for its long, cold winters, but a study involving 600 newcomers found 31 per cent of them named the frigid weather as the thing they liked least about Canada. It was also found newcomers tend to not dress warm enough for cold weather, and it is recommended people who are new to Canada buy clothes early on before temperatures start to drop.

Even in milder temperatures above zero degrees Celsius, it is still recommended adults wear gloves or mittens, avoid open toed shoes, and carry a scarf and hat in their bag in case they decide to wear it. On days when the temperature is below zero degrees and/or there is a lot of snow, people should wear multiple, heavy layers and waterproof knee-high boots. Warm socks and warm underwear, such as stockings, are also recommended. A tip for children is to put a plastic bag in their boots under their socks to help keep water out.

Choosing boots rated for the temperature of your region is important, since wearing boots that are too warm will leave you with sweaty, damp feet. If you drive, make sure you have winter tires and a car brush to keep your vehicle safe in icy, snowy conditions. See our article for other tips on how to live life in Canadian winter, along with ideas for fun activities like tobogganing!

Global News gave hyperlinks to various charities—most of which are in Calgary—that accept donations of warm clothing to deliver them to people in need. These include Project WarmthWomen in Need SocietyThe Calgary Drop-In CentreWalk-In Closet (Making Changes Association), and Jacket Racket.  

BlogTO listed several organizations in Toronto where people can donate their spare warm clothing to help people in need. 

The Salvation Army asks people find their local Salvation Army if they are looking to either receive donations of warm clothing or give away winter clothes. 

5 things to do in Milton over the summer

5 things to do in Milton over the summer  

By: Alisa Samuel 

Published on: August 21 2022

Photo: Nicole Townsend (Unsplash)  

Milton is a town located in Southern Ontario. For thousands of years throughout history, the Milton area was first home to different Indigenous groups. What then turned into a pioneer village of British settler families is now one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada. Try these five simple summer activities in Milton and you’ll fall in love with this hidden gem of a town.   

Connect with nature at Conservation Halton Parks 

Milton has beautiful green spaces where you can get active with hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Conservation Halton maintains several natural areas for the public to engage with. Access to the parks is affordable with their year-round membership package. As a member, you’ll enjoy a wide variety of activities meant for people of all ages and outdoor experience backgrounds.  

Explore Springridge Farm  

This family-run farm has been around since 1960. At Springridge, you’ll find everything from fresh fruits, honey, pumpkins, and even Christmas trees in December. The farm features a bakery that sells handmade pies and tarts, and a front porch servery with “home style sandwiches, delicious soups and chili.” In the spring and summer, they offer The Fun Farm Yard where parents bring their children to enjoy tub slides, singing chicken shows, tractor drawn wagon rides, and much more.   

Stroll through Kelso Lavender 

Like Springridge, Kelso Lavender is a family-owned farm that grows English and French varieties of lavender. They’re open seasonally when lavender blooms between late June to late July. You can admire the blooms by taking pictures and walking through them. While you can’t pick the lavender, you can buy fresh bundles of lavender, even wellness products like lavender-scented candles and body products, at the farm shop. According to their website, admission fees are “$12 for adults, $8 for children (4-12 years old). Children under 4 years old have free admission.”   

Eat at Kevin’s Hamburger House  

Hamburgers are a typical summertime food. Kevin’s Hamburger House sells arguably the best burgers in town. It’s a mom-and-pop shop in little Milton Mall’s three-restaurant food court. With help from his wife, owner and cook Kevin serves up big and flavourful burgers of many kinds. While the classic cheeseburger is popular, the restaurant sells sandwiches and smoothies too.  

Cool off with Jay’s Ice Cream & Sunshine’s Gelato 

Jay’s has sold the most delicious hard-scooped and soft-scooped ice cream in Milton since 1997. It’s been voted the town’s best frozen dessert shop. The shop is simple and small, and nestled among local restaurants on Main Street in Milton’s historic downtown area. They offer 50 flavours of ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and yogurt—salted caramel, cotton candy, and mango being in their top ten. After you grab your ice cream, enjoy a walk with it around the Milton Town Hall that’s just around the corner. 

Essential online safety tips for newcomers

Essential online safety tips for newcomers

By: Elie Ngoy

Published on: August 20, 2022

Photo: Robynne Hu (Unsplash)

The internet is one of the greatest innovations of all time. Through the internet, our knowledge of the collectiveworld expanded, borders disappeared, allowing us seamless communication across the globe, and a newtransnational workforce emerged.

Many everyday services like banking, medical care, school, and education now utilize the power of the internet to enhance our daily life experiences. As a newcomer to Canada, you may not be used to modern Canada’s digitalsociety. The government of Canada guarantees that every resident has rights and freedoms protected by Canadian law, laws enshrined under our great constitution.

Protecting your sensitive information online

Before you provide any information online, it is vital to continually evaluate the source of the entity or individual you are dealing with and always make sure they are sources you can trust. Many online services now come with highly secure password protections that require you to enter a password before proceeding with basic movements, suchas bank transactions or dealing with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) online portal. You must store all your strong passwords in a safe location, as keeping them online within the browser usually leaves you susceptible toveteran hackers.

People posing as government entities or staff

Newcomers to Canada must also be aware of online hackers that pose as government officials. Often, they will reach out to individuals through fraudulent messages, emails, or telephone calls. Be very careful, they are usually very good at what they do, and a newcomer may be unable to tell the difference. When they contact you, they may threaten you by saying you have done something wrong (like not filing proper paperwork) or that you may owe fees,such as unpaid taxes, to government institutions, usually the CRA.

As per the Government of Canada website, a Government entity such as the IRCC or CRA will never:

  • Contact you over the telephone to collect fees or fines;
  • Be aggressive or threaten to arrest or deport you;
  • Threaten to harm you or a member of your family, or damage your home or property;
  • Ask for personal information over the phone (except to verify the information they already have);
  • Ask for financial information over the phone;
  • Try to rush you into paying right away;
  • Ask you to pay fees using prepaid credit cards, Western Union, Money Gram, gift cards, or any othersimilar services;
  • Send police to arrest you for unpaid fees.

When these hackers confront you, always request the name of the individual you are dealing with and the exact department they work for, and then hang up. If you have lost money, immediately contact your local financialinstitution branch and notify the police in your area. If the call wasn’t real, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Avoiding public networks

Newcomers to Canada should also be wary of accessing personal information over public Wi-Fi networks. Criminals have learned how to intercept public networks and are very much capable of stealing your information.Please avoid logging into your accounts when on public Wi-Fi.

Always remember that your personal information is your personal information, and there will never be a reason for anyone to access this information. Your financial institution will never reach out to your online banking information,passwords, or contact information—they already have this. The government of Canada will never seek your information—as this is already available to them.

The internet is a beautiful space for exploration, imagination, and wonder. Please always remain vigilant andcareful, allowing you to enjoy the attractive opportunities available online.

Breaking down a few of the demographics in the GTA

Breaking down a few of the demographics in the GTA

By: Anson Wong

Published on August 19, 2022

Photo: vait_mcright

Newcomers settling in Canada will have plenty of options to choose from. Canada is home to many diverse ethnic populations. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is one region filled with diverse groups and cultures. A 2016 census by Statistics Canada found that 5.8 million ethnic people inhabit the region. Many newcomers may find some comfort in meeting those of similar backgrounds and wish to know where those communities can be found. Below is a breakdown of some of the key demographics.

English Canadians

English Canadians make up one of the largest groups in Toronto with more than 740 000. The highest concentration can be found at Beaches-East York. There are a number of bars and restaurants in Toronto featuring British Cuisine such as The Queen & Beaver Public House located on 35 Elm Street. You can also visit the Distillery District, a national historic site and examine the Victorian-era industrial buildings. Every year, the district hosts the Toronto Christmas Market with shops and attractions. 

French Canadians

French and English are the two official languages of Canada, making both languages mandatory for elementary and secondary schools. 247 000 French Canadians live in Toronto with a notable presence in Parkdale-High Park. French Canadians hold a significant presence in theatrics with the Théâtre français de Toronto performing shows for 55 years primarily at the Berkeley Street Theatre. There is Bastille Day which celebrates France’s national day every July 14th. These events feature music, markets, and sports for anyone to enjoy.


North American Aboriginal Canadians

Toronto holds the largest Indigenous population in Ontario with over 73 975 people of Aboriginal origin. Out of that 73 975 figure, 56 655 people identify as First Nations while the Inuit and Métis hold 1 360 and 17 860 respectively. However, the City of Toronto acknowledges that these figures may not account for every single Aboriginal. These statistics rely on a fixed address and First Nation members may move locations or some are homeless. Another reason can be a reluctance to partake in the census.

Nonetheless, Toronto holds a significant presence for First Nations people. The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is a membership-based charity organization to uphold Indigenous culture through programs. There is also the First Nations Junior and Senior School of Toronto which offers to teach Ojibway as part of its Indigenous program. These efforts are part of preserving First Nations culture.

Black Canadians

Black Canadian refers to a wide range of people who are of African or Caribbean descent. The majority of Black Canadians are of Caribbean origin and are the third largest visible minority group in Canada. One of the largest groups in the GTA is Jamaican Canadians with a population of 200 000. Neighbourhoods with a Black presence include Jane and Finch, Brampton, Ajax, and far more. 

Black Canadians hold a major impact on music culture. Toronto is home to many talented artists like Drake, The Weeknd, Tory Lanez, and more. All of whom greatly expanded Canada’s hip hop scene and set the trend on a global level. The city is also hosting the Little Jamaica Signature Projects which celebrates the history of Eglinton West, also known as Little Jamaica, through various events from July to September. 

Chinese Canadians

Chinese Canadians make up the largest immigration group from Southeast Asia, totaling 631 000 in 2016. They inhabit many areas in the GTA including Markham, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Downton Toronto, and more. Several businesses owned by Chinese Canadians also offer their services in Cantonese and Mandarin. There are hundreds of restaurants that serve Cantonese cuisine across the GTA, and shopping malls like Pacific Mall that sell commerce. In addition, ethnic enclaves such as Chinatown are located at the intersection of Dundas Street and Spadina Avenue. Consider attending the Chinatown Festival with food and events lasting from August 20th to 21st

Greek Canadians

99 000 Greek Canadians are living in the GTA and have the highest concentration in all of Canada. Toronto has the largest number at 57 000 but other populations can be found in Mississauga, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and more. Greektown is located on Danforth Avenue serving as both a residential neighbourhood as well as a commercial area. It has undergone the process of gentrification, with the neighbourhood hosting multiple businesses including residency. Every year the Taste of the Danforth event takes place where Greek food is sold. While these events draw thousands of visitors, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a cancellation over the past three years. 

Italian Canadians

Toronto holds the fourth largest population of Italian descendants in the world. There are 484 000 living in the GTA. Little Italy, located in College Street, offers a wide variety of Italian restaurants and businesses. The Royal Cinema is located in the area and hosts a variety of performances and festivals. Outside of Toronto, the three largest populations are in Vaughn, Mississauga, and Brampton. The supermarket chain Longo’s was founded by Joe, Tommy, and Gus Longo, who immigrated from Italy. Longo’s features 36 locations all over the GTA. Media is a prominent part of Italian Canadian culture with various newspaper and television programs. The Corriere Canadese is Toronto’s only Italian-language daily newspaper. 

How the Jamaican beef patty became a Toronto icon

How the Jamaican beef patty became a Toronto icon 

By: Callum Denault

Published on: August 18 2022

Photo: Callum Denault 

Many places around the world are known for their unique street food. Toronto is no different, with Jamaican beef patties being so popular that a shortage of them in the city’s subway stations was enough to make the headlines

Packed inside the flaky, yellow pastry is not just a delicious stew of spiced meat, but a rich cultural history. 

Carie Chong is a manager for the Patty King Bakery, which was ranked number 1 in blogTO’s The Best Jamaican Patties in Toronto. Chong said she was born in Jamaica, and her family moved to Toronto when she was a child. Her father opened the Patty King Bakery in 1980, in Kensington Market. She said her family felt comfortable opening up a store in the neighbourhood, as it was close to the “cultural context” of where they came from. 

Now, their bakery has a factory in Scarborough. The business expanded from its humble beginnings to the point Patty King regularly sells wholesale to supermarkets, schools, subway stations, and other beef patty venders across the city. 

Chong comes from a long line of bakers and entrepreneurs, and she described the beef patty business as a “traditional” job for her family in Toronto.  

“That’s where we worked every Saturday,” said Chong. “When we were going to school, we worked in the bakery, downtown.” 

Dating back to when she was a child, Chong remembers there was a bakery in the underground subway. 

“I don’t care if it’s Patty King patties, [or] anybody’s patties, I just remember it smelled so delicious,” she said, later adding, “And it was so convenient, it was like having a little bit of Jamaica as part of my subway ride.” 

Chong also noted beef patties are affordable and easy to eat on the go without too much investment, because they come in a simple paper bag. 

Photo: Callum Denault 

Jamaica was going through a political change when Chong’s family moved, and she thinks their decision to emigrate was to look for a safer place to live. While Chong did not know of any specific events to reference, an article published by The Washington Post in 1980 said conflict between Jamaica’s two leading political parties lead to an increase in armed violence and murder. Modern researchers have said this era of Jamaica’s history saw the country’s politicians cooperating with local gangsters, agents from the American Central Intelligence Agency, and the Soviet Union.  

According to the Migration Policy Institute, immigration policies in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada relaxed in the 1960s. This allowed Jamaicans to emigrate to these countries more freely, and the amount of Jamaican people living abroad might be close to how many people live on the island itself. As the diaspora grew, so did the popularity of Jamaican culture, including its food

There are over 200 000 people of Jamaican descent living in Toronto, out of 300 000 Jamaicans living in all of Canada. Jamaican culture is intertwined with Toronto culture, with over 100 000 immigrants having formed Little Jamaica in the 1970s.  

Jamaican cuisine has represented Toronto in pop culture, with a famous restaurant known as The Real Jerk appearing in a music video starring Rihanna and Drake. More recently, Mississauga-raised Marvel movie action star, Simu Liu, proudly declared he grew up eating rotis and beef patties in his “I am Canadian” speech at the JUNO Awards

However, Jamaican cuisine was not always so welcome in Toronto. In 1985, the Canadian government tried to ban Jamaican businesses from using the label “beef patty”—in order to avoid confusing them with hamburger patties—and was threatening fines worth thousands of dollars. Patty Palace in Kensington Market, Patty King, and other businesses joined in what Chong remembered as the “Patty War conversation.” 

“[My father] was part of the protest,” she said. “He wasn’t as vocal as Michael Davidson [the owner of Patty Palace], but he was part of it as well.” Chong said her father did not want to change the name of the beef patties he sold and wanted to understand the government’s logic. 

According to Heritage Toronto, the Patty War ended during a Patty Summit, where it was agreed that the Jamaican delicacy could still be referred to as a “beef patty” so long as it was not their only description. Chong said the food is now officially referred to as “Jamaican beef patties”.  

Despite originally being Jamaican food, beef patties are popular among Toronto citizens from all walks of life.  

“It’s not necessarily Jamaican, I know it’s Jamaican food or product, but there’s a quality of people that come into the store,” said Chong, referring to the Patty King Bakery in Scarborough. She described her interactions with customers as “so much fun” and said they have “a lot of good energy.” 

Chong said in her years living in Toronto, the city has grown its own culture which was inspired by immigrants who settled in the region. 

“I see my kids with all these rap songs and stuff, Toronto even has a style of rap. Toronto is really having its own identity, and it’s mirroring all of the people who came here from however long ago and had children.” 

How to be best prepared for your arrival to Canada

How to be best prepared for your arrival to Canada

By: Anson Wong

Published on August 17, 2022

Photo: Joshua Woroniecki (Pixabay) 

There are many things newcomers must be aware of when coming to Canada. With so many considerations, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. To make your life easier, the Canadian government has posted what is required before coming to Canada. They have also included a list of immigration services to help you adjust to life in Canada. Be sure to take advantage of those resources as they offer support on your next steps in the country.

Preparing for your trip

Before arriving in Canada make sure to install the ArriveCAN app on Google Play or Appstore to report your COVID-19 status. ArriveCAN can also be accessed through a computer should you not have a smartphone.

The documents you will need to enter Canada are:

  • A Canadian immigrant visa
  • Confirmation of permanent residence for each family member
  • A valid passport or other travel documents for each family member travelling with you
  • Two copies each of:
    • A list of all personal or household items travelling with you
    • A list of items that will arrive later and their money value

The Government of Canada strongly urges these documents are carried by hand and not kept in luggage for convenience. You should also disclose the funds you have if they exceed 10 000 Canadian dollars in value. Make sure to declare any gifts, alcohol, or tobacco if they are in your possession.

Photo: Bob_Dmyt (Pixabay)

Goals to reach after arriving

One of the first things you will want to do once you are in Canada is to get in touch with a free newcomer service. There are 1 265 services located across Canada, the full list can be found here. Newcomer services are vital in adjusting to life in Canada. They can help you find a job, provide support for English as a secondary language (ESL), find a place to live and schooling for children and adults, and more.

The type of services you can get is divided into two broad categories, direct and indirect. Direct services mainly cover the above-mentioned examples. They inform newcomers on where and how to apply for services. Direct services fall under five categories:

1. Support services that enable clients to access services

These help newcomers find several support services including child care, translation and interpretation, crisis counselling, transportation assistance, and disability assistance. 

2. Needs and assets assessment and referrals

These services help find housing accommodations and develop a personalized settlement plan. 

3. Information and orientation

Information and orientation help newcomers find communities related to them. These typically include port of entry services, dissemination of information products, counselling, and more.

4. Language training

Services that support newcomers in learning the official languages of Canada, English and French. 

5. Employment-related

These services help newcomers develop employment related skills and access the labour market. 

If you are fleeing the war in Ukraine, you can apply for temporary accommodation in hotels. The program is only available once per client and with the program ending on March 31, 2023. 

Indirect services

Indirect services do not directly help newcomers but the programs that support them. Indirect services can provide additional funding for settlement programs and other support such as service provider training and driving community engagement. These services are important because they set the standard for newcomer services to follow.

For more information, take a look at the settlement program page.

The next thing you will want to do is get a health card. Without one, you won’t be able to access Canada’s health care. For more information check out the Newcomer’s article on health cards. To apply, visit the health system and servicestab on the government website. Health care is managed by province, so it is vital you pick the health card of your province.

You will also want a social insurance number (SIN) to be eligible for work in Canada. Visit the Government of Canada’s page to apply for a SIN number and card. 

Finding your community

Finding your community

By: Vincent Tran

Published on: August 17, 2022

Photo: Nappy (Pexels) 

Being new to Canada can be a massive change in your life. You may not have the same friend groups you had back home and finding people to talk to and relate to may be a difficult task. 

Being together with others always brings out the best in us and it makes everyone feel comfortable and welcomed. That’s why it’s important to find a community that you get along with. 

That is obviously a lot easier said than done, but there are some things that you could do that will make it more straightforward. 

So, here are some tips that could help you when you’re trying to find your community or group. 

Be open to new ideas

Canada is a very diverse country and with that comes a wide range of varying viewpoints and ideas. Many people in Canada are different and they have a lot of different interests as well. 

Try to listen to others and understand what they believe in and the things that they’re interested in. Doing so could make it easier for you to make friends and get along with others and you’ll get to know all kinds of people. 

Being open to different ideas can help you a lot because you’ll encounter so many different people and that will help you learn how to interact with others. You’ll find that by listening to others and accepting them, you’ll be able to build better connections and deepen those connections. 

If you’re open to new ideas and different opinions on things, then you’ll have no issues finding a community or group for yourself in Canada. 

Use your resources

In cities all across Canada, there are many places for people to gather and be a part of a group. There are numerous diverse community centres and weekly gatherings for people to be a part of.

If you are religious, there are many religious centres all throughout Canada and many places of worship that are very welcoming to everyone. 

For a Catholic, you could visit a church and speak to the people who run the church or speak to the priest there. If you are Muslim, you could visit your local mosque and speak to people who attend services there or the imam in charge of the mosque.   

If you come from a specific country or ethnicity, you could look for ethnic centres or areas in your city. For example, if you’re Chinese, you could visit your local Chinatown and speak to restaurant or shop owners there and build friendships that way. 

You can also check throughout your city where your local community centres are located and when and where gatherings happen for groups that may interest you. 

You can search online and find websites from cities that outline specific community centres or recreation centres as well, such as the linked websites for Toronto. Many cities in Canada have their own websites where they outline community centres and good resources to know more about the city, so you can search up your city’s name and see if there is a website that will link to some community centres near you. 

There are also articles that outline lists of community centres in some of Canada’s main cities. There are many community centres in cities all across the country, so go check them out for yourself and see which ones interest you. 

Open up to others

An important part when finding your community or group is to talk to others. However, a key thing to keep in mind is to not just talk to others, but open up to them and try to relate to them. 

If you are uncomfortable opening up to new people, try opening up to people who you are comfortable with. Speak to your friends and family from back home or try sharing more of your personal life to your new friends in Canada. You can start small, for example, share some things that you normally do every day and eventually you can build that into sharing your personal stories and experiences. 

People in Canada come from so many different backgrounds and everyone has their own personal story, so if you share your story to others, they will also open up to you. 

It could also be liberating to open up and speak to others because you can discover that you aren’t afraid to be vulnerable about yourself and you could gain more confidence from it. 

Opening up can be difficult, but if you try to make an effort to do so, it can bring you closer to new people you meet and strengthen the bond that you form with them. 

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio (Pexels) 

Head to the internet

The internet and social media will be your best friend when it comes to finding a group or community for yourself because it’s very easy to connect with others and it’s very simple to use. 

You can search for online newcomer groups in your local area and try speaking to others who are there as well. Share your story and how you came to Canada and others will likely welcome you in and share their stories as well. 

One newcomer group includes the National Newcomers Association of Canada, where you can contact local newcomer groups in your city or province. They have a contact list for ten Canadian provinces and are a large collective.  

A website that you could use to get in contact with other newcomer groups is meetup.com. You can use this website to join a newcomer group that may interest you in a city close to you. These groups can be a great way to get to know others and meet people who are also newcomers. 

But if you’re having trouble finding a group that interests you, or one that you can relate to and feel comfortable in, then try starting a community of your own. 

Try starting a group on Facebook or Reddit based around your interests or background. If there are people who join along with you and are also close to your city, organise meetups and gatherings where you can meet each other in person and get to know one another better. Social media can be a great place to find new friends and create lasting relationships. 

Use communication apps like Discord or WhatsApp to keep in touch with people who don’t live near you. Create group chats with one another to stay in contact or get on a call on Discord to talk to each other. 

There are so many options to get in contact with others nowadays that the options really are endless and with the right mindset, you’ll have no problems finding a group that you can relate to. 

Staying motivated and inspired

Staying motivated and inspired

By: Vincent Tran

Published on: August 16, 2022

Photo: Tirachard Kumtanom (Pexels)

Coming to Canada is a big step in your life and sometimes finding the motivation to push forward can be difficult. A big part of being productive and efficient in life and work comes down to whether you want to take action or not. 

Some people are good at always keeping on top of things and having their priorities in line, but others may feel the need to be inspired to do things and get tasks finished. That’s why it is very important to stay motivated and have a sense of purpose.  

So if you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or lacking inspiration in life, here are a few tips to help you stay motivated.  

And if you ever feel like you’re having trouble getting your ideas down on the paper and feel like you have writer’s block, check out this article by The Newcomer

Why is motivation so important?

Being motivated to do things in life is very crucial. It helps you push yourself to greater heights and allows you to achieve big milestones.

Motivation can help you work through obstacles that you may encounter and it helps you push through your fears. It helps you stay focused on tasks and goals that you may set in your life. 

It can also make you feel much better about yourself and help others around you as well. Motivation has many benefits for not only your mental health, but also your physical well-being and how you carry yourself around others. 

Being motivated can make you happier and also push you to do many things, such as working out to get in better shape. Motivation is also contagious and can spread to others around you, which is great because then you’ll be surrounded by people who are always striving for their goals and they can help push you further to achieve your own goals. It can also help you stay organised and plan things out well because you’ll always be on top of your tasks. 

Losing motivation or inspiration will disrupt many things in your life and is a big obstacle in itself, that’s why it’s important to try to be as motivated as you possibly can be. 

Photo: Prateek Katyal (Pexels)

Take some time to relax and build a routine

It’s always a good idea to take some time for yourself. Sometimes taking a break from what you’re doing or just relaxing for a bit can help you greatly. If you’re ever feeling like you’re lacking motivation or inspiration, take a short break to re-collect yourself and come back later.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about being in Canada and feel a bit lost, try to embrace your surroundings. Take a walk around your city and take in all the sights you see. You can use this time to clear your mind and refocus on the important things in your life. 

Even something as simple as watching a few videos on the internet can help take your mind away from things that may be stressing you. 

Also make sure to turn this into a routine. Do different things everyday, or if you enjoy, for example, taking walks to clear your mind, make it a daily routine. Having a routine can go a long way to help you stay motivated and inspired. 

You can do things that help you relax such as cooking lunch for yourself or playing an instrument. If these things help you relax and refocus, then incorporate them into your daily routine. For example, each day you could play your guitar for half an hour to an hour and learn new songs or play songs that you enjoy. This could help take your mind off things that may be stressing you out and it is also enjoyable and will improve your guitar skills. 

Dedicate some time everyday to just focus on yourself and do things that ease your mind, so you can feel recharged and ready to go forward. If you’re too busy with work or other important things, try your best to do something you enjoy during the free time you may have, whether it be five minutes or less. Humans are creatures of habit, so keep a good healthy routine when you go about your day. 

Stay in contact with others

At times, it can be hard to find motivation by yourself, that’s why checking in on others and seeing what other people are doing can help motivate you and get you inspired to do things in your own life.

You can talk to people who are close to you, like your friends and family, and they can help get you on track and push you to go further. Those that are close to you might know you just as well as you know yourself, so they could play a big role in helping you stay motivated. 

If you’re lacking the motivation to study, then ask one of your friends to study with you and try to work together. If you’re in the same class, that’s even better because you’ll be able to bounce ideas off one another and learn faster that way. Studying together could motivate you to do well on your test or to finish your course with a good grade. 

If you’re feeling unmotivated at work, try speaking to your fellow coworkers to get tasks done together. Having a work buddy can help you out because they can be there to assist you if you run into trouble and they can also help keep you focused and on track. Your coworkers could help push you to keep working and by seeing them work hard, it could motivate you to be like them as well and push you to finish your tasks. 

Reconnecting with friends that you haven’t spoken to in a while and seeing how they’re doing in their lives could also help you out as well. Making new friends or speaking to people you come across could push you outside of your comfort zone and act as a source of motivation for you.

Getting to know other people can be a good way for you to build stronger relationships with others, but it can also act as a good lesson when listening to other people’s struggles and inspire you to take on the obstacles in your life. 

Photo: Riccardo (Pexels)

Take another look at your goals 

Everyone finds motivation in different ways. Some people are able to be motivated by reading inspirational quotes or stories, while some need someone else to tell them that they are capable of doing things. But, one thing for sure is that setting goals or having a look at your priorities is a great way to get you back on track. 

Never lose sight of your goals and the things you want to achieve. Getting your priorities straight can help push you towards accomplishing your tasks. Sometimes having a little voice in the back of your head reminding you to do things could act as a bit of motivation for yourself. 

A good thing to do is to set daily reminders on your calendar or on your phone. Make sure to put your goals or reminders in a place where you are most likely to see it as often as possible. You could set a list of your goals as your lock screen wallpaper, so that every time you wake up and check your phone, your goals will be one of the first things you see. 

Try to set as many goals as you can for yourself because once you achieve one goal, you can start working on the next one and eventually turn it into a cycle for yourself so that you always have something to strive towards.

5 Ways to make your dorm feel like “home”

5 Ways to make your dorm feel like “home”

By: Vivian Nguyen

Published on August 14, 2022

It is no secret that Canada is known for its cultural diversity. However, knowing this fact is not enough to prepare incoming post-secondary students for the inevitable changes they will face. 

One of these changes include living away from home. In Canada, many first-year college and university students choose to live in on-campus dormitories or “dorms,” for short. Dorms are buildings where students live in and share common spaces like the kitchen and laundry room. 

Photo: Nguyen Dang Hoang Nhu (Unsplash) 

Living in a new environment can lead to culture shock among newcomer students. Symptoms of culture shock include feeling isolated or helpless, withdrawal, and homesickness. Here are five tips for making your dorm room feel like “home.”

1. Display your home country’s flag

A national flag represents a country. It can evoke feelings of community and pride. You can hang up your country’s physical flag or a print of it on your walls. You can also decorate your dorm with your home country’s national colours (or the colours on its flag) to represent your national identity.

Most dorms do not allow their residents to make any permanent changes to the rooms. This includes drilling holes into the wall. Avoid nails by using command hooks and strips that can be easily removed without damaging the walls. You can buy them at WalmartDollaramaStaples, or other home retail stores like Lowe’s and The Home Depot.

2. Photographed memories

Photo: Vladyslav Dukhin (Pexels)

There is a saying that goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Decorating your dorm room with photographs of loved ones or landscapes from your homeland can motivate you and bring you joy. Use scotch tape or sticky tack—a putty-like adhesive—from Walmart, your school’s giftshop, or other supply stores to hang your pictures.

You can also frame photographs to place on your desk or display them using a string and clothespins. Place these pictures where you can see them easily to remind you of fond memories from home.

3. Cultural foods

The smell of a homecooked meal can remind you of home and connect you to your heritage. You can cook cultural foods in the shared kitchen in your dorm or order takeout from a local authentic restaurant.

Alternatively, you can collect spices and other seasonings used in dishes in your culture. Use them to add a dash of “home” to your instant cup noodles, pasta, or any other meal.

4. Listen to music

Like food, music has the power to connect people to different cultures and countries around the world. Play your favourite songs from your home country to create an atmosphere that feels more like “home.” As dorms are shared spaces, respect others by using headphones. But don’t let that stop you from sharing music with new friends!

5. Religious symbols

In Canada, you have the right to safely practice your religion. This right is protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. You can create a space in your room for prayers using religious symbols such as a cross for Christianity or the Buddha for Buddhism. If you are not religious or are unable to set up this area, organize a spot in the room where you can unwind and focus on yourself. School can be stressful and overwhelming, so it is important to prioritize your mental health and well-being.

If you live with roommates, communicate your needs and intentions about how you want to arrange your living space. Talking through these things ensures that everyone feels comfortable and supported.

Living on-campus, or “living in residence,” immerses new students in the Canadian college and university experience. Take the opportunity and make yourself at home.

More from The Newcomer:

Feeling comfortable in a new environment

Coming to Canada as an international student

LGBTQ2S+ refugees in Canada: Getting here and staying

LGBTQ2S+ refugees in Canada: Getting here and staying

By: Callum Denault

Published on: August 13, 2022

Photo: Callum Denault

“Courage is the road to freedom. I woke up in complete freedom today.” This is what transgender pole vaulter Balian Buschbaum—formerly Yvonne Buschbaum—said when he woke up from his gender reassignment surgery. It takes courage to be a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) community. It also takes courage to leave your home in order to find a place like Canada, where the LGBTQ2S+ can live in safety.

Even in 2022, same-sex marriage is illegal in 72 countries and only fully legal in 24 nations. It is easy to imagine that at least a few people out of the world’s roughly 281 million migrants have left their home countries in search of a place more welcoming towards the LGBTQ2S+.

One organization that helps LGBTQ2S+ refugees and newcomers is Ferreira-Wells Immigration Services. David LeBlanc, managing director for Ferreira-Wells, said his organization gets inquiries from several nations where members of the LGBTQ2S+ are at risk of being killed by either state execution or mob violence. 

Immigrating to Canada 

Canada has a point-based merit system that decides if a person is eligible to immigrate to Canada or not, based on how likely it is they can adapt to living in Canada. This system counts for age, education, work skills, relatives in Canada, and other points that affect someone’s adaptability. LeBlanc said having relatives improves one’s odds of making it into Canada.

LeBlanc said the system is heavily biased against letting older people into Canada. Out of 110 points, people lose five points when they turn 30, and then 10 points every year past their 40s. 

LeBlanc said in the last six years since this system has been in effect, Ferreira-Wells only had one person without any age points who was still eligible to immigrate. He was a man in his 50s who had a PhD, fluency in English, and had previously worked in Canada for seven years, granting him high education and English points along with maximum adaptability points outside of his age.

“Someone asked me, ‘is it a lottery?’” LeBlanc recounted. “I said, ‘No, it’s a swimsuit competition.’”

Getting a visa and entering Canada

While newcomers from some countries like Australia and the U.K. are exempt from needing a visa, LeBlanc said people from all “refugee-generating countries” need visas. This includes visitor visas, intracompany transfers, and works permits which are typically done through Labour Market Impact Assessments.

“There’s a whole bunch of people under the house of Saud in Saudi Arabia that have been given international scholarships that are allowed to come and study,” said LeBlanc. “Many come to the [University of Toronto] and other places, and sometimes when they land here, they end up meeting the man of their dreams.”

A condition of these student visas and scholarships is that people travelling to Canada for education are specifically not allowed to apply to stay here. LeBlanc added the Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of this precondition on student visas.

Students can apply as a refugee during their temporary stay in Canada, or be sponsored by a family member. If they are eligible for a sponsorship or refugee status, these are ways people on student visas can permanently stay in Canada, even if they are not allowed to immigrate here conventionally.

Entering Canada with refugee status

To enter Canada as a refugee, it is important to be registered as a refugee either with your own country’s government, or with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The UNHRC has a list of webpages for different countries, with information on how to either seek asylum in a certain country or find a way to leave your homeland. If your country is not on that list, the UNHRC recommends you check out their FAQ page, or browse a larger list of countries put on the right hand side of this webpage.

LeBlanc said it is not generally possible to get refugee status through the internet or phone calls, saying it needs to be done in person at the UNHRC office. 

Photo: Slaytina (Pexels) 

Sponsoring a newcomer

The Canadian government no longer requires people sponsored by a spouse to live with that person. For people who are living with abusive sponsors, the Canadian government assures them they will not lose their status in Canada if they leave their abusive spouse. Permanent residents have rights, and people with a temporary status in Canada have options to remain here even after leaving an abusive sponsor.

You can sponsor a family member to come to Canada if you are either a citizen, permanent resident, or registered as an Indigenous Person under the Indian Act. 

On top of sponsoring family members, you can also sponsor refugees through certain community organizations. The person being sponsored must already have refugee status, either with the UNHRC or the country they are currently living in. The Community Sponsor does not have to be incorporated under federal or provincial law, and they can co-sponsor by partnering with an individual person or another organization.

Common law partners must have “bullet-proof” evidence the two of them have been living together for the majority of at least a one-year timespan, LeBlanc said.

Having a joint lease is the strongest proof, along with other documents that prove the two people are living together in the same home, such as a joint bank account, receiving mail at the same address, and the two partners going to the same gym.

While family members can provide witness accounts that two common law partners are living together, these accounts may be deemed “self-serving documents” and not be counted as evidence. This is because it is considered likely a newcomer’s parents or other loved ones would write them any document they ask for, even if it is untrue.

On the other hand, LeBlanc said accounts from people who are less personally involved with the common law partners can provide strong evidence, such as the superintendent of a building confirming the two people live in the same apartment.

Since couples risk losing their status as common law partners if they spend too much time away from each other, LeBlanc suggested some couples consider getting married even if it means overlooking some reasons they would have to not marry. The act of marriage allows couples to live in separate addresses for part of the time they are together.

“It always looks funny though, if they’re married and not together now,” he added.

For international students, being married allows them to study abroad for longer periods of time without losing their status. On the other hand, common law partners risk breaking their year of cohabitation and therefore have to keep trips outside Canada very brief. 

Federal cases and lawyers

LeBlanc said people at Ferreira-Wells are consultants and not lawyers. This means they can assist with most legal problems in Ontario, but are unable to help in cases that reach the federal government.

When certain types of refusals are referred to Federal Court, it is a rare circumstance where consultants like Ferreira-Wells cannot attend the hearing. At these times, Ferreira-Wells refers to a few lawyers LeBlanc described as, “extremely well known and caring, compassionate, and brilliant at what they do.”

You can also find a lawyer through the Law Society of Ontario’s referral service.

LeBlanc said consultants already attend most of the tribunals that are held outside Federal Court, because the Federal Court is the only jurisdiction consultants cannot appear in. He added LGBTQ2S+ candidates and refugees, “simply don’t [need lawyers]. They need good counsel.”

Supports for immigrants and refugees with disabilities

Supports for immigrants and refugees with disabilities 

By: Callum Denault

Published on: July 29 2022

Photo: Eren Li (Pexels) 

Moving to and building a life in a new country is hard for anyone, so it would be only natural that people with disabilities face extra challenges settling down in Canada. 13.7 per cent of Canadians have a disability, which is important to remember because even if having a disability can feel isolating, there are always other people in a similar situation. There are always resources to help. 

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) for newcomers 

Residents of Ontario who have a disability may be eligible for ODSP, provided they can show documentation to verify their status in Canada.  

Refugees may also be eligible for income support if they also applied for other forms of income as well. The Ontario government expects refugees to look for financial support through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP). Money gained through RAP is deducted from the amount of ODSP earned per month. 

According to Alex Burke from the City of Toronto’s media relations, only people who become Government Assisted Refugees can benefit from RAP. This means not all refugees are eligible for financial support. Refugees can receive money from the federal government for up to one year.  

Organizations called service providers help Government Assisted Refugees apply for the Resettlement Assistance Program, and the service provider for Toronto is COSTI.

If you are a refugee looking for a place to start applying for government assistance, find your local RAP provider on this government website, or call 311 and talk to someone from your nearest city government.

You can apply for ODSP either online, in person, or by phone. 

Living on ODSP 

The most you can make on ODSP is $1169 a month, and married couples living together are capped at only making $2000 together ($1000 per person). Unfortunately, many people have complained that ODSP is no longer enough money ODSP is no longer enough money to safely live off each month. 

If you are living on ODSP, it is important to save money in as many ways as you can. One potential way people with developmental disabilities can save expenses is through Passport Funding, which is covered later in this article. 

Working with a disability  

The Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage, and other forms of support to help people living with a work-related injury. The WSIB helps injured workers return to the job market and also provides compensation to people injured at work. It is an Ontario government agency and is funded entirely by premiums from Ontario businesses.  

It is important to know what kind of disability claims you can make and how the disability affects your life. This information both affects your ability to work along with what kind of benefits you can receive from disability claims.  

Healthcare for refugees 

The Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigration Healthcare provides different medical services for free or for a small fee. Services include mental, dietary, chiropody, dental, paediatric and diabetes-related services as well as healthcare for women. They also have a general clinic of volunteer healthcare providers. 

The Ontario Mental Health Centre (HPSC-OMHC) and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) both offer services for refugees. See their entries below under Mental Health.

Resources for those with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism 

Passport funding helps adult residents of Ontario with developmental disabilities by covering the cost of various goods and services, including public transportation, access to recreation centres, and hiring support workers. You can apply for passport funding through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).

A staff member from the DSO said refugees and immigrants can apply for Passport Funding as long as they have some documents proving they live in Canada under refugee status or as a landed immigrant. The staff member said an Ontario health card is needed at some point in registering for Passport Funding, although if someone does not have access to a health card, they can prove their identity using another document—like a driver’s license or passport—and send their health card information to the DSO when they get it. 

People applying for DSO services will need to get a psychological assessment either from the DSO, a doctor’s referral, or at a private organization which typically cost a lot more money than the first two options. Because disabilities such as autism exist on a spectrum, not everyone who applies for Passport Funding may be eligible. It depends on the results of your assessment and how the DSO interprets it. Additionally, the process may take months to complete. 

The full list of rules and possible expenses covered by Passport funding is here.

CAMH has Adult Neurodevelopmental Services for people aged 16 years or older with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. The services are intended for those with a documented diagnosis, and mental health concerns such as, “severe aggression, self-injurious behaviours (SIB) or severe persistent repetitive behaviours.” They also offer support to adults who want to learn more about a potential autism diagnosis. You will need to be referred here by a doctor. 

The Down Syndrome Association of Ontario has a resource for those with intellectual disabilities who need help booking their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. 

Mental health 

The Ontario Mental Health Centre also offers counselling and psychological testing for refugees. 

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has services for refugees, although a doctor’s referral is required and there is a three-month waitlist before you can see a psychiatrist. The link used here includes a referral form to send to your doctor.

The Ontario government lists various mental health resources, including those for youths, Indigenous people, and those requiring internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps people develop mental skills to deal with conditions such as anxiety and depression. Available iCBT services include Mind Beacon—a free program funded by the Ontario Government—and AbiliCBT.

Photo:Meruyert Gonullu

Families and children 

The Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, along with other programs, also offers services to children and familiesaffected by cerebral palsy.  

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital offers a variety of medical, social and mental care to children and families with disabilities.  

Recreational  

ParaSport Ontario and the ON Para Network both offer sports programs that are accessible to people with physical disabilities, including wheelchair sports. 

Special Olympics Ontario provides sports programs as well as healthcare screenings to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

DramaWay offers participation in different art programs for people with various disabilities.  

Homelessness among newcomer families

Homelessness among newcomer families

By: Alisa Samuel

Published on July 28 2022

Photo: Arian Malek khosravi (Unsplash)

Imagine a married refugee couple from, let’s say, the Middle East. The couple lands in Toronto with their young children. An immigration official told them that they couldn’t carry a lot of money when they got here. They don’t have any relatives or friends who would welcome and support them in Canada. Out on the city streets, their only hope becomes a stranger who takes them to a shelter when they ask, “Where can we go?” 

In a recent study, Cheryl Forchuk, a university professor at the Lawson Health Research Institute in London, Ontario, explored the lives of homeless immigrant and refugee families with children. Forchuk and her team interviewed a group of 11 Arabic immigrant families staying at a family shelter in an unidentified major Ontario city. The researchers found that there are four main reasons why the families fell into homelessness: 1) being uninformed about the system, 2) difficult life situations, 3) social conflict, and 4) moving to escape harsh conditions.

Here are some articles by The Newcomer that can help you improve your chances of finding stable housing in Canada: 

Tenant Rights in Canada

Many people, especially immigrants, have high standards for Canadian living. One participant in the study dreamt of finding “a big house with two bathrooms” when they first came to Canada. But the participant soon realized they couldn’t even get an apartment because of the country’s expensive housing markets. The researchers suggest that newcomers can avoid homelessness by first understanding the responsibilities common to Canadian home renters. 

Validating international credits

Some of the study participants were professionally skilled and well-educated but didn’t have the required level of Canadian schooling to meet job requirements. They couldn’t study in Canada to equalize their certificates for better employment opportunities. To study, they would need student loans. Student loans are not usually available to non-permanent residents. 

Financial assistance from the government wasn’t always enough. Ontario Works, for example, benefits people who can’t find work, but money from the program doesn’t match family size and current housing rates. One participant explained: “All I have from Ontario Works was $700 and the least rent was $1200, plus utilities it would be $1500.”

(Not so) Welcome to Canada!: The challenges of Canadian newcomers

Canada is made up of people from around the world. Canadian multiculturalism, however, doesn’t mean that newcomers will always be treated well. Not everyone born here is going to have knowledge about different cultural backgrounds. Not all shelter workers are going to be sensitive to the needs of the people they claim to serve. According to a 2020 report from Statistics Canada, race-based discrimination increased against minority groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minority groups experienced more harassment in their own neighbourhoods. 

Coping with stress in Canada

Some immigrant parents complained in their interviews about the difficulties their children were having at school. They faced bullying. When one parent complained to the principal of her son’s school, the principal told her to “go complain somewhere else.” New immigrant parents will move from their communities of residence to protect their children from such situations. In search of a better place, the families might end up in shelters. Some of the participants desperately immigrated to Canada for their own safety. Some of their home countries, like Sudan, are full of political and civil unrest. But life in Canada for newcomers, as research tells us, has its own unique social and economic challenges. Be prepared. It takes some time and determination to put down roots. 

Useful tips when learning French

Useful tips when learning French

By Vincent Tran

Published on July 27, 2022

Canada has two official languages: English and French. While English is predominantly spoken and used throughout the country, French is also very useful. Knowing French can help you get jobs and it can help you a lot if you live in or ever visit Quebec. 

Outside of Canada, learning French is a great asset to have when travelling because you’ll be able to visit many countries around the world, as it is the fifth most spoken language, according to a study by Ethnologuein 2022. 

Learning French in particular has its own challenges, but some of the tips here may help you learn the language and understand it better. 

Have patience

Learning a new language is never easy. Learning French especially may come difficult to some people, as it isn’t necessarily an easy language to learn. You most likely aren’t going to grasp French in the first go through, so remain patient and have a good attitude when learning the language. 

Conjugations can be difficult, but with good practise and patience you can learn French easier and have a better time understanding the language. 

Be open-minded

French isn’t going to come second nature to you, especially if you haven’t learned any languages that are similar to it. Some things may not make sense to you, but they make sense in the French language, so coming into learning French with an open mind is always a good way to begin. 

In the French language there are sentences where if you translate it directly, it wouldn’t make much sense in English. There are also a lot of situations where you would put the verb before a pronoun in order for the sentence to make sense, something which does not happen in English.   

Keeping an open mind will make confusing things like those just a bit easier and will greatly help you learn French. 

Entertainment/Media is key

When learning French, it’s best that you try to surround yourself with the language whenever you get the chance. Listening to French music, watching French programs or videos, or reading French news articles or books are great ways to get a grasp of the language. 

Listening to French music is a great and fun way to get a better grasp of the language. A lot of music is generally written in ways in which people would speak to one another and you would be able to hear the correct pronunciation of certain words.

Watching French programs or videos are an incredible way to learn French. You will be able to see how people speak to one another, how they interact with other French speaking people, and you can see how French is used conversationally, or in more professional manners. You can also see the mannerisms that French people use and how they greet each other. 

YouTube, for example, is a great place to learn French because you can watch lessons that teach the basics of French or you can watch videos from French content creators who will speak in a more conversational way, so you’ll understand how to conduct yourself when interacting with other French speaking people.

Reading French books or news is great for seeing how sentence structure works and how to know when to use different tenses in the language. It is also a great way of building up your vocabulary as you’ll be able to see many different words.

Try speaking French whenever possible

Whether you are enrolled in French classes or know someone who can speak French, one of the best ways to get better at the language is to speak to someone. You can try visiting some French community centres in your city and try speaking to people there.

Something as simple as reading the French parts on the products you buy can help you as well.  

Even speaking to yourself can help. Play some French videos in the background and repeat some of the sentences or words you hear and see if you can develop the accent or the correct pronunciations.

Be confident

Having confidence in your ability to speak and understand French is a massive component of learning the language. If you are confident in your capabilities and you’re comfortable with French, then you’ll be able to learn the language faster. 

Everyone makes mistakes. When it comes to French you are likely going to make many mistakes, but if you learn from those mistakes and continue on, you will be able to comfortably use French. 

As is with anything in life, confidence makes things much easier. Don’t be afraid to apply what you’ve learned in French because the worst thing you can do is say something wrong or pronounce something incorrectly.  

Boredom: More serious than you think

Boredom: More serious than you think

By: Anson Wong

Published on July 26, 2022

Photo: Pitsch (Pixabay) 

Whether you have just arrived in Canada or been here all your life, everyone has been bored in their lives. There is nothing shameful about being bored but studies show that prolonged boredom can result in negative mental health.

With COVID-19, newcomers to Canada must quarantine for 14 days after arrival according to the government. With not much to do, it is easy to become bored. 

A study by the National Library of Medicine found that boredom could develop into anxiety, fear, and depression. One source for these emotions could come from a sense of helplessness in life through situations like unemployment. In times of uncertainty, it is easy to develop a passive attitude that makes it difficult to desire or do change in your life.

The important thing is to engage your brain with meaningful work and tasks. A lack of interest or value can result in boredom and passivity that discourages growth. That is why boredom can be a sign that the activity you are doing has no value to you. 

One way to avoid that feeling is to figure out a task or goal that is important to you. It does not need to be grand as long as there is value. If you are stuck on a boring task you may want to consider what result will come out of completion. Money or another future reward can be a good motivator.

Photo: Magnet.me (Unsplash)

Keeping boredom at bay

The best way to stop boredom is by understanding why you are bored. Ask yourself what steps you can take today to reach your objective. If you are paralyzed by choice, it is always good to remember that doing something small is better than doing nothing at all.

Here are four tips you may consider the next time you feel bored.

1. Avoid the temptation of your smartphone

Smartphones are great but they can dampen your productivity. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are designed to keep your attention with short and easily digestible content. Always keep a balance in mind when browsing. 

2. Engage in some fun activities 

Bingeing on our favourite media or playing games is not always fun. If you experience boredom, it may be that those activities are not intellectually stimulating enough. Activities are a good way to take your mind off boredom. Puzzles can be a great way to engage your mind and avoid boredom. The New York Times released the word game Wordle, where users guess a five-letter word in six tries.

3. Get a certificate

Certain companies like Google offer free courses for certifications such as Advanced Google Analytics. These courses can take a few hours to fully learn but they offer work skills and show any potential employer you are willing to learn.

4. Healthy diet

Another study by the National Library of Medicine found that diet plays a role in protecting mental health. Hunger can affect your mood but just as important is what you are eating. If you find yourself feeling down, consider home cooking and avoiding frozen meals. Meal prep and cooking can be good options to keep you busy and make something delicious. If you are bored, you can always experiment and see what you can make. 

Photo: StockSnap (Pixabay) 

Understanding new immigrant parents of children with cancer

Understanding new immigrant parents of children with cancer

By: Alisa Samuel

Published on July 25 2022

Photo: Arina Krasnikova (Pexels)

Childhood cancer treatment usually lasts many months and even years. It demands a lot of energy from both the patient and their family caregivers. Newcomer parents of children with cancer not only struggle against the stress of caring for their families but also the challenges of adapting to a new society.

In 2011, a professor in the department of paediatrics at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Dr. Anne F. Klassen, and her team published a research article in Psycho-Oncology. They interviewed 25 first generation South Asian and Chinese parents about their unique experiences as cancer caregivers in an unknown country. The parents said they didn’t know what services to contact, who to lean on for advice, or how to overcome the loneliness of navigating a foreign healthcare system. 

According to the findings, most newcomer parents are unfamiliar with Family-Centred Care. Family-Centred Care is “the model of healthcare delivery in Canada that emphasizes the sharing of information, supporting parents in decision-making, and respecting the choices made by families.” 

Canadian healthcare providers (HCPs) are expected to help parents make the best health decisions for their children, but language barriers make it hard for HCPs and immigrant family caregivers to work together. Sometimes the information or important questions that immigrant family caregivers need to ask aren’t available in their native language. Sometimes HCPs don’t speak to them in plain English. Sometimes they need post-appointment instructions patiently repeated to them. Interpreters are not always available in busy oncology clinics to assist with patient-doctor communication.

Cultural beliefs and ideas also complicate therapy. In the study, South Asian immigrant family caregivers said they wanted to keep their children from thinking negative thoughts. So, they didn’t tell their children how sick they were. Some Chinese immigrant family caregivers used food and herbal remedies on their children as a traditional practice—without discussing the use with their child’s oncologist. Taking medication that isn’t prescribed by your doctor can confuse the course of treatment and possibly harm your health.

Klassen’s research team wondered why the struggles and needs of immigrant family caregivers isn’t widely talked about. They asked, what special challenges do newcomer parents of children with cancer face? But the more important question is: what resources are available to them? Below are three examples of cancer support programs and services to get started with.

Childhood Cancer Canada 

Cancer treatment is expensive. Immigrant family caregivers lack job opportunities and pay out-of-pocket for a range of expenses. They often suffer a decrease in household income. 

Childhood Cancer Canada provides financial assistance to patients and families across Canada through their Emergency Fund program. The organization also offers two types of scholarships for childhood cancer survivors who want to attend college or university. Every year, those who apply between March 1st and April 30th have a chance of getting either $1500 for a general scholarship or $5000 for studies in the medical, health, and pharmaceutical fields. 

Canadian Cancer Society

Caregivers from anywhere in Canada can call the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Helpline for free and trusted information on everything related to cancer. Information specialists are available for phone calls from Monday to Friday to discuss topics such as cancer treatment and side effects, finding help in the community, and stress-management for caregivers. The organization uses interpreters when serving non-English speaking people. The Canadian Cancer Society also has a directory on its website that helps newcomers find services like financial support and places to stay within their communities. 

Thirteen parents in the Klassen publication struggled to travel to and from the hospital for their children’s treatment. Some parents couldn’t drive and avoided public transportation to protect their child from the risk of catching an infection. If traveling to treatment centres is a problem, the Canadian Cancer society will provide you with a driver who will take you to your cancer appointments. Their volunteer driving program operates in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. Talk to an information specialist to learn more about it.

Kids with Cancer Society

Like the Canadian Cancer Society, the Kids with Cancer Society offers a whole host of free programs and services, but only to children and families residing in Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. The Kids with Cancer Society benefits immigrant caregivers who need money for daily living and medical bills. The organization provides emergency funding and educational resources like workshops. Once a year, they also pamper parents with massages, wellness activities, and food. 

Working under the table in Canada: Risks and alternatives

Working under the table in Canada: Risks and alternatives

By: Callum Denault

Published on July 22 2022

Photo: Creative Vix (Pexels) 

When looking for ways to earn money, it may be tempting to take on an under the table job to make cash that is not declared to the government. Under the table work—also known as moonlighting or working for cash—is no replacement for the safety and benefits that come with getting paid through legal, government-approved methods. Before you decide to work under the table, learn about the risks and alternatives.

Any paid-cash work which does not include a T4 form or payslip can risk an immigrant’s entire stay in Canada, and even get someone deported for working illegally. Injured workers are also only entitled to compensation if they are on a payroll: if there is no proof you worked for someone, there is no reason they have to help you.

There are many forms of cash-for-service exchanges in what the Canadian government calls “the underground economy.” This underground economy includes tips, incentives, payments in cash or gift cards, and “shared economy” services like renting and ride sharing. It is legal to be paid in cash, as long as the money you make is declared on your taxes. Being on an official payroll both ensures your employer has to help you if you get hurt on the job, and it keeps you safe from getting into legal trouble with the government.

It is also important to remember that even if someone says you are in legal trouble with the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), they may not be telling you the truth. Scammers may contact you from a random phone number or fake email address pretending to be the real CRA They do this to trick you into revealing personal information—such as your bank information—which they can use to steal from you. These scammers do things that agents from the real CRA would not do, such as asking for your personal information by email or aggressively demanding you pay them immediately over a phone call. 

If you want to talk to someone from the real CRA to confirm your status with them, you can find the right number to phone them from here and can also report any scam calls you may have received. 

“I know the restaurant business and construction are probably the two major cash jobs,” said George Laczko, who works in marketing for an immigration support organization called Immigroup. He said restaurant owners make little profits and are motivated to cut costs wherever they can, while employers in the construction industry want to hire people as fast as possible, especially if they don’t have to train anyone.

Drawing on his experience with the Chinese community in 2003, Laczko said most under the table jobs are taken by newcomers who are eager to start working in the few months before their work permits are ready. He said many people in the restaurant industry worked “from dusk till dawn” in the backs of kitchens, and most wanted to move to legitimately paying jobs as soon as they got temporary work permits.

Photo: Anna Shvets (Pexels) 

Fortunately, there are resources to help immigrants start a safe, legal career in Ontario.

You can apply for a work permit with the Canadian government here. You can also see if you are eligible for a work permit.

There are two types of permits: employer-specific work permits and open work permits. Employer-specific work permits require that whoever is hiring you provides a copy of your work contract. Your employer would also have to provide either a Labour-Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an employment number which they can find in the Employer Portal

Immigrants on an open work permit can work anywhere except for employers listed as ineligible, or in a job that involves any kind of sexual activity, like striptease or erotic massage.

The Canadian government also has resources for newcomers looking for a work permit, as well as people looking to permanently hire foreign workers.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) allows newcomers to apply their skills in certain trades to related jobs in Ontario. At the bottom of the linked GEO article, there is also a list of different professions. Each of these professions is placed alongside the organizations and resources newcomers can use to find a job in that field.

Immigroup has a list of government phone numbers for those seeking help with immigration services. Laczko said there is a “myth” that being single gives someone a bigger chance of being accepted into Canada. He said this causes problems for people—especially women—who get accepted to work in Canada after they lied about not having any family in their home countries. Even when these people become residents, it is nearly impossible for them to bring their undeclared family members over.

“It’s one of those things you see on TV, of immigration police bashing down the door.” Laczko said, “That happens in the UK and the US. No one ever stops us, asking for our papers. We live in a fantastically open country in that sense.”

Laczko said in his experience, most people who got deported had committed a crime. Although he did not personally remember anyone losing their residency in Ontario because of the job they were working, Laczko cautioned that working under the table carries a serious risk of being deported. 

7 imaginative Canadian children’s books series

7 imaginative Canadian children’s books series

By: Vivian Nguyen

Published on July 21, 2022

Photo: Cottonbro (Pexels) 

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.” (Albert Einstein)

According to the World Literacy Foundation, reading is one of the best ways to foster imagination. It is imagination that leads to new inventions, new storybooks, and new movies. Studies show that reading, for children, helps to develop the areas in their brains that are responsible for visual imagery and comprehension—understanding. When children read, or when they are read to, they imagine things they have not yet experienced. They make connections between reality and fictional world-building.

This list showcases seven Canadian children’s book series enjoyed across the country and by international readers. These series explore themes of friendship, family, imagination, and self-reliance. They also teach young readers about some of the many different cultures performed within and outside of Canada.

Mordecai Richler, Jacob Two-Two (1975–1995)

Written by Mordecai Richler (1931–2001), the Jacob Two-Two book series is set in Montréal, the second-most populous city in Canada. The fantasy series follows the life of Jacob, the youngest child of five. As the youngest, Jacob says everything twice to be heard in his family, earning him his nickname, “Two-Two.” In the first book, Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang, Jacob insults a grown-up and finds himself sentenced to a faraway island where he meets the Hooded Fang. Filled with adventure and satire, this series is youthful, funny, and a Canadian classic.

In addition to being a children’s book author, Richler was a novelist, essayist, and screenwriter of Jewish ancestry. His Jacob Two-Two series started as a story he would tell his youngest son, Jacob. The animated series under the title name broadcasted on YTV, a Canadian television channel, from 2003 to 2006. The series was also adapted into two films in 1978 and 1999. The last edition to the series, Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas, is a prequel created by Richler before his passing. The book was completed by Cary Fagan (b. 1957) with support from Richler’s family.

Mélanie Watt, Scaredy Squirrel (2006–2011)

The Scaredy Squirrel series is written and illustrated by Mélanie Watt (b. 1975), containing eight books. In its first book, Scaredy Squirrel, we meet the title character: an anxious brown squirrel who never leaves his nut tree. After all, there could be tarantulas or killer bees! Every day, he waits and waits for danger to come along, well prepared with his emergency kit. One day, Scaredy Squirrel finds himself away from his tree and makes an uplifting discovery… The book series explores themes of emotions and feelings, self-reliance, and trying new things.

Watt lives in Montréal and has won many awards around the world. In Canada, she received the Ontario Library Association’s Blue Spruce Award and the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award for her Scaredy Squirrelseries. The books were also adapted into an animated television show which aired on YTV from 2011–2013.

Marie Louise Gay, Stella and Sam (1999–2013)

Created by internationally acclaimed author and illustrator, Marie Louis Gay (b. 1952), the Stella and Sam book series has 11 books in total. In the first book, Stella, Star of the Sea follows Stella and Sam to the beach. It is Sam’s first time going to the beach and he has a lot of questions. Stella has answers for all of them. The comedic series covers themes of adventure, innocence, and the sweet relationship between an older sister and her younger brother.

Like the books, the television show—which ran from 2011–2021—features Stella and her little brother, Sam, as they discover the wonders of the outdoors. The show won a Rockies Award in 2011. Meanwhile, the book series has been translated into more than 15 languages and is enjoyed by children worldwide.

Paulette Bourgeois, Franklin the Turtle (1986–2002)

There are over 25 books in the main Franklin the Turtle series with multiple spinoff books based on the television franchise, Franklin (1997–2004) which ran for six seasons. Franklin in the Dark was the first book to be published. It shared a story about a fearful turtle named Franklin who is afraid of small dark places. His shell just so happens to be one of those small dark places. Throughout the book, he asks other animals for advice, only to find out that they also have fears of their own. The series was illustrated by Brenda Clark, including themes of friendship, problem-solving, and emotions and feelings are prominent in the series.

Before creating Franklin, Paulette Bourgeois (b. 1951), was a freelance journalist and a mother. The inspiration for her Franklin the Turtle came from an American sitcom called, M.A.S.H..  One night, Bourgeois was watching an episode while feeding her newborn daughter. In the episode, a character experienced claustrophobia and claimed that if he was a turtle, he would be afraid to go into his shell. That moment birthed the beginnings of a million-dollar franchise about an imaginative and friendly turtle.

Tima Miroshnichenko (Pexels) 

Linda Bailey, Stanley (2003–2009)

The Stanley series, written by Linda Bailey and painted by Bill Slavin, contains six picture books. In Stanley’s Party, the first book of the series, Stanley knows that he is not allowed to sit on the couch. While his people are out, however, he places a single paw on it. One thing leads to another, and before he realizes it, Stanley is hosting the best party a dog could wish for! The book, along with the rest of the series is entertaining and humorous, following the antics of a lovable and confident dog. 

Inspired by her own energetic canine, Sophie, Bailey wanted Stanley to do things that normal dogs could not do. Bailey was born in Winnipeg, MB, and has numerous awards for her work. Stanley’s Party alone holds twelve awards, including—but not limited to— the Ontario Library Association’s Blue Spruce Award in 2004, and the Time to Read Award from the B.C. Achievement Foundation in 2007.

Thomas King, Coyote Tales (2017)

Coyote Tales by Thomas King is a collection of two fables: “Coyote Sings to the Moon” and “Coyote’s New Suit.” In “Coyote Sings,” Coyote is the cause of misfortune. When the moon was brighter and closer to the earth, Old Woman and the animals would sing to her every night. Coyote tries to sing along, but because of his terrible voice, everyone begs him to stop. Offended, Coyote lashes out and insults Moon, who angrily dives into the pond, plunging the world into darkness. With Coyote’s help, Old Woman devises a plan to return Moon into the sky. Meanwhile, “Coyote’s New Suit” teaches the lesson of greed and wanting more than you need.

On top of being a children’s book author, King has many talents. He is a broadcaster, novelist, short-story writer, essayist, screenwriter, and photographer. He became a member of the Order of Canada in 2004 and a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2020. Being Cherokee, King has also been acknowledged as one of the greatest contemporary Indigenous writers in North America.

Nadia L. Hohn, Malaika (2016–2021)

Written by Nadia L. Hohn, the Malaika series spotlights Caribbean cultures in three picture books. Malaika’s Costumeis the first book. It embraces celebrations of Carnival, a festival and celebration about freedom and the emancipation of slavery. These celebrations originate in the Caribbeans. After rejecting her grandmother’s old hand-me-down costume, Malaika leaves the house and runs into Ms. Chin, the tailor. Ms. Chin offers Malaika a bag of scrap fabric which Malaika and her grandmother use to create a patchwork peacock costume to wear in the parade. She wears it proudly. 

The other two books in the series, Malaika’s Winter Carnival, and Malaika’s Surprise, deal with homesickness and change as Malaika learns to love her new family life in Quebec.

Hohn is a writer, musician, and educator from Toronto. She has Jamaican ancestry and was dubbed by CBC as one of 6 Black Canadian writers to watch in 2018. Hohn’s works blend standard English and Caribbean patois, celebrating black stories that are often underrepresented in children’s literature. The Malaika series is illustrated by Irene Luxbacher.

More from The Newcomer:

6 must-read children’s books written by Canadian authors

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5 Youth activism books 

6 must-read children’s books written by Canadian authors

6 must-read children’s books written by Canadian authors

By: Vivian Nguyen

Published on July 21, 2022

Photo: Pixabay (Pexels) 

Studies prove that reading to children during the formative years of birth to age five improves brain development. The brain develops most rapidly during these first five years of life. According to a study from the University of Waterloo, there are cognitive benefits—thinking, reasoning, and remembering—to reading aloud for individuals of all age groups.

Picture books are excellent tools for introducing children to reading. While preschoolers and toddlers may not be able to sound out the words written in a book, they can see and learn from the pictures. When you read each passage aloud, they start to associate the words with the illustrations. Therefore, children can form their own understandings about the stories. 

Photo: Nappy (Pexels) 

This is a curated list of six children’s books written by Canadian authors. These books contain colourful illustrations that exhibit the talents of Canadian illustrators, as well. The picture books on this list celebrate Canada’s multiculturalism and highlights underrepresented voices. 

Bonnie Farmer, Oscar Lives Next Door: A story inspired by Oscar Peterson’s life (2015) 

Oscar E. Peterson (1925–2007) was—and remains—one of Canada’s most honoured musicians. He was considered one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. However, he was not always a pianist. Bonnie Farmer’s Oscar Lives Next Door is a fictional imagining of the musician’s childhood, revealing his first love: the trumpet. The book imagines a next-door neighbour for young Oscar named, Millie, who admires his talents. Set in Oscar Peterson’s childhood neighbourhood in St-Henri, now called Little Burgundy, the book illustrates what it was like living in the 1930s as members of Montreal’s Black working-class population. 

Farmer is an elementary school teacher and playwright living in Montréal. Both Farmer and the book’s illustrator, Marie Lafrance are former residents of Little Burgundy. While writing Oscar Lives Next Door, Farmer wanted to tell the story of a vibrant community that was pushed out due to gentrification. Gentrification is an urban process that favours the rich middle-class and displaces an area’s original, poorer residents. The book won the Quebec Writers’ Federation Literary Award for Children’s Literature. 

Joy Kogawa, Naomi’s Road (1986) 

Naomi’s Road follows the story of a young Japanese Canadian girl who has been separated from her family during the Second World War. The book recalls events based on the author, Joy Kogawa’s own experiences, highlighting a child’s perspective on prejudice, fear, and internment camps. Based on the novel, the Tapestry Opera held a production under the same title name in 2016. Kogawa’s other children’s novel, Naomi’s Tree (2008) is a folk tale, illustrated by Ruth Ohi. Like Naomi’s Road, the book features the author’s childhood memories during the Second World War. It is written in prose and contains heavy symbolism.  

Kogawa is a poet, novelist, and activist of Japanese descent. During World War II, she moved to Slocan, BC with her family and now resides in Vancouver. Kogawa is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia. She is also part of Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun. Both of her picture books are simplified continuations of Kogawa’s earlier works which also feature the Naomi Nakane character. One of such works include her award-winning novel, Obasan (1981). 

Richard Van Camp, Little You (2013) 

Little You by Richard Van Camp (b. 1971) celebrates the potential of every child. The story’s narration directs its message to babies and toddlers and can be read or sung. It received the R. Ross Award for Children’s Literature in 2015. The book is illustrated by Julie Flett, a Cree-Métis author, illustrator, and artist who has received various awards for her own books. She is mentioned twice on this list. 

Van Camp is a proud member of the Dogrib (Tłı̨chǫ) Nation from Fort Smith, NWT. In addition to writing three children’s books, Van Camp also writes short stories, novels, and comics. His most notable novel is, The Lesser Blessed (1996), which has been adapted into a movie in 2012.  

David A. Robertson, When We Were Alone (2016) 

Written by David A. Robertson (b. 1977), When We Were Alone gives a voice to members of Indigenous communities. The book educates young readers about Canada’s history of and ongoing prejudice and mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. In the book, a young girl helps tend to her grandmother’s garden. While she is helping her grandmother, the girl notices things about her grandmother that raise curiosity. Why does her grandmother speak another language? Why does she have long braided hair? As she asks her grandmother these questions, she learns about a residential school. She is told that the residential school was where everything was taken away. 

Robertson is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and currently lives in Winnipeg. On top of being an Indigenous author and novelist, he is a public speaker. Robertson won the 2017 Governor General’s Literary Award and the McNally Robinson Best Book for Young People Award for When We Were Alone. The book is illustrated by Julie Flett. 

Jody Nyasha Warner, Viola Desmond Won’t be Budged! (2010) 

Jody Nyasha Warner’s Viola Desmond Won’t be Budged! tells the much-deserved story of Viola Demond. Viola I. Desmond (1914–1965) was a businesswoman and civil rights activist. In 2018, the Canadian government named her a National Historic Person. Warner’s book illustrates the events of 1946 Nova Scotia, when Viola Desmond was told by an usher in a movie theatre to move from her seat. She knew that she was told to move because of the colour of her skin. Soon, the police arrived and took Viola to jail. She was then charged and fined, but that did not stop her from fighting against racism. The book highlights one of the most prominent figures in Canadian history who was responsible for leading the charge to end racial segregation in the country.  

Warner is a writer, human rights advisor, and former librarian who currently lives in Toronto. The author was inspired to write this book because African Canadian history is often neglected in Canadian literature. Viola gave strength to her community at the time and continues to inspire Black communities in Canada today.  

Jen Sookfong Lee, Finding Home: The Journey of Immigrants and Refugees (2021) 

Finding Home by Jen Sookfong Lee explores the origins and current issues facing immigrants and refugees in picture book form. The book illustrates these issues in a way that is understandable for young readers. Its themes of home and family, especially resonate with those who have migrated to a new place themselves. In addition to describing the reasons why people search for new meanings of “home,” the book invites young readers to be empathetic toward others. Finding Home is also a finalist for the Yellow Cedar Award of 2022. 

Poet, food writer, and novelist, Lee, is a third-generation Chinese Canadian writer from Vancouver. She incorporated some autobiographical details in Finding Home. Lee is also a broadcaster, hosting the “Can’t Lit” podcast with Dina Del Bucchia. The podcast is a monthly audio series about Canadian literature. 

More from The Newcomer: 

7 Canadian children’s books series

16 books to get to know Canadian Literature 

5 Youth activism books 

Feeling comfortable in a new environment

Feeling comfortable in a new environment

By: Vincent Tran

Published on July 20, 2022

Photo: cuncon (Pixabay) 

Moving to a new country is never easy. Whether you come from a country that is similar to Canada or not, it is still a big change in your life. 

It is a big step in your personal journey and one where you may be getting out of your comfort zone. Being in a new country can be daunting and stressful, but by following some of the tips in this article, it may help ease your mind and relieve you of stress. 

Surround yourself with things from back home

Making your surroundings seem as close to home is a great way of maintaining your connection back home. It can help you feel as if you haven’t left home at all and that the only thing that has changed is your setting and the city you’re in. 

If you have brought things with you from back home, you could put them in a place where you will be able to see and touch it as often as you please. You could also visit local stores that sell items from your home country and just simply browse the store if you don’t want to buy anything. 

Being around things that please your senses can help you relax and make things less stressful. 

Eat foods from your home country

Photo: 089photoshootings (Pixabay) 

A great way to ease yourself in a new setting is by having a taste of your home cuisine. Food is a great way to connect people and bring about emotions and memories.

You could visit some restaurants that sell food from back home or you could even try cooking some recipes yourself. 

Cooking the food yourself can be a fun way to go about building a connection with where you’re from. The scents and sights from cooking your home meals can bring back memories and also make you happy and change your mood.   

Set goals for yourself

Keeping yourself occupied and busy with goals can help ease your mind and take your thoughts away from feeling alone or stressed. 

It is also a great way to make yourself better if you keep achieving tasks and goals that you set for yourself. Achieving your goals can make you feel more satisfied and accomplished which will take your mind off the big change in your life. 

Even setting small and simple tasks like making your bed or cleaning your house can help you feel better and make your days go by easier. 

Stay positive!

Photo: Pexels (Pixabay) 

It is easy to feel alone and isolated in a foreign country, but if you stay strong and confident then you will adapt to your new life in no time. 

Keeping an optimistic state of mind will make things much easier and will help you stay hopeful for great things to come. 

Greet people with a smile and try your best to make new friends or connect with people that are from your culture or home country. 

Canada is a country filled with many diverse cultures and backgrounds and more likely than not, there are people that are in or have been in the same situation as you are in right now, so make connections with them and stay positive because it will go a long way to making you feel happier. 

The value of public libraries

The value of public libraries

By: Elie Ngoy

Published on July 20, 2022

Libraries are a great source of information and community for many newcomers to Canada. Within these public libraries, newcomers have access to unlimited resources, community information, social programs and an opportunity to learn new skills that can benefit them as they look to settle. It is also a great way to develop a love for Canadian literature, history, and culture. 


Photo: Pixabay (Pexels) 

Public libraries are not only a rich source of information but are also often a bridge to the local community and its rich history. Newcomers can access a wide range of resources within the library system, and often, the significant benefit is the staff who are dedicated to assisting newcomers with help on tasks such as writing resumes, settlement assistance, ESL programs, and finding work. 

How to access your local public library resources 

As of 2022, there are over “265 Public boards across Ontario” and “45 First Nations public libraries. Each of these boards provides 1,157 public library services throughout the province. These services include mobile bookshops, resource centres, book deposit stations, and local library branches. Visit the Ontario library service to find your closest library branch. On this website, you will be able to access links to each specific library, its hours of operation, address, resources available, and how you may get there using public transport services. 

How to register for a Public Library card 

While visiting a library and accessing its daytime resources is available to everyone, in order to borrow material or utilize computers, one must register for a library card. In order to do this, you must prove that you have the right to work or live/learn in Canada. Many libraries will require identification that will verify your name and physical address, rented, shared, or owned.  

Once accepted, public library cards are often issued for a year. After that, they must be renewed each following year in person at the public library. Depending on the branch, you may also be eligible to renew it online. 

What resources and programs can newcomers access in the Public libraries?

Across Ontario, many public libraries have an assortment of programs and resources specifically tailored for newcomers. Many libraries will also give you access to tools for those preparing for the Canadian Citizenship Test. Here are some examples of libraries in Ontario that offer resources and programs for newcomers: 

The Mississauga Library – Newcomer services 

The London Public Library  – Settlement Services

The Toronto Public Library – New to Canada  

Oakville Public Library – Newcomer programs + Services 

Guelph Public Library – Newcomer Services 

Markham Public Library – Newcomers 

The value of public resources 

Public libraries across Ontario are an important part of Canadian history and culture. 

They are a way for newcomers to learn a new language, improve their English, speak with Settlement workers, and meet other people in the community. Apply for a library card today and you will soon have access to this large set of free resources available to you. Welcome to Canada!

A newcomer’s guide to overcoming writer’s block

A newcomer’s guide to overcoming writer’s block

By: Vivian Han Nguyen

Published on July 19, 2022

Photo: Karolina Grabowska (Pexels) 

From feeling unmotivated to overwhelmed by to-do lists, there are numerous mental health problems that can disrupt a writer’s progress. Such a blockage in productivity is called, “writer’s block.” This guide offers reasons why newcomer creatives experience writer’s block and how they can overcome it. 

What is “writer’s block?”

Writer’s block is a psychological state that prevents a writer from proceeding with a piece. They are unable to produce new ideas. The main causes of writer’s block are stress, procrastination, perfectionism, and fear of criticism. These factors lead to a decline in performance and productivity.

Why do people experience writer’s block?

1. Unmotivated

The first step to creating any written piece is starting it. This phase is where motivation comes into play and is the most difficult to deal with. Motivation refers to a desire or reason for one’s behaviour. Therefore, a lack of motivation to start a project can lead to writer’s block.

2. Too many ideas

Sometimes creatives struggle with coming up with ideas. Other times, they have too many ideas and do not know where to start. Again, the most difficult part of writing is starting.

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio (Pexels) 

3. Fear of failure

People tend to avoid starting or completing work because they are afraid of failing. This fear is especially true for immigrant youth. A qualitative research from Alberta concludes that racialized immigrant youth feel a strong sense of intergenerational obligation.

In the study, young people are aware of the sacrifices made for them by their parents and feel obligated to pursue higher education for professional careers. This sense of familial duty means that immigrant youth feel pressured to succeed in their studies and careers. Such pressures can of lead to perfectionism and the fear of failure, which can ultimately affect their performances.

Many of the participants in a UBC study also reported feeling indebted to their parents or the government for bringing them to Canada. If they are not succeeding, they feel they should be doing better out of this assumed obligation.

4. Burnout

Burnout is the state of having no energy or enthusiasm from working too hard. It is usually brought on by prolonged or repeated stress. An individual experiencing burnout not only feels extreme exhaustion but also a sense of dread about work. Anyone can experience burnout.

How to overcome writer’s block

1. Re-read or review the task at hand

When dealing with many responsibilities at once, it is easy to skim or overlook important details about the project(s) you are working on. Reviewing the criteria for your piece may give you some clarity as to what needs to be done.

2. Brainstorming: Word association

Brainstorming is a useful step in the creative process in which the writer tries to think up new ideas or solutions. Be it for school, work, or other creative pursuits, brainstorming helps writers organize and understand their projects better.

One way to brainstorm—whether you are working individually or with others—is to play a game of word association. First, think of a word. This word can be related or unrelated to your project. Next, think of one or multiple words that associate with the first word. For example, the word “apple” can connect to “red,” “fruit,” and “banana.”

Illustration: Cardio Studio (Canva) 

You can create a mind map diagram of your words to visually see the connections and patterns in your thought processes. CanvaMindomo, and Mindmeister have unique online templates for digital mind mapping.

3. Word dump

Like dumping the contents out of a bag, word dumping is when you let your thoughts and ideas “fall” onto the page. The best way to execute a word dump during the brainstorming stage is to set a timer for 2 to 5 minutes. Write or type whatever comes to mind and do not stop until the timer runs out. This strategy is especially effective for creative writers.

You can also conduct a word dump when writing paragraphs. The key idea is to write down the important points of your piece without worrying about mistakes. After this step, you can review and edit your sentences. Overcoming writer’s block requires putting something on the page, even if there are errors and unclearness.

4. Set small goals

Knowing you have a major essay or multiple assignments due can feel overwhelming. When individuals feel overwhelmed, they are more likely to procrastinate or feel stressed. Breaking down large projects into more manageable, smaller tasks can reduce stress, maintain motivation, and maximize productivity. Setting small goals also helps to avoid fatigue and overworking. 

5. Take breaks

Maintaining focus is a continuing challenge for individuals of all ages. Thus, it is important to take breaks every now and then. Taking breaks, especially from screens, can replenish your creativity and motivation. Breaks also allow you time to stretch, eat, and complete other tasks.

6. Sleep!

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, children ages 14 to 17 years-old should be getting 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Meanwhile, adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Failure to get enough rest results in high stress levels (36.3 per cent in adults and 17.2 per cent in children) and poor mental health (12.3 per cent in adults and 11.2 per cent in children). 

Additionally, research shows that napping, or light sleep, can support creativity and problem-solving. A study conducted by researchers from the Paris Brain Institute suggests that there is a “creative sweet spot” within this period of sleep.

7. Stay hydrated

Drink water! Staying hydrated helps to move nutrients and waste through your body, normalize blood pressure, and lowers your risk of dehydration. Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in.

Research shows that improper hydration may physically alter your brain and affect concentration. After all, physical and mental health are closely connected and equally important.

Photo: Antoni Shkraba (Pexels)

8. Change your environment

There are many benefits to working and studying from home, including an increase in productivity. However, being in the same environment during a global pandemic can feel repetitive and uninspiring. This sentiment is especially true for those who work in their bedrooms, where the boundaries between work and leisure are blurred. 

As restrictions continue to lift, changing your work environment to somewhere with ambient noise can help with creativity and boost performance. Libraries and coffee shops are perfect locations to start.

Being one with nature also raises productivity, decreases stress, and lowers blood pressure. Working in a park can achieve these benefits. If you need internet to complete your projects, you can add indoor plants to your workspace. Houseplants provide fresh air: some even eliminate harmful toxins

Writing advice from immigrant authors in Canada

Gugu Hlongwane is an author and professor at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, NS. The South African-born writer encourages aspiring authors “to have courage and faith in their ideas.” Be your own biggest supporter.

Another way to improve your writing or gain inspiration is by learning from other writers. “I’ve learned to write by reading,” Nepal-born novelist, essayist, editor, and translator Manjushree Thapa says in an interview with The Record. Thapa also likes to write first drafts in scenic locations, “or at least outside [her] study.”

Remember, inspiration is only the beginning of a piece. Award-winning novelist and short story author Kim Thúyreveals that the secret to writing is hard work. “In my case, inspiration is the original spark but would not become a fire without voluntary and conscious effort.”

More from The Newcomer:

5 Lowcost or free mental health services in Canada

Taking care of your mental health

How to balance school, work, and extracurriculars

5 Canadian events to enjoy this summer

5 Canadian events to enjoy this summer

By: Anson Wong

Published on July 18, 2022

This summer is filled with events for any newcomer to Canada to enjoy. Whether you want to learn more about your surroundings or just have fun, events are a great way to immerse yourself in Canadian culture. 

Get a taste of Canadian culture this summer with the following free events.

1. A Walk in the Park – Downsview Park (WITP)

Location: Downsview Park

Availability: Every Tuesday July 5th to August 30th from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Photo: Mike Benna (Unsplash) 

Take a guided tour through Downsview Park as part of their program. This 90-minute program guides you through the park as presenters talk about a new topic each week. The first event starts on July 5th and is called “Meet the Birds.” As the name suggests, many species of birds including falcons and hummingbirds will be discussed in length.

Prior registration is required for this event.

2. Family Fun Fridays

Location: 1 Queens Park

Availability: July 8th to September 2nd every Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Photo: Marx Ilagan (Pexels) 

The city offers other events for families such as Family Fun Fridays over at Queen’s Park. Enjoy a scavenger hunt and the opportunity to dress up and partake in a mock debate within a historical legislative chamber. The Ontario Legislative Building shares a rich history with Toronto having been built in 1893. Be sure to check out Canadian history and some fun activities for the whole family. 

Prior registration is required for this event. Children must be accompanied by adults.

3. 2022 Toronto Chinatown Festival

Location: At the intersection of Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West

Availability: August 20th from 12 a.m. to 11 p.m. to August 21st from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Photo: Alex Nirta (Burst) 

The Chinatown Festival returns after a two-year hiatus. Enjoy food from over 80 vendors and a chance to win additional prizes worth over $5000 altogether. Much of the population in Chinatown are descendants of immigrants. As such, expect this event to reflect both Canadian culture and the homelands of their people. With decades of rich history, this event is an important one for any newcomer to Canada.

Prior registration is not required for this event.

4. Sorauren Farmers Market

Location: Sorauren Park at 50 Wabash Ave.

Availability: May 23rd to October 31st every Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Photo: Daria Shevtsova (Pexels) 

The city holds several farmers markets including one at Sorauren Park. Visit 39 vendors and get a taste of a wide range of food including vegan, dairy, and bread. Other goods are also sold by vendors such as honey, cider, and syrup. If that is not enough, additional activities can be enjoyed such as an ice-skating rink, dog park, a community pizza oven, children’s soccer, and baseball programs.

Registration is not required for this event.

5. Crossection Annual Juried Exhibition

Location: Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery

Availability: August 9th to September 13th, Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed for all statutory holidays.

Photo: Peggy and Marco Lachmann-Anke (Pixabay) 

Etobicoke holds one of many art galleries in the region. Those looking to enhance their artistic side can look forward to this event. Over 140 artists will have their works shown throughout the event, making it a great opportunity to see the art in Canada. Be sure to also check out the Colour and Form: 70th Open Juried Exhibition as well as natural Talent 2022. Both events are scheduled to occur after the Crossection Annual Juried Exhibition. Those 16 and older may also apply as a volunteer with the gallery. Submissions are due by Monday, August 1 at 4 p.m.

Prior registration is not required for this event. 

Boy in outer space: Author Omar El Akkad talks adjusting to Canada and success in writing

Boy in outer space: Author Omar El Akkad talks adjusting to Canada and success in writing

By Michelle Boon

Posted on February 23, 2022

Photo: Kateshia Pendergrass

November 8, 2021, author and journalist Omar El Akkad won the coveted Giller Prize for his novel, What Strange Paradise. He didn’t expect to win and said as much in his improvised acceptance speech, in addition to thanking his family and honouring his fellow nominees.

What Strange Paradise is the author’s second novel, and begins with a nine-year-old Syrian boy, Amir, the lone survivor of a wrecked migrant ship. He washes up on the shore of an unnamed island, where he knows no one, and doesn’t speak the language.

That’s also where we’ll start El Akkad’s story.

From the Middle East to Montreal

Born in Egypt, and raised in Qatar from the age of five, El Akkad and his family moved to Canada in August of 1998, when the author was 16 years old. “We settled on Montreal for reasons that I do not understand,” he said. His family didn’t speak a word of French.

Prior to settling in Montreal, the author’s only personal connection to Canadian culture was an Our Lady Peace CD. His general understanding of Western culture was through movies and music, mostly American, and this in no way prepared him for living in Canada. “I just felt like I was in outer space. I felt like I was on the moon,” the author said. Thrown into a cold, alien world, he was forced to figure it out as he went.

Photo: Anna Mehler Paperny

“The primary challenge was that the first 16 years of my life became irrelevant overnight. […] I suppose it was somewhat similar to trying to learn a new language, you know, the older you are the harder it gets. I was 16, and I was trying to learn a new cultural language.”

During his final years of high school, which are challenging for any teenager, El Akkad also went through numerous newcomer challenges. He didn’t speak the language, constantly got lost, didn’t know how to order food at restaurants, and tried to pay bus fare with a $20 bill expecting change.

His first two years in Canada felt long, confusing, and lonely. He was doubly alienated attending a private school where his peers were not only Canadian-born, but extremely wealthy, making it difficult to make connections. Few people could understand what he was going through, and the one friend who had also moved from Qatar to Montreal received frequent calls. “That poor guy got six calls a day from me, because who else am I going to talk to?” El Akkad said. He admitted that the numerous calls were not fair to himself nor his friend.

Beyond that, he found solace in writing. He said, “I would write anything; diaries, poetry, fiction, whatever I could, whatever I felt like writing that day. So I retreated into the writing quite a bit. And then the rest of it was just any way to try and keep holding on to the life I had back in Qatar.”

He spent his time frequently calling and messaging his friends back home, or wandering Saint Catherine St. with the friends he eventually made. Canada, however, still felt like a foreign planet in which he had no part.

“I could not fathom ever having an identity in this place. And I hated Canada for about two years, I couldn’t stand it.”

University and reinvention

According to El Akkad, he was extremely reserved when he came to Canada, which did not lend himself to making connections. He said, “I didn’t expect to be part of any social group. I didn’t attempt to be part of any social group. I didn’t expect to fit in.”

When he graduated high school and attended Queen’s University for computer science, he reinvented himself to be more “outward facing.” His reinvention was not a process of becoming, but one of letting go. “It’s not so much that I had a clear idea of what I wanted to be,” the author said. “It’s that I had a very clear idea of what I didn’t want to be, and that was the person that was in Montreal.”

El Akkad’s “fake it ‘til you make it” attitude paid off socially. He had a great time making friends and meeting other writers through creative writing class and campus publications. He did admit, however, that he was not a model student. Each year he attended no more than 10 classes for his computer science degree. Meanwhile, he contributed endlessly to campus publications, including comedy paper, Golden Words; arts publications Ultraviolet and Lake Effect; and even a magazine of his own called Lighthouse Wire. He was also the assistant news editor, and later editor-in-chief, of student newspaper, The Queen’s Journal.

“My entire academic life, and my entire education was writing for these various publications,” El Akkad said.

Being a writer as a newcomer

The author discovered his love for writing at the age of five when he wrote a story about littering for the school newsletter. From there he was hooked. At that young age, he couldn’t articulate feelings of dislocation from Egypt to Qatar, but he could express those feelings in writing. For someone who struggled with the question “Where are you from?” writing was home, both in Qatar and Canada. It then became the whole of his academic life, but he did not consider writing as a career.

“I come from a particular part of the world, and a particular class, and a particular society, where you don’t become a writer of fiction for a living. […] You become an engineer, or a lawyer, or a doctor.” A sentiment that many first and second generation newcomers may relate to.

Luckily, spending all his time writing instead of attending his computer science classes worked out. Throughout his undergrad, he secured internships with journalist Ken Cuthbertson, and the Edmonton Journal. Upon graduating in 2004, he started his internship at the Globe and Mail, where he would work as a reporter for the next decade.

“I had these little lily pads that were my next landing spot,” the author said. “And so long as I had those, as long as I didn’t think more than like, a very short amount of time into the future, I was going to be okay. Beyond that I would have been terrified.”

Photo: Michael Lionstar

After a decade working in journalism, El Akkad transitioned into a full-time career as a fiction author, with the release of his debut novel, American War, in 2017. In doing so, he accomplished something that many newcomers, including his teenage self, couldn’t see as a possibility—success in two creative careers. While humbly proud of his work, El Akkad also recognizes the luck and privilege that attributed to his success. He is Muslim and immigrated from the Middle East, but speaks English with a barely-detectable accent, and can pass for a variety of different ethnicities. Unlike a Muslim woman, for example, who wears a hijab, El Akkad’s faith and cultural identity are ambiguous.

“All of these things had far more to do with that [successful] outcome than any skill or aptitude on my part,” he said. “Vast majority of my trajectory was predicated on luck.”

On success

As a teenager, writing was a tether while he felt like he was floating in outer space. Writing was home when he didn’t know where that was. Now writing is his livelihood. The author’s greatest success is just that—writing for a living where he thought he would never have a place or identity.

“We arrived in this place where I felt like I had nothing, no ground to stand on. And I’m not a hugely successful person, I don’t think. But I’ve managed, in this context, to create a situation where I’m doing with my life the thing I’ve always wanted to do—I’m writing. It’s all I ever want to do.”

When he isn’t writing, El Akkad spends his time with his wife and two young children doing “boring domestic stuff,” cooking, cleaning, and occasionally rock climbing. As for what’s next, the author will return to his alma mater as the 2022 Writer in Residence at Queen’s University, where he will potentially start drafting his third novel.

(Not so) Welcome to Canada!: The challenges of Canadian newcomers

(Not so) Welcome to Canada!: The challenges of Canadian newcomers

By Priscilla Wiredu

Posted on February 23, 2022

Arriving in a new country is a challenge for anyone: New environment, new cultures, new society, new laws, in essence, a new life. It presents an assortment of opportunities for an immigrant.

One would think that coming to Canada, supposedly one of the best countries in the world, would be a miracle for immigrants; away from a war-torn, “developing” country, into a new world of jobs, education, affordable healthcare, and a new sense of meaning.

However, that may not always be the case if you are a racialized immigrant.

Culture shock is a term for when tourists are shocked at the change in societal customs in another country. Well, that can be tailored to newcomers to Canada. Below are said to be the top ten barriers immigrants face when entering Canada, as well as some resources to help newcomers with a smoother transition into Canadian life.

Language

Language is an obvious issue newcomers face when entering Canada. A lack of proper communication has major effects on one’s everyday life. In order for a society to work, you must be able to interact with your neighbors, colleagues, employees, etc. Learning a native language is essential to function in society. Canada has two official languages—English and French. It is paramount for newcomers to learn English or French to settle in Canada comfortably.

This does not mean to shed your original roots. The increasing global market always favours candidates who are multilingual!

Employment

Although being multilingual is a plus when it comes to international employment, you may face problems when it comes to having your credentials as well as relevant experience noticed. The dilemma for Canadian newcomers is their work experience may not be “Canadian enough.” It can be difficult for newcomers to find work without Canadian work experience.

Housing

Secure housing is a big priority for newcomers. A lack of knowledge about the local housing market in a new country can cause serious problems when you are trying to establish a home. It is useful to research neighborhoods and affordable housing before hand to help solve this problem. National and local government agencies can offer certain resources and advice if you seek it. Canada’s National Housing Agency has a section dedicated for immigrants to process and explore housing information.

Access to services

When it comes to services, knowing what is available is a big problem. The service type, range, and quality available can differ from your home country. Most newcomers say the issues are finding health, legal, and social services in Canada. Research in advance can help you find these services once you arrive in Canada. Social service organizations are usually the first things made available to newcomers to deal with these problems. Referencing back to language barriers, interpreters are made available via social services where you are given your legal rights as a newcomer and other entitlements.

Transportation

Nowadays, transportation is important when it comes to gaining access to almost anything in Canadian society. For newcomers, your driver’s license may not be recognized in Canada. You may have to go through some processes (and pay certain fees) in order to become qualified.

Language would, again, be the barrier that makes finding suitable public transit services even harder than it usually is. Drivers licenses in Canada are issued by provincial/territorial governments, so you will need to check specific regulations for the area you reside in or intend to reside. While it is normally possible to drive using original licenses, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed. Multilingual services are also available in the public transit system.

Cultural Differences

Referencing the term “culture shock,” newcomers report that on arrival, the difference in culture creates a big effect. It ranges from social customs, to gendered differences, religious diversity, ethnicity, sexuality, and other differences that are prominent in a new country. For immigrants, this perpetuates an “immigrant mentality”—it makes them feel isolated as they cannot interact with other groups since they are not used to them. It is important when coming to Canada, to be open to the different values amongst people, and see their lifestyle and choices as something no one else can control. This helps you to make connections and feel less isolated.

Prejudice and racism

Of course, this sad barrier is something that affects immigrants almost all over the world. Canada, despite its progressive laws and push for more diverse and welcoming communities, has not always been a welcoming country. Racial discrimination against immigrants has been a centuries-long issue, with covert and overt acts. Employment runs rampant with systemic racism, undermining immigrants’ credentials, skills, and experience when finding appropriate work.

Support services are offered to newcomers that protect them from discrimination or used as a safe space for those experiencing it. It includes community centres, peer groups, modern police force and authority programs that promote anti-racism policies. Local and national groups work to combat racism by outlawing it under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Isolation

No longer having the support of friends, family, or social circles as one did in their home country can take a toll on their mental health and sense of belonging. If you come from countries where communities are the strong support systems, you may feel lost and alienated when entering a country like Canada, where individualism is usually prided.

However, Canada does, in fact, have a diverse population and major cities have communities from many different countries. This makes them ideal places for those settling in Canada. Community groups can offer support and advice for those adjusting to life in a very different kind of society.

The weather

When one hears “Canada,” they may think of snow all year, with hockey, maple syrup, and celebrating every day like it’s Christmas. Although not entirely true, weather is definitely a factor that newcomers tend to overlook when moving here. Canada’s climate is as diverse as its population. In some provinces they have hot, dry prairies, while others have below 25 degrees almost all year long. It can be a drastic adjustment from your home country’s climate.

A better future

Seeking a better future is a key force for newcomers entering Canada. For newcomers, Canada is an attractive choice not only for better economic or educational opportunities, but also political stability, safety, and health protection, to name a few.

There are many resources available for newcomers to ease their way into Canadian life. Start Up Canada is a website that not only helps newcomers find work, but helps start up businesses in Canada. They offer classes, places to apply, and grants for those seeking to start a business in Canada as an immigrant.

The Canada.ca website has a special webpage specifically for newcomers. Depending on the situation (immigrant, permanent resident, etc.), they offer an array of programs for resources on how to fit in to Canadian culture, provide support workers, mental health resources, as well as a helpline and live chat in a multitude of languages for newcomers who want to do more research after settling in.

Newcomers want to enter a haven when coming to Canada. Of course, it can be a scary and exhilarating new step in their lives. The challenges they have will hopefully offer solutions in order to have a welcoming start into their Canadian neighborhood.

Jungle to Concrete Jungle: How Chef Nuit Regular brought authentic Thai cuisine to Toronto

Jungle to concrete jungle: How Chef Nuit Regular brought authentic Thai cuisine to Toronto

By Michelle Boon

Posted on February 23, 2022

Photo: Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott

For Chef Nuit Regular, choosing a favourite dish of hers is like naming a favourite child. As the executive chef and co-owner of four of Toronto’s finest Thai restaurants, it’s an understandably tough decision. Instead, she talked about her most popular dishes, including pad gra prow.

This stir fry topped with a fried egg is not a dish that you could find in Toronto in 2006 when Regular came to Canada. Especially with the star ingredient, holy basil, being hard to find outside of Thailand. It wasn’t until Regular started importing this ingredient that Torontonians could taste the dish for themselves.

This dedication to authentic Thai flavours is a standard that Regular, alongside her husband and business partner, Jeff, created. The chef has been cooking authentic Northern Thai food for Toronto for over a decade, and we have an elephant to thank for it.

Coming to Canada

Now the co-owner of acclaimed restaurants, Sukhothai, Pai Northern Thai Kitchen, Sabai Sabai, and Kiin, Regular met her husband, Jeff, in Pai, Thailand. She was working as a nurse, and Jeff was on a backpacking trip. They met when they were paired to go on an elephant ride, and soon fell in love. Later, the couple opened their first restaurant in Pai, called the Curry Shack. Regular would cook in the evenings after her shift at the hospital and Jeff managed the service.

They eventually made the decision to move back to Jeff’s hometown, Toronto. As a newcomer from a small town, moving to a large Canadian city was daunting. But Regular was up for the adventure. “Once we moved from the jungle of Thailand to [the] concrete jungle in Toronto […] that is very challenging, but at the same time, exciting.”

The chef was also happy to move continents to raise her family. “I always wanted a happy family. I am okay to go anywhere my heart is, to stay together as a family,” Regular said.

Of course this also meant leaving family behind in Thailand. The chef shared how homesickness was one of her biggest challenges as a newcomer. In her first few years, she could not afford the expensive flights back home to visit her family.

Travel may not have been a possibility, but Regular was exploring the different cultures in Toronto in the meantime. “When I travelled to Canada I feel like I got to see the world,” she said.

To her relief, that meant she was able to find Thai ingredients at Asian grocery stores. However, Regular had less luck finding Thai food that tasted like home. Some dishes like khao soi—curry topped with crispy fried noodles—she couldn’t find at all.

In 2008, the chef and her husband had the opportunity to bring those dishes to Toronto. With the help of family, they opened their first restaurant in Canada, Sukhothai, dedicated to serving authentic Northern Thai cuisine.

Shifting expectations

This definitely wasn’t the plan when she first arrived in Canada. Regular thought she would continue her career as a nurse after getting Canadian certification. In Thailand, it is common to pick a career, study, and then work in that field until you retire. But life in Canada came with new opportunities, and the chef was happy to embrace them.

Photo: Courtesy of Chef Nuit Regular

Cooking also wasn’t a drastic career shift. Regular was drawn to nursing because she wanted to care for others, and food gave her the same satisfaction. She said, “I was able to take care of my guests with my cooking. Either helping them serve an occasion or making them feel better with my food.”

While an exciting opportunity, operating a restaurant in Canada came with its own set of challenges. Regular’s restaurant in Pai, the Curry Shack, followed Thai rules—cook delicious food and pass a health inspection. She had no training outside of her mother’s kitchen as a chef, and no experience managing a professional kitchen in Canada.

Chef Regular describes herself as someone who can easily adapt in any environment. So the kitchen became her classroom. She learned how to teach her recipes, fine-tune the process, and manage staff members on the job.

She now manages about 100 staff members across all of her restaurants.

Staying true to culture

Sukhothai got many positive reviews, but not every Torontonian was enthusiastic about authentic Northern Thai cuisine. When the restaurant first opened, one guest complained that Regular’s pad thai wasn’t made with ketchup. The chef prepared this iconic noodle dish the way she grew up eating it; with palm sugar and tamarind—no ketchup.

“I believe in what I cook, so I said no to that person, therefore I didn’t make a lot of money that day,” said the chef.

She lost one customer, but her authentic pad thai quickly became one of her most popular dishes. Chef Nuit Pad Thai—aptly named for the chef herself—remains a staple at her restaurants.

The chef is proud to say the only change she’s made to her recipes to make them more “Canadian” is the portion sizes.

Her passion for the flavours of Northern Thailand and bringing authentic Thai cuisine has paid off. Torontonians are hungry as ever for her food. Alongside her husband, she even opened a second location of Pai during the pandemic in 2020. The uptown location has quickly become a popular takeout spot.

Photo: Courtesy of Chef Nuit Regular

Regular, Jeff, and their team have also captured the attention of the Thai government. They were awarded the Thai Select Signature designation for three of their restaurants. This means that the Royal government of Thailand has recognized the quality and authenticity of Regular’s food. Her dishes represent Thai culture and traditions all the way from Toronto.

How she defines success

Regular’s career is like a charging elephant that shows no signs of stopping. In addition to opening the uptown location of Pai, she also released her cookbook, Kiin, in 2020. If that wasn’t enough, you can find her on the Food Network as a featured chef on “Wall of Chefs.”

This successful newcomer has a packed schedule and an impressive resumé, but one of her greatest successes is finding a career that doesn’t feel like work.

The cover of Chef Nuit Regular’s new cookbook, Kiin

“I think my success is how I can remain happy,” she said. “I can continue my happiness, and I can do something that I love to do. I love to cook […] I love to create dishes.”

The foundation of her success is simple: Love. Love for her culture, creating delicious food, and caring for others. Chef Regular is an expert in recipe-making—she filled a whole book with them—so to her fellow newcomers, here is her recipe on a successful life in Canada:

“You have a life to live, you have 24 hours, and you have food to eat.”

A newcomer in office: Ali Duale’s journey into politics

A newcomer in office: Ali Duale’s journey into politics

By Michelle Boon

Posted on February 23, 2022

Photo: Zahed Hoseyni

On August 30, 2021, Ali Duale was officially sworn into office as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Halifax Armadale. In this role, Duale helps define laws in Nova Scotia and authorize spending by the provincial government. He is a leader representing the Halifax community—his community.

Coming to Canada

After fleeing Somalia due to the civil war, and spending seven years in a Kenyan refugee camp, Duale arrived in Halifax in 1997 with his wife and three children.

The family arrived to a very Canadian welcome.

“Everything I see is only snow,” Duale said in an interview with The Newcomer. The long, snowy drive from the airport to Halifax was nerve-wracking for the new immigrant. He couldn’t see any people or buildings. At the time, Duale spoke very little English, so he couldn’t even ask the driver where they were going.

Duale’s anxiety eased when they crossed the Halifax Harbour Bridge. “Finally,” he said, “I am in a place that people live.”

It’s here that Duale created a life for himself and his growing family. From 2004, he worked as a firefighter and served as the Diversity and Community Liaison Officer for the Halifax fire department.

Facing challenges

Although Duale eventually thrived in his new home, he encountered challenges like all new immigrants. One of the biggest being learning English as a second language.

“In real estate, they use the term ‘location, location, location.’ As a newcomer, I think it’s all about ‘the language, the language, the language.’ If you don’t have that, you don’t have anything,” Duale said.

His challenges ranged from simple things like how to use a bank machine, to adjusting to culture shock and the cold Canadian weather.

“Even if you are educated, the weather is the weather. There’s nothing you can do.”

The cold weather was a tough adjustment for Duale, who was used to the sunshine of Somalia and Kenya. When he first arrived in Canada, he was given what appeared to be a jacket made specially for newcomers. “They were heavy duty,” Duale said.

It was his first July in Halifax, and the new immigrant was walking through a public garden. He noticed that people were staring at him, and he wondered why. He couldn’t tell if he was doing something good or bad.

Finally someone approached him to ask. There was a language barrier, but Duale understood. “Here I am, this weirdo guy, wearing this winter, heavy-duty jacket, middle of summer.”

Turns out, even Canadian summers were too cold for the newcomer.

A true Canadian

Getting awkward stares from strangers may feel alienating to some, but Duale does not see himself as different from any other Canadian, newcomer or not.

“This land is a land of immigrants, other than the First Nations […] we all arrive here. For that concept, I am not different than anybody else.”

Nova Scotia made Duale and his family feel welcome. Halifax gave them the tools to live a fulsome life, so Duale was determined to give back to his community.

Particularly, he worked to create safe spaces for other newcomers and Muslims. He helped raise millions of dollars to build the Ummah Mosque and Community Centre. He also coordinated a youth swim program, and ran a basketball program for immigrant kids.

Stepping into politics

Duale’s dedication to Canada and his community made him an ideal candidate to run for the MLA position. Between his family and volunteer commitments, however, he did not have the time. Unfortunately, it was a tragedy that changed his mind.

In June of 2021, a Muslim Canadian family was murdered in London, Ont. in a faith-based hate crime. As a member of the Muslim community and the father of a Muslim family, Duale said he “could not sit back and sleep” upon hearing about the incident.

“My wife and daughters wear hijab, […] that is part of our identity, and I felt that incident brought me home. I felt I had obligation to protect my family. I have obligation to advocate for my community, and I have obligation to continue to fight for this freedom of choice that we all cherish.”

Photo: Zahed Hoseyni

A last minute addition

He was the last candidate to run for election. Many of his competitors began their campaign six months before he even started. But Duale didn’t need to knock on doors, because he had dedicated more than 20 years to volunteering in the Halifax community.

Either as a firefighter, basketball coach, or from his mosque, people knew Duale personally. Most importantly, they knew that he was dedicated to the community, and would serve the people’s best interests while in office.

Creating a better future for newcomers

Now that he’s officially an MLA, part of his work is advocating for newcomers like himself. He expressed that Canada has the opportunities, and newcomers have the potential, but the two do not always come together.

“Most of the times, these immigrants have a lot of skills, and they have a lot of talent, and if we [the government] don’t facilitate that, to work what’s the best for them, that’s a big loss for us,” the MLA said.

Duale hopes to create legislation that makes it easier for newcomers to succeed. To Duale, this will ensure a better future for newcomers as well as Canada.

“That’s how we predict the future,” he continued. “Did we allow these people to succeed? Did we make enough effort to welcome them, to feel home. Did we prepare that infrastructure that will allow them to succeed? Those are the things that will really dictate what the future looks like.”

Photo: Zahed Hoseyni

Defining success

Duale came to Halifax without a winter coat. He had his family and only a few words in English. Over 20 years later, he was elected a leader in his community. As Duale put it, “I come here nothing, I was nobody. I have everything today, and I’m somebody.”

His “everything” includes more than his career or community work. He is also a father of eight children and a grandfather. When he’s not serving his community, he’s enjoying life with his family, camping, playing basketball, and cheering for the Toronto Raptors.

To most people, it’s a success story among success stories, but Duale is extremely humble about his accomplishments.

“I have no idea if I succeeded,” he said. “Life is a journey, I am grateful [for] where I was and where I am today.”

Advice to other newcomers

As for his advice to other immigrants, he had this to say:

“Be part of the society, rather than segregating and feeling that you don’t belong here, and feeling you have nothing to contribute. Each one of us has something that we can offer this land. Each one of us can make contributions.”

“It’s all about the journey”: Tung Nguyen’s venture from newcomer to business owner

“It’s all about the journey”: Tung Nguyen’s venture from newcomer to business owner

By Olivia Matheson-Mowers

Posted on February 23, 2022

Photo by Olivia Matheson-Mowers

Sitting in his newly opened bubble tea shop located in Toronto’s vibrant Danforth community, Tung Nguyen doesn’t believe that he’s achieved success but has enjoyed every moment of the journey that has led him here.

“I believe that true success is always being open to growing and redefining your success as you continue your journey,” he explains. “The real success is seeing how much you’ve grown on your way.”

Big dreams for life in Canada

When Nguyen first came to Canada from Vietnam at 16 years old, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do or who he wanted to be.

He originally settled down in a small town tucked away in central Alberta where he earned his high school diploma. He lived a very sheltered life that provided a close-knit community of international students and attentive caregivers.

“It was comfortable,” he says. “But it didn’t offer me the opportunities I had dreamed about when I first moved to Canada. I felt very confined to what I could do while living there.”

Self-fulfilling creative pursuits

To push himself to grow, Nguyen moved to Toronto. It was initially very lonely and isolating but it encouraged him to put himself out there and form connections. Unsure of his end-goal, he decided to immerse himself within the local art scene by working on multiple commissioned art pieces. It allowed him to apply his creative talent to a wide range of projects including portrait paintings and mixtape covers for local musicians. He was also able to expand his personal network by participating with group mural paintings for various Toronto neighbourhoods.

While his time on the art scene didn’t result in any significant monetary value, it was a liberating experience. He explains that in Vietnam, there is a pre-designed career route and a strict timeline for specified milestones. The freedom to be able to engage in a purely self-fulfilling act is something he believes is unique to Canada.

“That’s one of the things I love most about Canada, is that you can take your time to figure out who you want to be,” he says. “You have the freedom to develop your own identity.”

Immersing Canadian identity with cultural roots

It’s a freedom that Nguyen has enjoyed, but warns that it can have its disadvantages. As he continued to construct his identity, he experienced moments of losing his connection to his roots, something that left his parents feeling confused and disappointed. It was a wake-up call to Nguyen that he needed to find a way to grow but still hold on to his culture.

“We have a saying in Vietnamese that roughly translates as, ‘become a mixture but don’t dilute,’” he says. “You have to find that balance and I struggled with that for a long time.”

For other newcomers struggling with achieving a balance between their new Canadian identity and their roots, Nguyen advises them to find what works best for them. That could mean having designated phone calls with your family once a week or introducing and celebrating traditional holidays with your Canadian friends.

“There’s no set definition, it’s something very personal,” he says. “For me, living in Toronto helped because I had access to Vietnamese communities while also being able to interact with people from other cultures. It takes a long time but you can find that happy middle.”

Self-discovery in customer service

After incorporating his roots into the identity he had formed while living in Canada, Nguyen continued his journey of self-discovery. He took on part-time jobs within the customer service industry, primarily in popular coffeehouse chain shops. While it was initially a way to pay his bills, he began to notice he possessed a natural talent for building connections with customers. It also allowed him to develop his leadership skills, as he motivated diverse teams to deliver top-notch service with a smile.

To grow his customer service skills, Nguyen enrolled in George Brown’s hospitality program, where he earned top marks and graduated with honours. He credits his academic success with the freedom that Canada provided him to find something he was truly passionate about.

“It was my first time really focusing on school, because I was ready, ”he says. “I didn’t rush into something just to make everyone else happy.”

Coping with professional setbacks

Upon his graduation in early 2020, Nguyen secured an internship placement at a prominent hotel located within Toronto. It felt like everything was lining up perfectly—until the COVID-19 pandemic hit. His internship was cancelled and his hospitality career goals seemed impossible to achieve.

Initially he felt discouraged and lost, however, he reminded himself that he had faced other uncertain moments and it was all part of his journey. He remained open-minded to other opportunities and took up various construction jobs to fill his time. The experience opened his eyes to the realization that he didn’t want to rely on other people anymore—he wanted to be his own boss.

Transitioning into a business owner

Nguyen’s patience and open-minded outlook eventually paid off when an acquaintance who remembered his talent for customer service approached him with a business partnership. Together, they decided to franchise a shop with Gong Cha, a popular bubble tea chain. His partner handles the project management aspects of the business, while Nguyen manages the operations and day-to-day activities.

“It just all came together so perfectly,” he says. “Sometimes I think I was just lucky but I remember that I took my time and I gained all these experiences that made me capable of doing this job and doing it well.”

Advice to newcomers

Ngyuen’s overall advice to newcomers coming to Canada is to not be afraid of taking chances and be open to making mistakes. He recommends forming smaller goals, ones that allow you to grow but don’t feel unobtainable.

“That way, you’re taking small steps instead of looking down a road that feels endless and hopeless, which will just leave you discouraged,” he says. “Just keep moving in the direction of your goals and be proud of your little victories.”

To learn more about Nguyen and his bubble tea shop, check out their company’s Instagram page or drop by for a visit!

Instagram Profile: https://www.instagram.com/thedanforthcha/
Address: 451 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P1

Embracing new opportunities: Katayoun Ghanai’s journey in Canada

Embracing new opportunities: Katayoun Ghanai’s journey in Canada

By Helia Mokhber

Posted on February 23, 2022

A mother of two, a piano teacher, a book club leader, and PhD candidate, Katayoun Ghanai has truly done it all. Since moving to Canada in 2007, Ghanai has sought out and embraced every opportunity and followed her true passion: Music.

Life in Iran

Ghanai studied anesthesiology at the University of Tehran and began working at a hospital shortly after.

“I wasn’t happy with it because it was during the war time. And I had worked in operation rooms with many, many badly injured soldiers,” Ghanai said.

After a few years, she realized she couldn’t continue working in her position. She went back to university, receiving a bachelor’s in economics and a master’s degree in planning and development in economics.

Though her true passion lay in music, a passion she indulged in throughout her life. Ghanai began playing the piano when she was 10 years old after seeing a grand piano at her uncle’s wedding. She immediately fell in love with the instrument. She hoped to study music as well; however, the subject was not offered at any university in Iran.

“Actually, it was abandoned,” Ghanai said. “So I had to study it privately. In the beginning of the revolution, I had to study it really underground. My teacher was an American. And after the revolution, she had to leave Iran. So I had to look for another teacher.”

When she was 19 years old, Ghanai began teaching piano lessons alongside her studies and career until she left Iran.

Moving to Canada

In 2007, Ghanai and her family decided to leave their home country after her older son won the bronze medal in the Iranian Physics Olympiad and hoped to start his university studies in Canada. The decision to immigrate was quite sudden.

“We had no plans, nowhere to stay, nothing. And we just decided to go. And we all came to Canada with him. […] My other son finished his school here, his fourth year of elementary school, and we packed and came here.”

As a newcomer, Ghanai and her family had to start over. Her husband travelled back and forth between Iran and Canada, so Ghanai was left with her two sons who also had to adjust to a new life in a foreign country.

“We didn’t know anybody here. That was our challenge. My husband stayed with us for three months, and he left. So for the first years, he would go back and forth. And I was here alone with two kids with an eight years age difference.”

Life in Canada

A few months after settling in Canada, Ghanai turned to her passion, music, to not only find a sense of familiarity with her old life but to find a community in her new city. She completed the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams and received her license to teach piano as an RCM teacher. She started by teaching piano lessons to the new friends she made in Toronto and gradually found a network of students that continue taking her lessons.

“We had just moved in, […] there was no furniture, there was only one piano, and I was willing to teach anyone willing to learn.”

Ghanai also became familiar with yoga philosophy and credits her learnings and meditation for the gradual adjustment to her new life in Canada. Realizing she now had the chance to study what she truly wanted to pursue, Ghanai combined her lifelong passion for music with her newfound interest in spirituality and healing and decided to study the healing power of music.

“I was very interested in music therapy and the healing aspects of music, beyond entertainment, so I applied to university. And it was interesting because I didn’t have any degree in music. So I never thought that they would accept me into a graduate program. I was willing to go to undergrad because I wanted to learn.”

She completed a graduate degree in neuroscience and then pursued a PhD in music, studying the effect of music on the brain. She is currently less than two years away from finishing her degree.

Greatest success

While she has found success in her academic life and career, she defines her greatest success as taking care of herself and her family amidst their immigration journey.

“I’m so proud of myself that I could handle all these years, for myself, for my kids and for my husband.”

She has not only found her community but has also created a community for others through her piano classes and book club. What initially began as a discussion amongst two friends regarding a favourite book turned into a book club with 23 members.

Advice for newcomers

When asked to share any advice for newcomers to Canada, Ghanai advises that you discover and then embrace the tools that can help you adjust to your new life. These tools can be as simple as reigniting a passion project you used to pursue back home or taking on new opportunities.

“I just want to tell everybody who has immigrated to Canada that this is a great country with lots of opportunities. Everybody can do whatever their passion is or has been; everybody can do whatever they want. They just need to find the right path. And never think it’s too late.”

Diana Gallego’s journey from refugee to the associate director of a refugee centre

Diana Gallego’s journey from refugee to the associate director of a refugee centre

By Helia Mokhber

Posted on February 23, 2022

Photo courtesy of Diana Gallego

Human rights lawyer and social activist, Diana Gallego has dedicated her life to advocacy and social justice. A dedication she continues to embrace as the associate director of the FCJ Refugee Centre, where she helps immigrants and refugees every day. Her story is truly inspiring.

Life in Colombia

When Gallego was in high school, her family and 20 others became involved in a land dispute with the Colombian government. Feeling the need to protect the rights of the families, she started on a path that would eventually bring her to a new life in Canada. She was the first in her family to go to university, and became a human rights lawyer.

In law school, she met her husband, Luis Alberto Mata—who she describes as “a person rooted in social justice.” They began working with members of their community, becoming peace counsellors of their region. They criticized the paramilitary groups that were active at the time, forcing her and her husband to flee Colombia for a year.

“At that time, a lot of human rights defenders were killed or displaced. And many people didn’t want to go to exile, so there was a program that human rights defenders were able to go for a year to Spain and then come back. Then, we decided to come back.”

Leaving Colombia

Gallego began working for Reiniciar, a human rights organization that assists victims of human rights violations. Her involvement with the organization made her family a target. Despite facing threats, they continued fighting for justice and became internally displaced in Colombia. In 2002, their son was threatened, which forced Gallego and her husband to think about permanently leaving their home country.

On December 16, 2002, Gallego and her family came to Canada and claimed refugee protection.

Arrival in Canada

Despite finding safety and comfort in Canada, Gallego faced many challenges as a newcomer. She spoke little English and found it very hard to navigate her new country. She was unfamiliar with the landscape, language, community, and people.

“It was difficult, even to go and buy things. My husband was able to speak a little English, but to understand was difficult for him. But I couldn’t even understand, I couldn’t speak. I was just saying ‘Hello.’”

Apart from feeling alienated due to the language and cultural barriers, Gallego and her husband also felt guilty for leaving their country. They felt the urge to return and continue fighting for justice, making their first few years in Canada extremely challenging. To combat this urge, Gallego began distancing herself from the person she was in Colombia.

“I didn’t want to talk about Colombia. I didn’t want to be around anyone from Colombia, […] because that was my way to survive,” Gallego said.

Adjusting to a new life

Fortunately, Gallego began to gradually adjust to her new life in Canada; an adjustment she credits to two factors: The Mennonite New Life Centre and art therapy.

At the time of her arrival, the Mennonite New Life Centre offered their services to Gallego and her family. The centre serves as a community-based agency that offers resources and helps newcomers adjust to their new lives. They assisted in registering Gallego and her husband in English as second language (ESL) classes and finding them an apartment. At the centre, Gallego met and related to other newcomers from Central America. Gallego also understood and expressed her feelings through art therapy—a therapeutic process where creativity and art can facilitate emotions and healing. Art therapy helped Gallego unpack her feelings of guilt and homesickness and adjust to her new life.

Gallego said, “After many years, I realize, okay it doesn’t affect me anymore. I was able to have friends from Colombia. I realized I didn’t want to go back.”

FCJ Refugee Centre

With this adjustment, her strive for advocacy and helping others renewed. Gallego completed the community worker program at George Brown College. She began volunteering and then working at the FCJ Refugee Centre. Located in Toronto, the centre offers resources and advice to refugees and immigrants, and helps combat the systemic issues they often face.

Photo courtesy of Diana Gallego

Gallego defines her greatest success as being able to be with her family and have the opportunity to follow her passion working for social justice and helping immigrants.

Using her expertise in law, she helps refugee claimants fill out immigration forms, complete humanitarian and compassionate applications, appeal cases rejected by the refugee protection division, and connect immigrants with a lawyer when necessary. As the associate director of the centre, she continues to help clients as she oversees these operations.

“I’m really happy. I think it’s one of the most beautiful jobs that I have in my life. […] I was a refugee here. And now I’m somebody that opens the door at FCJ, and in the morning, I have a family of refugees waiting for us with the baggage from the airport. It’s really special for me to have this opportunity.”

Advice for newcomers

When asked to share any advice for newcomers hoping to adjust to a new life in Canada, Gallego stressed the importance of volunteering and networking. Volunteering is a wonderful way to become familiar with your community and find people who can become colleagues, references, friends, and even family.

“Our ESL teachers, our mentors, became our family.”

Specifically for newcomers hoping to claim refugee protection, Gallego emphasized the importance of sharing one’s story.

“Work hard to prove your case and fight for your case, it is your story. Fight for your story.”

You can find out more about the FCJ Refugee Centre and all the resources they offer at: https://www.fcjrefugeecentre.org/.

Understanding Migrant Grief through photography

Understanding Migrant Grief through photography

By Helia Mokhber

Posted on February 23, 2022

1. Mirna Chacin alongside her installation “Reborn” as part of ” Subject to Change” Collective exhibition, Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival, Arts Etobicoke, 2019 / photo credit ©Tony Chang

Venezuelan Canadian professional photographer and visual artist Mirna Chacin immigrated to Canada in 2011 with her now-wife in hopes of finding a life of equality and inclusion. She recounts the decision to leave Venezuela in pursuit of a more accepting environment, saying “We’re aiming for a better life […] we’re aiming to be free and have equal rights.”

Starting over

Despite finding safety and comfort in the inclusivity that Canada offered and experiencing what she called a “kind of honeymoon with your new homeland,” Chacin struggled with finding her purpose. She achieved great success and recognition in Venezuela, receiving awards such as First Prize in photography by UNICEF Italy and The Francisco Hung’s Gold Medal. Upon finding herself a newcomer in a new country, she had to start from scratch.

“You have a previous life, you were known, you have some success in your home country. And then nobody knows you. And you exit a comfort zone—a comfort zone that is no longer there,” Chacin said.

Though she did not realize at the time, she began experiencing what most newcomers struggle with at one point: migrant grief.

“Over time, you start to see that you are not just homesick or depressed, but you are grieving because you have another life. And when you came here, everything stopped. There is not a continuation with the life you bring to the new country, there is no pause, and you continue. No, you have to start over from the beginning.”

A new beginning

Chacin turned to her passion, photography, aiming to understand her experience and feelings. She began taking photographs of everything around her new home—the lakeshore, the beach, the people. Finding striking similarities between her new home and her hometown of Maracaibo, she began to understand that she was experiencing migrant grief: grieving the life she left behind. Fortunately, this revelation also began her journey of finding comfort in these similarities and working towards making Toronto a new start.

She said, “I embraced Lake Ontario like my second chance to have a beautiful lake in my life.”

“What you have here is now your new home […] I realized I was convincing myself that this is the new home I have to embrace, and I have a second chance to do everything I didn’t do before.”

This experience gave rise to her wonderful photography exhibition, Where The Sun Rises—symbolizing a new dawn, a new beginning, and a new life. From the acceptance of grief came a journey to finding a sense of belonging.

2. Where The Sun Rises, 2019 ongoing public exhibition next to Sugar Beach, Toronto / Photo ©Mirna Chacin

Chacin became more engaged in her community and volunteered for the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto (MNLCT)—an experience she fondly recounts as it helped her recover her self-esteem and find a sense of belonging. She began to see and feel her contribution to the community. She noticed that most of the pictures on the centre’s website were stock images that failed to reflect the true reality and lived experiences of the clients at the centre. Instead, Chacin suggested that she take photographs of the clients to reflect the faces and stories of the community and began the MNLCT’s Image Bank Project.

From this project, Chacin gained a sense of belonging as she related to the stories she was capturing.

“I saw myself in the mirror of the other immigrants. And every time I went to their events, they were talking. I recognized myself in their words and that made me cry all the time because I say, oh, everybody feels somehow the same as me. They are struggling, they are starting over and their stories were always inspiring. That made me feel that I belong.”

Chacin no longer feels a sense of alienation and lack of comfort in her new home. She describes herself as “two persons in one, as a Venezuelan and a Canadian.”

Defining her greatest success as finding this sense of belonging, Chacin continues to immerse herself in her community. She has shifted the focus of her art to community-based projects with increased engagement with the audience, as is reflected in her latest ongoing art project, Elegy for Souls on Hold as part of ArtworxTO, City of Toronto’s public art program.

Curator Claudia Arana during a tour on the installation of Mirna’s “Elergyfor Souls on Hold” as part of ArtworxTO’s collective exhibition “Home(Land) Bodies of Water.”Photo credit © Mirna Chacin

After being unable to return to Venezuela after her sister’s death, she found a striking parallel between the experience of immigrants losing a loved one back home without having a chance to say goodbye, to the lives lost in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her latest ongoing project is a poetic memorial art installation that uses different new media elements to collect personal stories and help communities in the process of loss and grieving during pandemic times. Inan augmented reality installation, the audience can share portraits of those they lost during the pandemic.

Advice for newcomers

When asked to share any advice for newcomers hoping to find their own sense of belonging in their new home, Chacin emphasizes the importance of volunteering and joining local communities. These communities and centres create a welcoming atmosphere that allow newcomers to become familiar with others who share similar experiences, allowing for a sense of familiarity and belonging.

Specifically for newcomers hoping to find a sense of belonging in the art community, Chacin suggests joining local art networks and organizations such as the Neighborhood Arts Network, Toronto Arts Foundation, and Arts Etobicoke. She also suggests applying for arts community mentorship programs that provide immense support as artists navigate finding opportunities to grow in a new environment.

You can find outmore about Mirna Chacin and her work at: www.mirnachacin.com
You can also check out her latest exhibition at: https://www.artworxto.ca/artwork/elegy-for-souls-on-hold
To learn more and participate in the memorial project, visit: https://www.mirnachacin.com/submission-form

A tale of two Mastrangelos

A tale of two Mastrangelos

By Michelle Boon

Posted on February 23, 2022

Photo: Courtesy of the Mastrangelo family

Up until the COVID-19 pandemic, Rocco Mastrangelo Sr. would come into Café Diplomatico every day for lunch.

The founder of the Little Italy café opened the doors in 1968, and it’s since become a favourite spot in Toronto. Known for its sunny patio, it’s the perfect place for pasta or pizza, but Mastrangelo Sr. always brought a meal prepared by his wife to eat at the café. If anything, he would order a coffee a la Rocco—a shot of espresso served in a cappuccino cup.

“God forbid if the coffee wasn’t good,” his son, Rocco Mastrangelo Jr. said in an interview with The Newcomer.

Even well into his 80s, the founder would get up from his seat to teach the barista how to make a proper Italian espresso. It was this dedication to Italian culture and attention to detail that fueled Mastrangelo Sr.’s long career as a business man.

Mastrangelo Sr. died in April 2021. He is remembered as the patriarch of his family, a masterful business owner, champion of Italian culture, community leader, and a patron of the arts. Before his successes in Canada, Mastrangelo Sr. started as an immigrant.

Journey to Canada

Rocco Mastrangelo Sr. was born in Anzano di Puglia, Italy in 1933. He was a sergeant in the military and a true Italian patriot. The only thing that could separate him from his homeland was family. His parents and a few of his siblings had moved to Canada and needed support. Reluctantly, Mastrangelo joined them in 1958.

“My dad fought for Italian culture until the last breath,” Mastrangelo Jr. said.

Mastrangelo Sr. started by importing Italian goods for his first Canadian job at a gift shop. Eventually he started opening businesses of his own. These included a gift store, and Bar Diplomatico, which would eventually become the beloved Café Diplomatico.

At the time, there was nowhere for Italians to socialize the way they would back home. In fact, authorities discouraged Italians gathering in the 60s and 70s. The café was one of the first in the neighbourhood to add an outdoor patio. It was the perfect place for people to enjoy espresso, gelato, and the company of other Italians.

Patron of the arts

The café is one of Mastrangelo Sr.’s most famous successes, but according to his son, Mastrangelo Sr. took great pride in elevating Italian arts in North America.

Italian concerts were generally held at casinos at the time, but Mastrangelo Sr. refused, saying “that’s not culture.” Instead, he promoted acts at venues like Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto and Place des Arts in Montreal.

He also opened several movie theatres, including Cinema St. Clair, where he would screen Italian films. One of the business owner’s favourites was Zappatore. In this 1980 film, Italian immigrant, Mario, feels torn between his success as a New York City lawyer and his humble upbringing in Italy.

This familiar story deeply resonated with Italian immigrants in Toronto. It is no wonder that there were lineups to see it at Cinema St. Clair.

Mastrangelo grew his archive of Italian films and rented them out to other theatres across North America. Although Mastrangelo Sr. has passed away, he continues to share Italian film with students at the University of Toronto where his film collection was donated.

A family business

Mastrangelo Sr. also shared his love of Italian culture and business with his children. His son, Mastrangelo Jr., recounted being instilled with a knack for business at a young age, spending most of his childhood weekends working with his family. Mastrangelo Jr. did a bit of everything: Making gelato at the café, working at the cinema with his father, and helping his mother at the family gift store.

In part, Mastrangelo Jr. credits these early years for his later successes.

“Not only did it teach me a lot about business and responsibility, it actually gave me a foundation of the strength, and the guts, to stick out my head to do other projects.”

Photo: Courtesy of the Mastrangelo family

In 1995, at the age of 24, Mastrangelo Jr. penned a deal on the back of a napkin to become part owner of the café with his uncle and cousin. He used his lifetime of experience working with his father to continue his legacy, while taking the café to new levels. Mastrangelo Sr. founded the café as a place for Italians. His son sought to capture the multicultural community of Toronto…with soccer.

All nations unite at Café Dip

Beginning in 2006, the owner started promoting the café as a hub for all soccer fans to watch the FIFA World Cup. Not just Italians, hence their slogan “Where all nations unite.” The first run of the event was such a success, it was recognized by the world soccer organization itself.

“I got a cease and desist order from FIFA, from Switzerland,” Mastrangelo Jr. said. “My uncle was like ‘You ruined us,’ and I’m saying ‘This is a good thing for us.’ A little place on College and Clinton is being acknowledged by the world federation of soccer. This is crazy!”

Photo: Courtesy of the Mastrangelo family

After a minor setback with copyright infringement, Mastrangelo Jr. rebranded the event and it continued to grow. In 2012, he took over his old elementary school and welcomed 1300 soccer fans to watch the Euro Cup. The event organizer is currently preparing for the FIFA World Cup, which will take place in winter of 2022. To combat the Canadian winter, Mastrangelo Jr. added a new, fully-enclosed patio, so fans can stay cozy while they cheer for their team.

First and second generation success

Rocco Mastrangelo Sr. was not initially a fan of the cold, culture, or the coffee in Canada. There were some aspects of the culture he never grew to like, but it didn’t matter. He brought the Italian culture he knew and loved with him and created a community around it.

He was a success in business and promoting art, but there is one accomplishment that rose above the rest.

“His biggest accomplishment would have been his wife, my mother, ”Mastrangelo Jr. said. “She worked and kept the family united […] she was the backbone. She worked every day in the gift store and that was their foundation; that’s what kept their engine running.”

Mastrangelo Sr. and his wife, Virginia, created a successful life together. Their children, including Mastrangelo Jr., continue this legacy. In 1968, Mastrangelo Sr. opened the doors of what would become Café Diplomatico. Over 50 years of renting later, his son purchased the property. In some ways, the current café owner has followed in his father’s footsteps. In many other ways, he has forged his own path with the work ethic and business savvy he learned as a kid.

The café has changed over the years, but it remains a place for Torontonians of all backgrounds to gather. As Mastrangelo Jr. put it, “That’s the great thing about the Dip, it’s unpretentious, very comfortable.”

You can keep up with Café Diplomatico on their website, cafediplomatico.ca, or visit them for pasta, pizza, or a coffee a la Rocco.

How to spot job scams online

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on February 21, 2022

Navigating job scams is an unfortunate reality for newcomers in Canada. Immigrants need to find employment when they settle and may not be aware of the many scams out there. According to the Better Business Bureau, job scams are also on the rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sadly, fraudsters know that job searchers are now more vulnerable than ever, with many jobs not being a reliable source of income due to public health measures. This is especially true for the restaurant, fitness, and entertainment industries. Job scams take advantage of people who need to find work fast.

Scammers mainly try to access sensitive information like credit cards and bank accounts. They do this by using tactics that job hunters can learn to recognize. When searching for employment opportunities on websites like Indeed and Monster, looking out for some classic scam strategies can ensure someone doesn’t fall for a phony job post.

Word Choice

While legitimate job listings will present accurate information and speak highly of the company, job scams use sensational phrasing that sounds suspicious. Scammers may use enticing sentences, such as, “this is the job of your dreams!”

Furthermore, they may use appealing opener lines to draw people in. For instance, they may say, “No experience? No problem! Earn money sitting at home with no training!” The phrasing often sounds similar to an advertisement or a salesperson trying to sell you something. If the job looks like it’s trying too hard to advertise, chances are it’s a scam.

Scammers are also aware that people know about their tactics. This means they’ll use word choices that try to reassure job hunters that they’re legitimate. For example, a posting may say, “this isn’t just a get-rich-quick scheme; it’s the real deal!”

Asking for Payment

Decent job posts will never ask for upfront payment from applicants and new hires. If a potential “employer” requests payment, leave the situation and don’t contact them anymore. Also, it’s essential to know that even if an online job listing doesn’t mention a payment requirement, it may still come up during the hiring process.

Job scams may ask for payment for training problems, start-up kits, or simply to secure the “high-demand” position. They may also state they need money for background checks or supplies. Be on the lookout for ways they ask and their creative phrasing, as fraudsters are constantly reworking their strategies.

No Job Requirements

Many jobs require little experience. However, job scams will promise pay that’s too high for no experience, which just doesn’t add up. Real job listings also include duties and responsibilities, which are never included in a job scam post.

Another key sign of a scam is skipping the interview process. Legitimate jobs will always have some sort of interview before hiring, with many jobs having more than one interview. They may be over the phone, in person, or on a platform like Zoom.

Unrealistic Promises

Does the job listing promise instant wealth? Are there claims of making $2000 a week sitting at home? If a job listing boasts unrealistic, too-good-to-be-true guarantees, it’s probably a scam. Real jobs don’t try to rope employees by appealing to their wildest dreams.

A legitimate job posting will list real perks, such as healthcare benefits, paid time off, livable wages, and sick days. All job seekers should be on the lookout for these!

Lack of Company Information

When it comes to company information, fraudsters are purposely vague. Genuine job listings will direct job searchers to the company website.

Checking the employer’s email address is also a wise choice. It’s probably a scam if an email address is from a public domain like Hotmail or Gmail. Professional employers almost always use the company’s domain for their email addresses.

It Just Doesn’t Feel Right

When in doubt, always trust first impressions. During the job hiring process, things may feel strange as the “employer” begins contact. Maybe they try to reach out at unusual times, or there is a sense of urgency and a lack of professionalism in emails or phone calls.

The employer may even seem hostile or on edge, since they’re trying to take advantage of someone. It’s a good idea to be aware of these strange communications. Always try looking elsewhere for a job if things feel unprofessional.

Types of Job Scams

Knowing the tactics is just half the battle against scammers. It’s also helpful to know the types of scams out there.

Additional Resources

How to deal with ghosting

How to deal with ghosting

By Olivia Matheson-Mowers

Posted on February 14, 2022

What is ghosting and what to do if you’ve been ghosted

In the modern world of dating applications and social media platforms, it’s never been easier to get to know someone and form connections. Some of these connections can lead to friendships and romantic relationships but sometimes these bonds can be cut short without any warning or explanation. This situation is culturally known as, “ghosting” and can be a very confusing experience. Read ahead to learn more about ghosting, why people partake in this type of behaviour, and ways to cope if it happens to you.

What is ghosting?

Psychology Today Canada defines ghosting as abruptly ending all communication and contact with someone without an explanation. After cutting ties, all subsequent attempts to reach out will be ignored by the ghoster. It can feel as though this person has quite literally vanished from your life. There has been a notable rise of ghosting within the last decade, which is often connected to the increased use of social media and online dating applications.

While the term is often associated with romantic relationships, and particularly those formed online, it has recently been expanding into other forms of dynamics. Some examples of the recent expansions are friendships, familial relationships, employers, and employees.

Why do some people choose to ghost?

Due to the rise in ghosting, there has been lots of research and surveys conducted in an attempt to better understand this behaviour. Some experts believe that the anonymity and isolation offered by modern-day dating has made it a lot easier to cut contact. If a relationship primarily takes place online, it can create a distance between the two people and can make it easier to dismiss one another’s feelings. Also, there is likely to be few mutual social connections between two individuals who have been dating virtually. This too can make it easier to ghost because of the lack of social consequences.

Another potential reason could be the duration of the relationship. The ghoster may feel as though both parties haven’t put a lot of time or emotion into the relationship and don’t feel badly about cutting off contact. Ghosting behaviour has also been linked to individuals who believe in destiny and the idea of soulmates. The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that people with stronger destiny beliefs were 60 per cent more likely to view ghosting as acceptable behaviour.

Some researchers have also proposed that it could possibly be related to the ghost’s attachment style. Attachment style is a psychological theory that was developed by psychoanalyst John Bowlby and development psychologist Mary Ainsworth. The theory was formulated to explain the specific ways that we relate to others in our relationships.

There are four major attachment styles: Secure, anxious, avoidant, and fearful-avoidant. The attachment styles associated with ghosting behaviour are anxious and avoidant attachment. People with anxious attachment styles crave intimacy but will feel insecure about their relationships. Individuals who possess avoidant attachment styles are often uncomfortable with forming close relationships and prioritize independence. Both of these attachment styles can make it difficult to have vulnerable, difficult, and honest conversations, which can lead them to ghost someone instead.

Emotional impacts of being ghosted

Whatever reason someone has for ghosting, it can still be very hurtful. It can be a traumatic experience that may leave you feeling disrespected, used, and disposable. Ghosters don’t offer an explanation for why they’re cutting off contact with you, which can make you unsure of how to react.

It can lead to self-doubt, as you wonder why you didn’t see this coming or what you could’ve done to cause this. It can result in reflecting back to look for warning signs or things you could’ve done differently. Without the chance to communicate with this person and find out why they ghosted you, you are likely to never receive answers to your questions.

Ghosting can also be viewed as the ultimate form of the silent treatment, which is defined as the refusal to talk with someone who is willing to communicate. In serious cases, it can be a passive-aggressive form of emotional abuse. This similarity to the silent treatment has led some mental health professionals to label ghosting as emotionally cruel. It prevents the ghosted person from being able to express their emotions and be validated.

How to cope with being ghosted

Remember that you are not alone. While ghosting does suck and it’s not very nice, it’s unfortunately a very common practice in the modern age of dating. A 2016 survey conducted by the online dating site PlentyOfFish found that around 80 per cent of single individuals between the ages of 18 and 33 have been ghosted while dating.

The most important thing is to remind yourself that being ghosted is not any indicator of your worthiness to be loved. Ghosting doesn’t have anything to do with you but rather is a reflection of the ghoster’s own personal beliefs or struggles.

Instead of trying to understand why they ghosted you, spend more time with friends and family members who can support you. It can also be helpful to participate in activities that make you happy, like yoga, drawing, photography, or any other enjoyable hobby.

Also, don’t be afraid to date or form friendships just because someone ghosted you. There are so many wonderful connections waiting for you with people who will respect you, and appreciate all of your wonderful traits!

Canadian COVID-19 financial benefits for individuals

Canadian COVID-19 financial benefits for individuals

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on February 11, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and affect unemployment in Canada. Since 2020, the trend seems to be that Canadians enjoy some normalcy in the summer months. Then, fall and winter roll around, cases spike again, and the government introduces more public health measures and restrictions, leaving many jobless.

The federal government began providing financial aid for people experiencing job loss during the first lockdown in March 2020. Since then, these benefits have changed drastically, with more being introduced while others expire.

The pandemic may be coming to an end in the foreseeable future. However, it is important to understand which benefits exist if COVID-19 related unemployment trends continue for the next year or two.

Important information to remember

  • To apply for these benefits, individuals need to register for a My Account with the CRA and file their taxes.
  • These benefits are generally for people who do not qualify for employment insurance (EI). Find out more about EI eligibility here.
  • Repayment options are available for people who mistakenly apply for benefits or later find out they were ineligible.
  • Individuals cannot apply for more than one benefit at a time. They also cannot receive these benefits if they are collecting EI.

Current benefits

Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB)

The CWLB is available for individuals who have lost their jobs and live in a province with afull or partial lockdown. Canadians can apply weekly for any period between October 24, 2021, and May 7, 2022. Applicants can retroactively apply for previous weeks if they continue to be out of work. Due to past government trends, there is a chance this benefit will continue beyond May if lockdowns persist.

The weekly amount is $300, which is then taxed at the source, so applicants receive $270 a week. The CWLB is administered through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Apply for the CWLB and learn more here.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

The CRSB is a benefit that provides $500 ($450 after taxes) a week to individuals forced to quarantine due to the pandemic. This can be due to having COVID-19, being directed to quarantine by an employer or public health official, or being more vulnerable to the virus.

Individuals are eligible for six weeks of pay (they don’t have to be consecutive) and can apply any time until May 7, 2022. The government may reevaluate and extend the eligibility period. The CRSB is administered through the CRA.

Apply for the CRSB and learn more here.

Expired benefits

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

The CERB was introduced in the beginning of the pandemic when provinces began locking down. It gave people who lost their jobs $2000 per month. Newly unemployed people could apply through EI (using a My Service Canada account), or their CRA account. Benefits were paid weekly (CRA) or bi-weekly (My Service Canada) and were not taxed at the source.

The CERB ended in October 2020. Many people still refer to COVID-19 financial aid using the term “the CERB” since it was the first major benefit. Newcomers should know it is no longer available.

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

The federal government introduced the CRB as a way to phase out the CERB. The CRB had a more thorough screening process and was meant to ease people back into work, whereas the CERB was an emergency response to get funds to people quickly. It was meant for individuals who did not qualify for EI, was taxed at the source ($450 per week), and was administered through the CRA.

The CRB expired on December 23, 2021.

Additional resources

5 Ontario camping spots for the adventurer in you

5 Ontario camping spots for the adventurer in you

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on January 31, 2022
camping tents

Tired of suburban sprawl and city congestion? Plan a trip to one of Ontario’s gorgeous camping destinations for a change of scenery. From canoeing to stargazing, there’s plenty to see in the province! While some parks may offer equipment rentals, it’s best to pack your own. Call ahead and find out what you need to bring, so there won’t be any surprises.

1. Killarney Provincial Park

  • Location: 960, Highway #637, Killarney, ON P0M 2A0
  • Activities: Hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, winter trails available
  • Contact: 705-287-2900

Boasting gorgeous mountain ridges, pink granite rocks along Georgian Bay, and spectacular lakes for swimming, Killarney is one of the most beloved recreational parks in Ontario. The Georgian Lake campgrounds offers you spaces to put up your tents or trailers, and gives you access to the park’s beaches, canoeing spots, and hiking trails. With gorgeous colours on display around fall, and winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing available, Killarney Provincial Park is a great place to visit any time of the year.

2. Bruce Peninsula National Park

  • Location: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd, Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
  • Activities: Beach, scuba diving, mountain climbing, fishing
  • Contact: pc.bruce-fathomfive.pc@canada.ca / 519-596-2233 / 1-888-773-8888 (toll free)

The rugged rock faces and crystal-clear waters of Bruce Peninsula National Park are an experience unlike any other. Smooth hiking trails and challenging rocky paths open up to the picturesque Grotto, offering lakeside caves, beaches, cliff diving, and climbing opportunities for the most adventurous travelers. Camping options here are extensive: Self-serve backcountry campgrounds for experienced campers, frontcountry camping with amenities on the Cyprus Lake Campground, and unique wooden tent-like structures called yurts which you can book (offering fire pits, decks and more comfort than tents.) Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned explorer, Bruce Peninsula National Park has something you’ll love.

forest trail

3. Algonquin Provincial Park

  • Location: Highway #60, P.O. Box 219, Whitney, ON K0J 2M0
  • Activities: Biking trails, hiking trails, fishing, skiing and backcountry camping in the winter
  • Contact: 705-633-5572

Much like Bruce Peninsula, Algonquin Provincial Park offers a wide range of camping experiences. For pitching tents and taking in the wilderness, there are campgrounds available. You are also offered spots for RV camping. Yurts are also found here, as well as rentable lodges for a more comfortable stay. For a unique experience, you can also book one of the old ranger cabins shrouded in the woods (which don’t have electricity or running water—can’t make things too easy!) Algonquin also has great fishing spots if you’d like to try your hand at the ancient tradition.

4. Rainbow Falls Provincial Park

  • Location: P.O. Box 280, 1004 Highway 17, Terrace Bay, ON P0T 2W0
  • Activities: Lake swimming, hiking trails, canoeing, summer discovery program
  • Contact: 807-824- 2298

As the name suggests, this park is home to gorgeous waterfalls hidden among the wooded campgrounds along Lake Superior. Cascading streams and rocky trails make hiking here a unique experience. Camping areas are fitted with comfort stations (which usually include toilets and may have showers.) The spots are spread across the Whitesand and Rossport campgrounds, each offering a slightly different camping ambience—so you can keep coming back! For a well-rounded, classic camping experience, Rainbow Falls is a great choice.

tent at night

5. Gordon’s Park/Manitoulin’s Eco Park

  • Location: 18777, Highway #6, Tehkummah, Manitoulin Island, ON P0P 2C0
  • Activities: Stargazing, astronomy events, cabin camping, hiking, fishing
  • Contact: reservations@gordonspark.com / 705-859-2470

Perhaps the most unique on this list, Gordon’s Park (or Manitoulin’s Eco Park) specializes in astronomy events, nighttime camping, and stargazing. All campgrounds come with a picnic table, fire pit, cooking stand, and parking for one vehicle (with more parking available in a nearby communal space.) You can also rent a locally crafted tipi, built to protect against elements and provide a comfortable camping experience. There are also cozy wooden cabins you can book for up to four people, each with its own private little campsite for outdoor activities. The park’s itinerary for group activities includes planned astronomy and stargazing activities, including night-time hiking trips through the woods! Whether you’re interested in seeing the grandeur of the Milky Way or just want a cozy camping experience, Gordon’s Park is perfect for you.

4 Tips for speaking English with confidence

4 Tips for speaking English with confidence

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on January 31, 2022
friends talking

Learning a second language isn’t an easy process. Even though learning a new language helps improve brain function, taking on this challenge as an adult can be especially difficult. This is because of societal pressure or stigma against those who cannot speak a language fluently. Adults may also overthink and overanalyze new language rules. So, as an English language learner (ELL), what can you do to gain confidence when speaking in English?

1. Build up your vocabulary

One of the main reasons you may lack confidence when speaking English might be because your vocabulary is limited.

You can learn more sentences by reading books in English and memorizing phrases in front of a mirror. You can also watch English TV shows and try to write down common phrases, sayings, and exclamations.

2. Take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes

Not everyone has the resources and determination to learn a new language on their own. Sometimes, people need the help of someone skilled and patient enough to teach them. There are many free ESL programs and classes offered for newcomers in community centres, school boards, public libraries, and post-secondary school institutions. Once enrolled, you will be able to get guided help from a teacher or tutor and learn alongside other ELLs.

3. Practise with trustworthy English speakers

If you are still afraid of making a mistake in English or being made fun of, you can practise speaking the language with only one or two people first. They should be people who are fluent in the language and willing to correct you if you make grammatical errors.

message about mistakes

While you may feel more comfortable speaking English with someone who has the same level of English proficiency as you, you will benefit more from hearing someone speaking the language properly and correcting your mistakes.

You shouldn’t feel self-conscious in any way around the people you practise speaking English with, so choose a conversation partner you trust.

4. Immerse yourself!

Once you have developed your vocabulary, taken ESL classes, and practised speaking with a few trustworthy people, you can start speaking English with people outside of your small learning bubble.

friends talking

You can practise speaking with restaurant servers, grocery store clerks, security guards, librarians, people walking their dogs, and anyone you think looks friendly. You can also speak to people at networking events and other socializing events, such as a birthday party or wedding.

As your proficiency improves, so will your confidence, and you will find that people won’t judge you when you make mistakes, after all learning a new language is impressive, no matter your skill level.  

Finding a part-time job for teenagers

Finding a part-time job for teenagers

By Delaney Rombough

Posted on January 31, 2022
barista
Lots of teenagers in Canada have a part-time job where they work after school, on the weekends, or in the summers. Part-time jobs are a great way for teenagers to start making their own money, gain independence, and learn about responsibility.

Where to find a job

There are many sources where teenagers can find part-time work such as Indeed.ca, Canada Youth Works, Charity Village, and Workopolis. If you know what company you’d like to work for, you can also check out the careers page of the company’s website and apply online, or print out a copy of your resume and take it directly to the business. It should be noted that some companies don’t accept paper résumés and may ask you to apply online.

Here are some of the most common places where teenagers find work.

Fast food restaurants such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Tim Horton’s or A&W

Responsibilities: Preparing food and drinks, taking orders at the drive-thru, processing cash and card transactions, assembling orders, or cleaning the store.
resturaunt staff

Grocery stores such as Sobeys, Loblaws, Food Basics, or Longo’s

Responsibilities: Stocking shelves, being a cashier and handling cash and card payments, bagging groceries, keeping the store clean, and assisting customers.

Movie theatres

Responsibilities: Scanning tickets, cleaning the theatres after showings, preparing food and drinks, selling tickets and snacks, and handling cash and card transactions.

Retail stores

Responsibilities: Organizing inventory, stocking shelves, preparing online orders for delivery, assisting customers to find items, being a cashier and processing cash and card transactions, including purchases and returns, and keeping the store clean and organized.

Lifeguard at a local pool

Responsibilities: Teaching swimming lessons, supervising public swims, ensuring all pool rules are followed and that everyone is safe, or performing CPR or first aid when necessary.

Additional qualifications and certifications are required to be a lifeguard.

Summer camps

Responsibilities: Supervising children ages 4 to 12, planning age-appropriate activities, cleaning up at the end of the day, using appropriate behaviour management techniques, ensuring the safety of all campers.

Additional certifications such as first aid and CPR may be required.

Summer camps only run during July and August.

Canada Summer Jobs program

Jobs offered through the Canada Summer Jobs program are also great options for youth. This program is an initiative by the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to help young Canadians develop skills and gain paid work experience. Young people ages 15 to 30 are welcome to participate. The program provides opportunities for young people to find work at non-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector companies with fewer than 50 employees. These positions are usually contracts for eight to 12 weeks.

For more information about employment resources, check out this article.

Camping tips for newcomers

Camping tips for newcomers

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on January 31, 2022
camping

When newcomers come to Canada, they might seek fun social, overnight activities to keep busy during the summer. Camping is a fun outdoor summer activity where people can get fresh air and create new memories with their family and friends. Campers can explore Canadian campsites, sleep under the stars, and spend a night away from home. For beginners, camping can be a bit difficult, so below are some tips on how to get started.

1. Purchase a tent

Tents are portable and adaptable shelters for people to gather and sleep in. With a tent, it’s important to choose one that is a couple of sizes bigger than the number of people who will be sleeping inside it. A tent that is overcrowded can be uncomfortable and take away from the fun camping experience.

2. Purchase sleeping bags

For people who don’t have sleeping bags, it’s a good idea to purchase one, since the ground underneath the tent will be hard. Even during the summer, the temperature can drop at nighttime, so it’s important to have an extra layer of protection.

3. Practise pitching the tent

Once a tent is purchased, campers should try practising pitching the tent in their backyard, just so they have an idea of how long it will take and how to do it properly. This will help ensure campers know how to set it up and take it down, and will be equipped to handle any potential issues or mishaps before they get to the campsite.

pitching a tent

4. Choose the campsite

It is important for first-time campers to choose the right location for their camping trip. When researching a campsite, a camper can look for whether the area is child-friendly (if young children will be joining), dog-friendly, and has facilities like toilets and showers nearby.

5. Bring personal care, cleaning, and safety supplies

Some personal care items campers should be prepared with include:

  • hand sanitizers
  • soaps
  • towels
  • shower slippers
  • wet-wipes
  • toothbrushes
  • toothpaste
  • floss
  • feminine products

It’s also handy to bring:

  • trash bags
  • paper towels
  • a cleaning sponge for dirty dishes

Lastly, anything can happen during a camping trip—like an injury or a mosquito bite—so it’s essential to bring items like:

  • a flashlight
  • bug spray/insect repellent
  • aftercare for insect bites
  • water bottles
  • sunscreen
  • a first aid kit

6. Bring extra gear and clothing

Campers might also want to bring rain gear like boots, a raincoat, and an umbrella in case of unexpected weather. They can also prepare swimsuits and swimming trunks for taking a dip in a lake nearby. Bringing sunglasses, a sun hat, or visor would also be helpful for bright and sunny days. Lastly, it might be a good idea to bring hiking boots or comfortable running shoes for exploring the camping grounds.

7. Pack snacks, meals, and cooking essentials

Before campers go on their trip, they should plan their meals. They can bring some snacks like chips, pretzels, fruits, cut-up vegetables, and ready-made meals like boiled eggs, canned beans, and sandwiches. Some campers like to bring items to boil and cook, like soups and hot dogs. They can also bring wooden sticks to roast items like corn, sausages, and marshmallows. Other cooking items to bring include tongs, condiments, and sauces. Lastly, they shouldn’t forget to bring paper plates, cups, napkins, and utensils.

8. Bring entertainment

camping

There are plenty of fun ways to enjoy the outdoors! Campers can bring binoculars for bird watching, trekking poles for hiking, and cameras for taking photos. For entertainment close to the campsite, some campers like to bring books to read and cards, board games, and musical instruments to play. 

Taxes in Canada: A brief guide for newcomers

Taxes in Canada: A brief guide for newcomers

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on January 31, 2022
paperwork
It’s definitely not exciting, but paying your taxes is an integral part of life for any working citizen.

Your tax money goes to funding the infrastructure that keeps everything running. From maintaining public spaces, parks, roads and highways to funding emergency services, healthcare, old age security, and many more public services.

Depending on how much you earn in a year, the amount of tax you pay can change. If you’re new to Canada, please read the Newcomers to Canada 2020 pamphlet by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Although you’re going to get a brief overview here, the pamphlet introduces newcomers to Canada’s tax system in greater detail. This includes information on your Social Insurance Number, tax credits, CRA account, and more!

What’s a tax bracket?

Learning how much income tax you’ll be paying starts with tax brackets. Brackets are groups of income ranges, and the amount of tax you pay changes depending on which income range you fall into.

For example, in 2021, people earning $49 020 or less have to pay 15 per cent federal income tax. People who earn anything between $49 020 and $98 040 in a year must pay 20.5 per cent. Those who earn between $98 040 and $151 978 in a year must pay 26 per cent and so on.

In other words, the more money you make, the higher your income tax will be. These groups of income ranges are called tax brackets.

What’s a tax return?

T1 General Form

Your tax return is the document where you report your income to the government. The tax return generally involves a T1 General form, where you put in your personal information, all your sources of income, any scholarships or grants, tax credits you might have, etc. All of this is put together to calculate your income. How much tax you’ll pay is also calculated on the T1.

There are also provincial tax documents, which vary depending on your province. There are a large number of income tax forms available, and not all of them apply to you! Some forms are for corporate income tax, so look for “individual income tax” when you search for information online.

T4 Slip

Your T4 slip is where your employer declares your income, the taxes they cut from your income on your behalf, and any pension plan contributions and employment insurance deductions. The T4 is given to you by your employer and can help you fill out your tax return. You can learn more about the T4 form and what’s deducted from your income on the Government of Canada website.
paperwork
To make all this easier, it’s recommended that you order a full package of relevant forms, guides, and tax filing schedules from the government order forms and publications page. This income tax package is different for each province, so make sure you check which province you’re selecting in the list at the bottom of the page.

Federal and provincial tax

Federal tax is one thing, but you also have to consider provincial tax. Just like federal tax, most provinces will charge you a percentage of your income, and that percentage changes depending on your tax bracket. Alberta is the only province where provincial income tax is 10 percent no matter how much you earn in a year. You must pay both the federal and provincial tax every year.

The Government of Canada’s webpage on income tax for individuals is the best place to stay up to date on changing tax brackets every year. This page includes federal tax rates, provincial tax rates, and the manual process showing you how your tax amount is calculated.

There are free tax calculators online which can give you an estimate of how much you’ll pay, depending on your income and province. EY Tax Calculator can also show you how much total income tax you’ll pay—federal and provincial, combined—for every Canadian province. As all provincial tax rates are different, the total amount of tax will be different depending on which province you live in.

Credits, refunds and balance owed

Tax credits reduce the amount of tax you have to pay after your income has been declared. You can claim certain amounts of money you’ve spent as tax credits, such as contributions you make to long-term investments, like a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP).

Sometimes, you might have to pay a balance to the CRA after your taxes are filed. Other times, they might give you a refund! If you owe a balance, it’s calculated based on the numbers you put in on Line 43500 and Line 48200 of your tax return.

Line 43500 is “total payable” (the total tax you owe), and 48200 is the total amount from any tax credits you have. If your total payable is more than your credits, you need to subtract the two amounts—that’s how much you owe the CRA. If your total payable is less than your credits, the subtracted amount is your refund, which the government will send you.

How do I calculate and file my taxes?

calculator
First, let’s talk about deadlines. The taxable year runs from January 1 to December 31, and taxes are due on April 30 of the following year. The most recent deadline, April 30 of 2021, was for tax filings and payments for 2020, for individuals. The deadline for filing 2021’s tax returns will be at the end of April of 2022.

How do you file tax returns, pay what you owe, and claim refunds from the government? The government of Canada recommends four main ways to calculate your tax return:

  1. Tax software: The CRA has certified software—some free—which you can use to calculate and file your taxes online. Certified software services use NETFILE, an electronic system that submits your paperwork directly to the CRA. The confirmation comes immediately, and you can even get your tax refunds within two weeks, making NETFILE-certified software a fast way to do your taxes. TurboTax is one of them, being one of the best services in the market. Feel free to file with TurboTax or choose from a list of other free and paid-for certified services.
  2. A representative: If you don’t want to go through the hassle yourself, you can assign a representative to do it for you. This can be anyone: A friend, family member, a lawyer, or an accountant. Your representative should be someone who has a good idea of how the process works and ideally some professional experience in finance or accountancy. To authorize someone as your representative, follow these steps.
  3. Free tax clinics: If you’re new to the country, you are eligible for free tax clinic services. You can bring your documents and hand them over to volunteers, who will calculate your taxes for you, free of charge! You can either book an appointment ahead of time, or walk in without an appointment and wait for someone to be available. The clinic directory (at the bottom of the linked page) will help you find the nearest volunteer tax clinic in your area.
  4. Paper returns: If submitting online isn’t your style, you can send your tax return to the CRA by mail. You’ll need to choose your province on this website, and you’ll get access to both federal and provincial documents and any others you might need. You can click on these forms, download and print them, and fill them out by hand. You can also have them mailed to your address instead. When you’re done, you can mail them to one of these locations:
    • Winnipeg Tax Centre, Post Office Box 14001, Station Main, Winnipeg, MB R3C 3M3
    • Sudbury Tax Centre, 1050 Notre Dame Avenue, Sudbury, ON P3A 5C2
    • (Quebec only) Jonquière Tax Centre, 2251 René-Lévesque Boulevard, Jonquière, QC G7S 5J2

Paying owed balances

If you have a balance owing (where your total payable is higher than your total credits), you can make a full payment or go on a plan to pay it off over time.

There are plenty of options to pay. You can do so online through your bank, which usually takes five days to process. You can also pay the CRA directly with your debit card, which takes one to three days. If you want to use your credit card, PayPal, or Interac e-Transfers, you can use an external app like PaySimply or Plastiq (which usually charge a fee).

If you don’t yet have a bank account, PayPal or credit/debit cards, you can still pay any owed taxes using wire transfers. The wire does have to be in Canadian dollars. The details of what institution you need to send it to, and what personal information you must provide, are all listed here.

If you want to pay in person, you can do so in your bank (with a debit card or cheque), or at certain Canada Post locations (with a debit card or cash). Finally, you can send a cheque or money order by mail to the CRA, at the address of the Canada Revenue Agency, PO Box 3800 STN A, Sudbury, ON P3A 0C3.

Getting a refund

If your tax credits are higher than your amount payable, the CRA will refund you the difference. This amount is never fixed, as it depends on your numbers for the year. If you file online, you can get a refund in two weeks, or in eight weeks if you send your tax return by mail.

The fastest way to get your refund is to set up direct deposit in your bank for the CRA. This way, they can send you your refund straight to your bank as soon as it’s ready.

To check the status of your refund while it’s under review, you can call 1-800-959-1956. Make sure you have your full name, address, social insurance number, and line 150 from your most recent tax return. Alternatively, you can set up a CRA account, where you can check the status of refunds, insurance payments, and better track your financial footprint in Canada.

If you’re in a tight spot and need your tax refund right away, you can go to a discounter. Discounters are authorized to pay you a portion of your estimated refund immediately, when you file your return. When the CRA actually refunds you, the difference between that amount and the amount the discounter gave you will be their fee for this service.

Hopefully, this has given you some idea of how taxes work in Canada. Don’t be scared to reach out to volunteer clinics and other professionals if you need assistance, and good luck!

Sports in Canada

Sports in Canada

By Delaney Rombough

Posted on January 24, 2022
track runner

Sports are a big part of Canadian culture. Canadians enjoy cheering for their favourite hometown teams, watching, and participating in many sports such as ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, curling, baseball, and more. Hockey and lacrosse are the official winter and summer sports, respectively. Professional sports in Canada includes teams in many major Canadian cities that are members of American or Canadian-based leagues.

Hockey

Hockey is widely considered Canada’s national pastime. Men, women, and children play hockey at various levels of competition. Canada is a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), and the national team competes in the IIHF Men’s World Championship tournament and the Olympics. The Stanley Cup is considered the premiere trophy in professional hockey and is awarded to the top team in the National Hockey League (NHL).

hockey

The NHL includes teams from both Canada and the USA. Currently, the Canadian teams in the NHL are the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Montréal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Winnipeg Jets. Hockey is also a popular spectator sport. Hockey Night in Canada is a longtime national Saturday night television broadcast that features Canadian NHL teams.

Lacrosse

Lacrosse has been a popular sport since the mid-1800s. However, there is documentation that the First Nations peoples played lacrosse more than 500 years ago. The Canadian Lacrosse Association conducts junior and senior championship tournaments for both men and women in field and box lacrosse. Field lacrosse is played on a 100-metre outdoor field whereas box lacrosse is played indoors and is generally rougher and more contact-based than on a field.
lacrosse

Currently, the only active professional lacrosse league in Canada is the National Lacrosse League, based out of the United States. There are five Canadian teams in this league: The Vancouver Warriors, Calgary Roughnecks, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Halifax Thunderbirds.

Canadian Football

In Canada, the term “football” is often used to refer to Canadian football, a game that is similar to American football. Canadian football has its origins in rugby but has changed and evolved over time. Football is played at the high school, junior, collegiate, and semi-professional, and professional levels.

The Canadian Football League (CFL) is the only professional football league in Canada. There are currently nine teams in the CFL: The BC Lions, the Calgary Stampeders, the Edmonton Elks, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Toronto Argonauts, Ottawa Redblacks, and Montreal Alouettes.

Basketball

Canadian James Naismith is credited with inventing the game of basketball. Basketball is most popular in Nova Scotia, southern Alberta, and southern Ontario and is mostly played at the high school and collegiate level. Saint Mary’s University, Acadia University, and St. Francis Xavier University, all in Nova Scotia, have particularly strong college basketball programs. The Toronto Raptors are the only professional team in Canada that plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA) league, which is based in the United States.

Curling

Although curling is of Scottish origins, it is one of the most popular sports in Canada and the most televised women’s sport. The first curling club opened in Montreal in 1807. The sport has gained popularity over the years. In curling, two teams of four send stones down the ice to try and hit the target circle. There are men’s, women’s, and mixed national tournaments every year. Canada has also traditionally done well in curling in the Olympics.

International and multi-sport competitions

Canada also competes in international competitions including the Commonwealth Games, Pan American Games, and the Summer and Winter Olympics. Canada has hosted the Olympics three times: The 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Canada has also hosted the Commonwealth Games four times in Hamilton in 1930, Vancouver in 1954, Edmonton in 1978, and Victoria in 1994.

Traditionally, Canada does well in winter sports including hockey, speed skating, curling, and figure skating. At the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada won 14 gold medals, the most of any country at a Winter Olympics. At the summer games, Canada usually wins most of its medals in athletics, swimming, diving, rowing, and canoeing/kayaking.

Out of school extracurricular activities

Out of school extracurricular activities

By Delaney Rombough

Posted on January 24, 2022

There are many opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities outside of school in your local community. Schools may not offer all extracurricular activities you want to participate in, but that’s not a problem. Many community centres and private organizations offer out-of-school extracurricular activities for young children, students, and adults.

Dance classes

Dance classes are a popular extracurricular activity among children and teenagers. Most cities have many private studios where you can take a wide range of classes such as ballet, jazz, hip hop, and more. Some studios may participate in competitions (usually in the spring), while others offer classes just for fun. Whether you join a competitive studio or not, you will likely have performance opportunities, such as a winter and/or spring recitals, where you can show off what you’ve been learning.
dance

Most studios offer classes and programs for children ages 3 to 18+. Prices and types of classes vary from studio to studio. To find a studio in your area, do a quick Google search of dance studios in your city. When choosing a dance studio, it’s important to pick a location where you feel safe, comfortable, and supported, so it’s okay to shop around. Some studios may even offer a trial class or two, to give you a feel for the studio.

Community theatre

Youth who are passionate about the performing arts may want to get involved in community or local theatre. Most major cities have one or more theatre companies, where performers of all ages and abilities can participate. Community theatre shows are often put on by local residents and are non-profit organizations. Community theatres generally put on three or four shows per year.

Auditions are usually open to anyone regardless of experience. If you don’t get a lead role, that doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the show—you’ll likely be given a role in the ensemble, which is still lots of fun. If you aren’t a performer, there may be other opportunities to participate such as doing costume or set design, or being part of the technical crew. Community theatre companies often rehearse for a couple of hours in the evening for one or two days a week or on weekends. You should be aware that rehearsal times may increase as the opening night of the show approaches.

Organized competitive sports

Most cities across Canada have organized competitive sports clubs and programs for children of all ages. There are programs for a wide variety of sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, hockey, gymnastics, and many more. Sports programs may be offered through local community centres or private organizations.

soccer team

There are often varying levels of competitiveness that you can participate in. For example, there are recreational sports clubs, often called house league, where you play against teams just for fun once or twice a week. There are also city teams, or rep teams, that are more intense when it comes to practice and game times and often require travelling between cities for games on the weekends.

Swimming lessons

Swimming is considered an essential life skill in Canada. Children as young as six months old can enroll in swimming lessons. These lessons teach children not only how to swim, but also how to be safe, confident, and comfortable in the water. Swimming lessons are often delivered at local community centres, and lessons are taught by certified lifeguards.

swimming

If you really enjoy swimming, you might consider becoming a lifeguard yourself. Learning to swim can make sure you are confident and safe in and around the water, so you can enjoy activities such as going to the beach, pool parties, and going to waterparks. Check out your local community centre for more information about swimming lessons near you.

Music lessons

Many children and teenagers in Canada play a musical instrument. Students get music lessons at school, but may not start playing an instrument at school until around Grade 7 or later. Instead, many teenagers learn an instrument outside of school. Some of the most popular instruments and music lessons that youth participate in are piano, guitar, drums, violin, and vocal lessons.

There are many private organizations and individuals that offer music lessons throughout Canada. Many of them have programs for youth starting as young as five or six years old and offer either private or group lessons. To find music lessons in your area, do a quick Google search.

Extracurricular activities are a great way to learn new skills and hobbies, make new friends, and do something fun. When choosing what extracurriculars to be involved in it’s also important to keep in mind the cost, time commitment, and the environment. You want to make sure you’re safe and supported while learning new things.

Getting involved in extracurricular activities at school

Getting involved in extracurricular activities at school

By Delaney Rombough

Posted on January 24, 2022

Extracurricular activities are a great way to get involved in your school, meet new friends, practice your hobbies, and learn new things. In Canada, most high schools offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities and clubs. All student clubs and sports teams are supervised and run by a staff member. Activities range from sports to academic clubs, so there’s something for everyone.

The arts

playing music
Many schools offer arts clubs and activities such as music and performing arts. Some of the most common clubs include drama club, choir, and band. Band and choir are great options for students who enjoy singing or playing a musical instrument. Students usually work on playing or singing a selection of songs and they often perform at school events and assemblies. There may also be opportunities for students to perform outside of school. Students in drama or theatre clubs may put on a play or musical for the student body once or twice a year. They may also participate in drama festivals such as the NTS DramaFest.

Sports

High schools often offer both recreational and competitive sports. Recreational sports are usually known as intramurals and students can often just drop-in to play sports at lunch time or after school. Intramurals are less competitive and students often participate just for fun and a bit of exercise with their friends.

Schools also have competitive sports teams. Playing competitive sports often includes tryouts, regular practices during the week, and games against other schools once or twice a week. There are usually teams for both boys and girls at the junior (Grades 9 and 10) and senior (Grades 11 and 12) level. Some sports, such as track and field and badminton, may be co-ed. For example, there may be a junior girls volleyball team, a junior boys soccer team, and a senior girls basketball team.

basketball

Sports are divided into three seasons: fall, winter, and spring. Seasons are usually eight to 10 weeks long. Students generally only play one sport per season due to the time commitment of practice and games. During the season, every school plays each other at least once. Then at the end of the season, there are playoffs where schools compete to be the district champion. Some of the most popular sports are basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, and track and field, but there may also be more depending on the school and the district.

Clubs

Many schools offer a wide variety of clubs. There may be subject-specific academic clubs such as creative writing club, science club, computers club, and French club, where students can continue to develop their knowledge of subjects of interest outside the classroom.

There are also usually a number of social justice or interest-based clubs such as book club, environment club, dance club, or anime club. These clubs are a great way for students to make friends with people who have similar interests and hobbies. These types of clubs tend to vary a lot between schools. If students are interested in starting their own club, they should talk to one of their teachers.

badminton

Schools may also have clubs that are part of larger local, provincial, or even national organizations. These clubs may include, Gay Straight Alliances (GSA), DECA, and Model United Nations (UN). There are often opportunities for students in these clubs to get together with the same club at different schools in the district for events, conferences, or competitions.

5 Low cost or free mental health services in Canada

5 Low cost or free mental health services in Canada

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on January 24, 2022
mental health

Canadian residents have access to free universal healthcare. That said, many mental health services, such as private therapists, are expensive in Canada. There are also lengthy waitlist times for free and low-cost services. As a result, it’s essential for newcomers to learn about more affordable and accessible mental health resources that don’t have long waitlist times. Below are five examples of free and low-cost mental health resources.

Access Alliance

Access Alliance provides mental health services to vulnerable people living in Toronto, Ont. Newcomers, refugees, and the LGBTQ2+ community can take advantage of 16 free one-on-one counselling sessions that last for 45 to 60 minutes each.

Access Alliance also provides group therapy sessions and expressive arts classes. The latter is a unique yet helpful way to release stress and tension. Access Alliance is beneficial for newcomers who feel alone and may be struggling to adapt to life in Canada. They provide services in over 180 languages and offer a safe environment in Canada’s largest city.

BetterHelp

BetterHelp is a virtual, low-cost counselling service available to Canadians. The cost is around $80 weekly, and you can cancel your membership at any time. It works by matching you with the right therapist after you fill in your details. You can choose to see another therapist on the platform if the one assigned to you isn’t a good fit.
holding hands

While BetterHelp isn’t necessarily cheap, you only have to pay once a month. If you’re spending $80 per week, this ends up being around $240 per month. In comparison, many private therapists charge $175 to $200 a session. If you prefer to see a therapist once a week, BetterHelp is much more affordable in comparison.

TeleCBT

TeleCBT is a counselling service offering virtual appointments. If you have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card, you can enjoy free services. As it’s covered by OHIP, you must be living in Ontario. You will need to book an intake appointment before receiving OHIP covered services.

TeleCBT focuses on using cognitive behaviour therapy to tackle a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, panic, OCD, social anxiety, and more. You can see the complete list of therapists and their focuses here. If you don’t have an OHIP card, standard fees apply. A counselling appointment with a registered social worker costs $125 and $225 with a psychologist.

AbilitiCBT

AlbilitiCBT is another virtual counselling program offering low cost cognitive behavioural therapy. The services are entirely free for residents of Ontario and Manitoba aged 16 and over. AbilitiCBT started offering services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal was to help people manage the stress and uncertainty of the virus and lockdowns.
self care isn't selfish

While the program is free for Ontarians and Manitobans, newcomer residents in other provinces can use the program for $125 a week. This cost does seem a little steep, but it is less in comparison to private therapy. As previously mentioned, private therapists can charge anywhere from $175 to $200 a session.

Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is a well-known Canadian crisis hotline that also offers mental health services to youth under 16. Youth can contact a crisis responder about issues like abuse, bullying at school, self-injury, and other types of emotional turmoil. Youth can also contact a crisis responder via text or Facebook messenger, which can be useful for kids or teens who are uncomfortable speaking on the phone.

Crisis responders then guide youth in the right direction and provide them with information on other Kids Help Phone services. For example, professional counselling services are available via online chat, which is open from 7 p.m. to midnight eastern time. All Kids Help Phone services are free of charge and available in English, French, and Arabic.

Other resources

Top 3 tips for dealing with homelessness in Canada
Taking care of your mental health
Coping with stress in Canada

Shopping in Canada: Rewards and loyalty programs

Shopping in Canada: Rewards and loyalty programs

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on January 24, 2022
gifts

It’s always a good idea to take advantage of rewards and loyalty programs. Investopedia defines these programs as ways retailers, credit card companies, and other businesses can attract loyal customers. They do so by offering ways you can redeem points for rewards, receive cashback, and more. They can help newcomers save money and purchase essential items and food when low on cash. Read on to learn about some of the most popular programs in Canada. We’ll also explain how to use them and what rewards they offer.

PC Optimum

PC Optimum is a Canadian rewards program that lets you earn points for grocery shopping. You can collect points at Loblaws supermarkets located in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec.

By downloading the PC optimum app, you can keep track of items worth the most points that week. The app helps you plan your weekly grocery list while also letting you rack up points for future groceries! 10 000 PC optimum points are worth $10. You can quickly get these many points within a couple of weeks or less if you pay attention to deals and high point items on the app.

You can gain and use PC Optimum points at other major Canadian stores, as well:

  • Shoppers Drug Mart (medicine, everyday essentials, groceries)
  • No Frills (grocery)
  • Joe Fresh (clothing)
  • Esso/Mobil gas stations (convenience, gas)
  • Real Canadian Superstore (everyday essentials)

grocery shopping

Scene

Scene is a rewards program offered by Scotiabank, a major Canadian bank, and Cineplex, an entertainment company and movie theatre chain in Canada. You can rack up points by using a Scotiabank credit card or a Scene points card.

Some of the most popular rewards people redeem with Scene points are: Cineplex admission tickets, snacks, and Cineplex at-home rentals. 1200 Scene points will let you redeem one free movie ticket. You can also use your Scene points at several restaurant chains. These include Harveys, Swiss Chalet, and Montana’s. Lastly, you can pick from a wide array of gift cards with your Scene points. You can see a complete list here.

Air Miles

Air Miles is a loyalty program that allows users to earn miles with their rewards card. With Air Miles, you have the option of earning Dream or Cash miles. The Dream program lets you earn miles for years to redeem a large reward, like a flight or expensive merchandise. You can redeem Cash miles more freely and frequently at stores. You can collect miles by shopping at specific Canadian retailers. Some stores include:

  • Sobeys
  • Metro
  • Foodland
  • Staples

Credit card rewards

It is an excellent idea for newcomers to build a credit history in Canada. Credit card history can help newcomers build a high credit score, which helps people secure loans, get apartments, and more.

credit card transaction

Many people don’t realize how utilizing a credit card can help customers rack up points they can use for different types of rewards. According to RateHub, here are some credit cards with great rewards packages:

  • BMO eclipse Visa Infinite* Card: This visa card can help newcomers save on groceries and transportation costs. For every $1 spent on gas, grocery shopping, and dining, users earn 5 points.
  • SimplyCash™ Preferred Card from American Express®: American express cards often have good rewards. This one lets you earn two points on all purchases. Keep in mind, some businesses choose not to accept American Express as payment.
  • CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card: With this card, customers can enjoy four per cent cashback on gas, two per cent cashback on groceries, transit and restaurants, and one per cent cashback on other purchases.
  • Triangle™ Mastercard®: With this MasterCard, customers can receive four per cent cashback on Canadian Tire (hardware and home items) purchases. They also offer 1.5 per cent cashback on groceries.

Tips for shopping with food allergies in Canada

Tips for shopping with food allergies in Canada

By Stephanie Reed

Posted on January 17, 2022
grocery shopping

Moving to a new country with severe or minor food allergies in your family can be overwhelming and stressful. As food is a necessity and eating is a part of everyday life, there is a small window to learn the allergy precautions in a new country, before needing to buy food that you feel will be safe for your family.

Fortunately, Canadian food laws require all pre-packaged food labelling to have the common names of “priority food allergens” listed. With half of Canadian households being impacted by a food allergy, there are more and more resources, precautions, and food options available in grocery stores and restaurants across the country.

Triple check the ingredient label

menu
When living with severe allergies, you can never be too safe. Avoid trusting the creative labelling on the front of packaged products, such as “soy-free.” Instead read the ingredients listed to be certain. This ensures you are aware of “may-contain” statements listed at the end of the ingredients list. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Canada requires any potential manufacturing cross-contaminations to be listed on the packaging. For example, it is required for the product to include a statement if the item was manufactured in a place where another allergen was present, such as tree nuts, eggs, and soy.

Do not buy from bulk or self serve stations

Avoid delis, salad bars, and bulk stores. Self-serve stations and bulk containers are not sealed or monitored for possible cross contamination of food. The serving utensils used at these stations could be used in multiple containers by customers, causing unknown contamination if you have severe allergies. The high chance of cross-contamination in these options can be avoided by sticking to pre-packaged and well labelled food options.

Be prepared

In the scenario where an allergic reaction does happen, it is best to have a plan in place. If it is your child who has serious food allergies, inform those around them—teachers, day care workers, peers, neighbours, family—of what to do in the situation of a serious reaction. It is also helpful to have those around the person with severe allergies to be aware of the symptoms:

  • Hives
  • Swelling
  • Warmth
  • Itching
  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Throat tightness
  • Stomach problems
  • Paleness of skin
  • Weak pulse

veggies

Reach out for support if you need it

Constantly being aware of every ingredient can be exhausting. However, as every other household in Canada has a food allergy present, you are not alone. There are mentorship groups for children with allergies, as well as webinars and support groups for parents managing their children’s food allergies.

Resources

In today’s society, there are hundreds of apps on fitness, dieting, healthy eating, and even allergy warnings. One free app (available for iPhone and Android) is the AllergyEats Mobile App. It provides a list of restaurants near you that are ranked according to an allergy-friendly rating.

There are also thousands of cooking recipes accessible online that are allergy friendly. One example is written by a Toronto author and photographer who lives with multiple food allergies herself. Her online cookbook is called Everyday Allergen Free.

For additional information on food allergies or non-food allergies (insect stings, medications, latex, etc.) check out Food Allergy Canada’s website for help.

The importance of playtime time for children

The importance of playtime time for children

By Abisha Sooriyathas

Posted on January 17, 2022

Upon immigration, many newcomers may feel pressure to succeed in their new country. At times, this pressure can be intentionally or unintentionally passed onto their children.

Whether it’s through buying curriculum books for their kids or entering them into after-school study programs, many newcomers wish to instill a good work ethic into their children. This could be because they view education as a means of success in their new country.

kid on a slide

In this pursuit of academic success, newcomers may not place enough attention on playtime for their children. Moreover, they may not perceive play for what it is—a learning experience. An article by The Conversation cites a study that found that many Chinese parents believed that too much play is a waste of time for learning. As a result, these parents were likely to limit or discourage playtime in order to increase academic learning time.

How can playtime help children develop?

However, according to an article published by the Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, children learn better when they are fueled by intrinsic motivations, such as play, rather than extrinsic motivations like test scores. The article also states that playing with parents and peers promotes emotional, cognitive, and self-regulation skills in children. These are all skills that enhance learning in both the social and academic sense.

Another study has shown that an appropriate amount of playtime can improve language and early math skills, such as numerosity and spatial concepts. In addition, playtime that involves physical activity has its own health-related benefits. This type of play promotes healthy weight, cardiovascular fitness, and the efficacy of the immune system.

The power of playtime for the children of newcomers

The power of playtime can be especially beneficial for the children of immigrants. Interacting with peers at school and after school can allow newcomer children to socialize with other Canadian-born children. This creates a space in which children can share aspects of their culture with each other. Through playtime, both newcomer children and Canadian-born children can learn and grow, creating an environment that fosters integration.

kids blocks

For these reasons, it is important that newcomers be reminded that playtime can be just as important as time spent learning and studying. In order to give your children the best possible chance at future success, it is important to give them a strong foundation to begin with. A strong foundation starts with taking their intellectual, physical, social, and emotional well-being into consideration to create a lifestyle that is healthy and balanced.

Common challenges when learning ESL

Common challenges when learning ESL

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on January 17, 2022

Learning English as a Second Language (ESL) is a long process that involves commitment and time. There are also some challenges that, as a newcomer, you might face. It’s important to understand some of these challenges and learn ways you can overcome them.

Finding the right tutor/teacher

Many newcomers need a teacher or a tutor to help them learn the English language. Generally speaking, this will cost more based on experience. A private English tutor can charge between $25 to $75 per hour. If cost is an issue, you can find someone with a qualified educational background and a handful of past students. They will likely not charge the highest amount, but will still have some experience.
student and tutor
You should also find a teacher or a tutor with TESOL or TESL certification and a Bachelor of Arts with English as their major. On the other hand, if you are a student planning on pursuing a specific career, you can find a tutor with a similar educational background. For instance, if you’re interested in engineering, a native English speaker with an engineering background may be the most helpful tutor.

The easiest way to find a qualified teacher may be to take an ESL class with other students. You can take a course online or in person. Here is a valuable ESL program directory that you can use to find the right program, depending on where you live in Canada. Young newcomers can also learn ESL in public schools. For example, the Toronto District School Board offers ESL classes to students.

Poor learning environment

While a lot of ESL learning occurs with your tutor or in a classroom, you will need to do your homework. Homework can be frustrating if you don’t have a safe, quiet learning environment. Sadly, this is common.

You may be in a small, cramped household. You may also have loud neighbours or family members. These are tough challenges to overcome, but you can do it. You can get a pair of reasonably priced headphones that should help tune out the noise or study at a friend’s house.

man on a laptop with headphones

If studying at home is too challenging, and you can’t find another place to learn, there should be a local library in your area. Libraries value the importance of being respectful to learners and offer a quiet space. Worldcat.org is a free online resource you can use to find a library near you.

Culture shock

Simon Fraser University notes several symptoms of culture shock. These include homesickness, boredom, isolation, and withdrawal. Experiencing culture shock can also have an impact on your ability to learn ESL. Many students already have their own ideas of what student-teacher relationships should be. Also, ESL students may struggle to learn if they feel the negative emotions associated with culture shock.

Over time, you will get used to your new teacher or tutor, as they treat you with respect and show patience. You will also adjust to being in an unfamiliar environment. Adjusting takes time, so don’t rush yourself. Soon, the culture shock will become less prevalent in your life.

Understanding slang

We haven’t forgotten to discuss the difficulty of actually learning English. Most languages are tough to learn, and you’re already doing a fantastic job by taking on the challenge of a new language. That said, one of the trickiest parts of learning English is understanding slang terms and colloquialisms (non-formal language).
scrabble tiles - keep trying

Keep in mind, British, American, and Canadian English all have different slang terms. It’s helpful to understand all of these, but you should first focus on Canadian English slang while living in Canada. However, it’s important to remember that you can still notice a lot of British and American slang in Canada.

You should ask your tutor or teacher to focus on slang and colloquialisms if you’re having trouble. Most people you’ll interact with will use slang or colloquialisms, so another great way to learn is to observe as much as possible.

Relying on native language

Naturally, you might slip back into speaking your native language from time to time. It is okay to do this sometimes, such as when you’re talking to older family members. However, it would help if you tried to speak English as much as possible while learning ESL. Practicing English whenever possible will improve your dialect and your casual conversation skills.

You may also worry about forgetting your native language. The goal is to become fluent in English while still maintaining your native language. Frequently switching back and forth between languages can make it more difficult to master English. The key is to adapt to English while preserving your native language, which takes time and practice.

Marriage: What does it change legally?

Marriage: What does it change legally?

By Stephanie Reed

Posted on January 10, 2022

Aside from the celebrations surrounding the union of two people, two families, and the start of a new chapter, marriage involves a significant number of official changes. There will be changes within your legal identity, as well as changes in your finances, shared rights, property ownership and more. Canadian law also dictates who can be married, who cannot be married, who can perform a legally recognized marriage, and what is required for a legal divorce. Knowing about these changes and criteria before tying the knot helps to avoid any uncertainties about the legal commitment being made between partners. The following article will break down these legal changes.
wedding bands on book

Requirements to get married in Canada:

For a marriage to be legally recognized in Canada the two people must:

  • Be 18 years of age (can be 16 to 17 with parental/guardian permission)
  • Not related by blood or adoption
  • Not currently married (if previously married, must have proof the marriage was legally ended)
  • Both people voluntarily agree to be married
  • As of 2005, it does not matter the sex or gender of the two people getting married. This was introduced in Canada with the Civil Marriage Act.

Financial changes

couple in front of a house

Joint banking, spending, and budgeting

When starting to share your life with a partner, you may have discussions about what you would like to have joined amongst one another’s financial accounts or assets (i.e. house, property, car). It is also frequent for couples to mark out shared budgeting, saving, spending expectations/goals to avoid major surprises or disagreements. This is a personal choice and varies from couple to couple.

Joining investments or deciding to keep them separate

If you or your partner started making investments prior to getting married, it might be a good idea to have a discussion on the topic of potentially sharing the investments or keeping them seperate.

Employment benefits and insurance

Getting married is a major life event especially when it comes to the joining of two separate homes, lifestyles, ownership. Full-time employment in Canada sometimes provides benefits surrounding dental care, eye care, physiotherapy, etc. When an employee with these benefits gets married, the insurance company will extend the coverage to your spouse (and children) when they are notified of the change in marital status. This will allow for your spouse to be added to your life, car, health, dental and home insurance.

Survivor benefits

The Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) survivor’s pension is a monthly payment to the legal spouse or common-law partner of a deceased contributor to the CPP. On employment pay cheques in Canada, a percentage of your income goes towards CPP. When a spouse or partner who contributed to CPP dies, their spouse will receive payments according to the Canadian Governments criteria.

Other changes

signing a document

Medical decision powers

In the case of a health emergency, you can name your spouse as your attorney of care, giving them the ability to make choices about your healthcare and medical decisions in a situation where you are unable to make them for yourself.

Change of surname

It has been tradition for women to take their husband’s surname in the union of marriage. This trend has declined since the 1970’s, with 30 per cent of women keeping their birth name in recent years. The province of Québec is unique, as there is no longer a choice to legally take someone else’s name on government documents. This law was introduced in 1981 stating women are to use their name given at birth for all legal documentation.

Are there legal changes with common-law relationships?

couple

In Canada, a couple who has lived together for at least three years or shared a child by birth or adoption and have lived together for one year, are then recognized by the law as a common-law marriage/relationship.

It is important to note, however, that the rights and legal differences between common-law relationships and formally married couples do vary from province to province. For example, in British Columbia a common law couple who has lived together for more than two years are granted the same rights as married couples. Meanwhile, common-law partnerships in Ontario have more restrictions, such as one can claim spousal support after separation, but not property division.

The reason for this difference among provinces is due to the fact that common law partnerships are not as defined and controlled by the Canadian law as a formally recognized marriage. There are still ways to explicitly define the “what-ifs” for common-law couples if they were to separate. The couple could make a cohabitation agreement, which is a legal contract that defines what would happen to their property, assets, or sharing of children, if the relationship were to end.

Bavani Sivananda: Turning wounds into wisdom

Bavani Sivananda: Turning wounds into wisdom

By Abisha Sooriyathas

Posted on January 10, 2022

On top of being a self-described spiritual seeker and belly dance enthusiast, Bavani Sivananda is a holistic nutritionist, certified yoga teacher, and a culinary nutrition expert. Although her long list of titles gives a brief glimpse into who she is, they only scratch the surface of her story.

Bavani grew up in a small village in northern Sri Lanka during the height of Sri Lanka’s civil war. After her dad was brutally tortured by the Indian army in December of 1989, Bavani’s parents began fearing for the wellbeing of their only daughter. Between her father’s critical condition and the lack of support they received from extended relatives, Bavani’s parents realized they needed to get their daughter to safety. This opportunity came to them in a marriage proposal which would allow Bavani to immigrate to Canada and start a new life for herself.

In 1991, when she was just a month shy of 18 years old, Bavani arrived in Canada without her family. By 19 years old, Bavani was married and working on completing her education in Canada. Because of her lack of academic records to prove her completion of high school in Sri Lanka, Bavani had to be tested upon arriving in Canada to discern which grade she would be put into. About this experience, Bavani said, “Learning to speak English fluently was the hardest thing. Being an introvert didn’t help either.”

The language barrier not only affected Bavani’s education, but also her social life. “At school, kids ignored me because I didn’t speak English,” Bavani said. “They would laugh or giggle behind my back.”

Naturally, this—along with other culture shocks—made it difficult for Bavani to feel as though she fit in. Luckily, this did not hold her back. Bavani gave school her all and graduated high school and a 3-year computer programming course at Humber college. By 1998, she had landed her first IT job right after graduating college.

In 2006, after the birth of her second child, Bavani made the rewarding decision to quit her career and become a full-time mom. At this time, she knew that she would not return to the IT field when she did choose to return to work.

When she began experiencing digestive issues (namely, Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and her son began experiencing eczema, her intuition told her to enter the health and wellness field. In 2010, when her son enrolled in kindergarten, she returned to school to study holistic nutrition. At this time, Bavani also began doing a diploma course in Yoga at Annamalai Canada campus in Scarborough, Ont. Talk about an expert multi-tasker!

Bavani began applying what she learned throughout her studies to her daily life and was amazed to see some of her chronic health conditions disappearing. It was through these changes that Bavani started her own holistic nutrition and yoga practice that is based in Markham, Ont. She is the founder of a 12-week online nutrition program called iControlIBS, where she offers nutritional counselling, coaching, and yoga classes to individuals who are suffering with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Bavani said, “My business was born out of an inspiration from my own health and life transformation, as well as my son’s health.”

When asked about what drives and motivates her, Bavani said, “Being useful to others and making a positive impact in people’s lives—at least in one person’s life—has been a fire burning within me since childhood.”

Bavani’s desire to help others is also connected to her spiritual journey. In 2015, she embarked on a quest of finding a deeper aspect of Yoga and underwent a 5-month intense training process in Classical Hatha Yoga. This process has allowed her to develop more awareness about life, existence, and what truly matters in the brief time we have on this earth.

Regarding Yoga, Bavani said, “Yoga has been a game changer in my life for many reasons, including giving me the ability to turn wounds into wisdom, and overcoming certain limitations, compulsions, and self-limiting beliefs.”

As for her experience in Canada, Bavani said that despite the subtle discrimination that she experienced, she is, “absolutely grateful that Canada has welcomed [her] into this great country.” Specifically, she is grateful for the ample amount of choices that exist in Canada in regard to education and career, and the stable life she has been granted as a result. After growing up in an environment in which she experienced a constant threat to her existence, Canada has provided a safe haven for Bavani and many other newcomers.

When asked about any advice she has for newcomers who wish to find success in Canada, Bavani had many words of wisdom. “You are unique just like anyone in this existence. Strive to be the best you can be, not better than somebody else or the best in the world—that is sickness. It is important to know both your strengths and your limitations. Accept who you are and where you are in your personal growth right now.”

In addition, Bavani highlights the importance of striving for success with others. “Get help if you need assistance in succeeding. There are many people who are willing to help! Never struggle alone.”

To read more about Bavani Sivananda, visit her website at https://www.bavanisivananda.com.

5 Unforgettable music events in Canada

5 Unforgettable music events in Canada

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on January 10, 2022

The music scene in Canada is deceptively quiet, but don’t be fooled! There’s plenty to see across the country, and illustrious festivals to match all your favorite genres. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just exploring your tastes, here are a few upcoming festivals to check out.

1. Shambhala Music Festival

  • Venue: Salmo River Ranch, Kootenays region, Salmo, B.C.
  • Main genres: EDM, funk, post-rock
  • Next available: July 2022
  • Ticket prices: $100 to $200 regular; $900+ VIP

festival stage

Held within the gorgeous riverside cedar woods of Salmo River Ranch, the Shambhala Music festival is one of British Columbia’s biggest cultural events. The four-day-long event features a long lineup of musical talent, art galleries, food vendors, forest lounges, and five spectacular outdoor stages and dance floors. Earlier years have shown a long list of artists performing at each stage throughout the event, including excellent Canadian talent such as BTSM and Bob Moses, and international performers like Seven Lions and Masego. Forest laser light shows, open lounge areas, an artisan market, and a good variety of music makes this an experience unlike any other.

2. Festival International De Jazz De Montréal (Montréal International Jazz Festival)

  • Venue: Quartier des spectacles, Montréal
  • Main genres: Jazz, R&B, soul
  • Next available: September 15 to 19, 2021
  • Ticket prices: $150 jazz pass; $300 to$1000 membership ticket bundle options

The Montréal Jazz Festival is a must-see for anyone exploring Canada’s cultural impact. The event holds a record for being the world’s largest jazz festival, and features an impressive lineup of artists performing in the heart of Montréal’s cultural district. Notable performers are Woodkid, Avishai Cohen, Portico Quartet and Macy Gray, playing world-class sets from classic jazz, to fusion and pop. The historic festival is being held this year under Covid-19 guidelines, and only outdoor concerts are allowed. If you’re looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, don’t skip this event.

3. Osheaga

  • Venue: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montréal
  • Main genres: Multi-genre
  • Next available: July 29 to 31, 2022
  • Ticket prices: $85 single day; $245 weekend pass

festival

The acclaimed lineup of artists from a long range of genres makes Osheaga a well-rounded musical experience. Like many other events, the 2021 festival has been moved to the summer of the coming year. Earlier lineups have featured household names like Childish Gambino, Hozier, The Lumineers, and Damien Rice, giving Oshaega one of the most prolific lineups. Definitely keep an eye on this event if you’re interested in experiencing some of the world’s favorite artists live.

4. RBC Bluesfest

  • Venue: LeBreton Flats Park, Ottawa
  • Main genres: Blues, pop, rock
  • Next available: July 2022
  • Ticket prices: $141.25 day pass (July 15); $292.67 full festival pass

festival stage

With blues as the driving genre, the lineup at RBC Bluesfest is surprisingly diverse, featuring industry leaders and upcoming talents. Earlier functions have featured bestselling stars like Shawn Mendes, The Foo Fighters, Muse, Bryan Adams, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and The Backstreet Boys. The outdoor stage set up in Ottawa’s sprawling LeBreton Flats Park is a far throw from the shrouded forests of Shambala, resembling the vast open flatlands where Woodstock took place. As one of Ontario’s biggest festivals, Bluesfest should definitely be on your list.

5. Heavy Montréal

  • Venue: Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montréal
  • Main genres: Metal
  • Next available: September 2021 to August 2022
  • Ticket prices: $65-$95 general; $300+ stage front

festival stage

Heavy Montréal is a year-round event that features some of the most influential names in the metal genre, hosting concerts from September all the way to August of next year. Prices will vary greatly depending on which artist you see and where in the stadium you purchase your seat. The vibrant Parc Jean-Drapeau provides the perfect setting for the all-consuming musical journeys that these artists offer. Upcoming performers include Megadeth, Lamb of God, Apocalyptica, and Rammstein. Whether you’re an old lover of this music or new to the genre, Heavy Montréal is an undeniably unique and enriching experience.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on January 10, 2022
two girls
Young newcomers can feel lonely when they’re trying to settle into their lives in Canada. This is especially common for only children and youth struggling to make friends at school. A mentor-mentee relationship can work wonders for youth. Today, we’ll look into Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and how the program can help a child achieve their goals and establish a relationship with a positive influence.

What is Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada?

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization that provides youth with mentors. They offer one-on-one mentorship programs. They also offer in-school mentorship that aims to guide youth through the experience of going to school. Lastly, they provide group-based programs that focus on healthy eating and other essential factors to a healthy lifestyle.

Depending on the Big Brothers Big Sisters location, there may be even more programs available for youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters is an excellent idea for newcomer parents who worry their child may lack direction or feel lonely. Understandably, many newcomers are busy working hard to secure a good life for their families. It may be a good idea for parents to take some of the burdens off themselves by looking into the program.
silhouettes of young kids
Big Brothers Big Sisters is also a great resource for youth with single parents and/or no siblings. For example, a young boy could benefit significantly from a Big Brother mentor if their father isn’t present. The same can be said for a young girl without a mother. Lastly, newcomer children without siblings can feel incredibly isolated if they don’t spend enough time with their parents and haven’t made friends yet.

How to get a mentor

The first step is finding an agency in the right area. There should be a “register a child” or “enrol a young person” link on that agency’s website. This will bring users to a contact form that can be quickly filled out and submitted. If someone is having trouble finding these links, they can simply call the location’s office. The user needs to make sure they’re on the right location’s website.

Benefits of having a mentor

A Big Brother or a Big Sister can have a huge effect on the youth they mentor. A child’s experience with a Big Brother or Big Sister can have a lifelong impact on forming healthy relationships. A mentor can also help youth understand their potential, reach their goals, and gain confidence. Spending time with their mentor may also be something they can look forward to every week. In a nutshell, a mentor can help a child by:

  • Recognizing potential
  • Achieving short and long term goals
  • Providing emotional support
  • Helping navigate discrimination and bullying
  • Learning how to form healthy relationships

leave your mark

Important links

  • This map shows the location of all Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies in Canada.
  • The national office of Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada is in Toronto, Ont.
  • Head office contact info can be found here.
  • Find a local Big Brothers Big Sisters location here.

Safe winter activities for kids

Safe winter activities for kids

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on January 3, 2022

In most Canadian provinces, winters last a long time. After New Year’s Day, many families can start to feel the winter blues as they wait for spring. Not only that, but kids heading back to school after the holidays may feel bored in January and February. Many newcomer families may not be aware of all of the fun winter activities they can enjoy.

snowy trees

Instead of letting your kids rely on electronics and watching tv, why not show them that the winter season can be fun? Let’s check out some safe winter activities kids can experience while they wait for spring!

Skating

Kids can learn to skate safely in arenas, outdoor skating rinks, and even fully frozen ponds and lakes. They can also choose to learn with figure skates or hockey skates, depending on their interests. Make sure you keep your eye on your kids while they’re learning. You should also give them protective gear, like a well-fitted helmet.

skating

Skating rinks are plentiful throughout the country. Some of the most popular rinks include Lake Louise in Alberta, The Forks in Manitoba, Emera Oval in Nova Scotia, and the Dufferin Grove ice rink in Toronto, Ont. Rural towns also have arenas and smaller ponds that people use for skating. No matter where you’re living, you should be able to find a safe skating rink in your area.

Snow tubing and sliding

If your kids feel a little down and bored during the January and February months, why not take them on a sliding adventure? Canadian Tire has many plastic saucer sleds that kids can use to slide down the first snowy hill you can find. Make sure you bundle them up in a snowsuit, gloves, a hat, and mittens before taking them sliding.

Check out this article, published by the Toronto Sun, on the best snow tubing spots in Canada.

Building a snowman

Your kids can have a lot of fun in the winter without having to go too far from home. After a big snowfall, you can get them bundled up on a weekend afternoon and send them outside to build a snowman. Assuming the snow lasts for a while, the snowman will remind your kids how much fun they had! To add to the experience, give them an old scarf, hat, carrot nose, and any other accessories that will make their snowman memorable.

snowman

Building snow forts

Similar to building a snowman, many kids enjoy building snow forts with dense snow. Forts can have multiple levels, fun designs, and last for a long time! Since they’re hanging out in the snow, the fort can make your kids forget how cold they are, so make sure you bundle them up. You can even make some hot chocolate with marshmallows when they’re ready to come inside.

Skiing

Skiing may seem like more of an adult activity, but kids can safely learn to ski too. Most ski resorts in Canada have small “bunny hills” that let kids learn the basics of skiing. Check out this article on bunny hills, sometimes called bunny slopes, for even more information on how they work.

A family ski trip is a great way to get your kids out of the post-holiday and back-to-school blues.

Here is a list of the most popular ski resorts in Canada. From Marble Mountain in Newfoundland to Whistler in British Columbia, many provinces have a ski resort. Ontario also has Blue Mountain, and Québec has Mont-Tremblant. Most major ski resorts have bunny hills equipped with instructors that will help your kids learn the basics of skiing.

Adult ADHD: Why it’s real, and what to do about it

Adult ADHD: Why it’s real, and what to do about it

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on January 3, 2022

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often tossed aside as a myth. An inability to focus on anything, keep track of deadlines, stay motivated, and get work done—all of this might just look like someone who’s exceptionally lazy, or uninterested. Acknowledging mental health as a real problem isn’t as obvious as a fever or a broken leg, for instance. The symptoms are harder to see, easy to miss, and far too quickly misunderstood.

ADHD

Children with ADHD (especially in societies where mental health is not a well-acknowledged topic) often face reprimand, because their families or teachers see them as lazy and unwilling to improve their behavior. While this discipline might have good intentions, undiagnosed ADHD can follow the child well into adulthood and cause a series of severe problems.

This article is written both for people living with ADHD, and the people around them, who might struggle with identifying and acknowledging this condition.

It’s all in your head! Or is it?

Much like depression, ADHD is a heavily misunderstood topic. Many believe it’s simply a state of mind, and doesn’t actually exist as a medical condition. This, among other myths, has been debunked repeatedly in many scientific studies over decades. Experts have confirmed that not only is ADHD a real condition, but it’s just as much a physical, biological problem as it is a psychological issue.

For example, studies have determined that the brain’s frontal-subcortical regions are what’s responsible for ADHD in children and adults. In this part of the brain, chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, belonging to a group of substances in your brain called catecholamines, are released in response to emotional stress.

These chemicals are very important, as they’re responsible for a lot of your day-to-day bodily functions. Dopamine, for instance, helps you control physical movements, sleep, kidney and blood vessel functions, and most relevant to this discussion—helps you regulate mood, feel pleasure, happiness and relief, and focus on goals. Norepinephrine is a chemical your brain releases in high-stress situations, helping you cope. It increases your heart rate, blood flow, makes you more alert and observant, and can help you focus better.

When someone has ADHD, these chemicals and other catecholamines have trouble being released. In short, there are chemical deficiencies. While the extent to which these chemicals are lacking may vary from person to person, this has been identified as one of the primary indicators of ADHD. When these chemicals aren’t properly distributed by the brain, it can result in a lack of focus, inability to concentrate and learn, loss of motivation, and could even lead to anxiety, depression, and other issues.

How does it happen?

The strongest cause of ADHD is genetics. Studies show that parents’ genes are the most likely and direct cause of ADHD in children, and by extension, in adults. The highest amount of evidence implicates two gene variants, DRD4 and DRD5, both of which are versions of the D4 dopamine receptor gene. These genetic variants, inherited from parents, have the biggest connection with causing ADHD, as studies have shown.

There are other causes as well, aside from genetics, which can both contribute to the formation of ADHD and aggravate its symptoms. These environmental factors have shown to be related to ADHD, but don’t have as much strong evidence correlating them to the disease as genetic factors do. These are considered to be things that can potentially contribute to the causation of ADHD, or make it more likely for the child if they already have it.

While pregnant, a mother’s activities may influence the child’s neurochemical development. Smoking or drinking while pregnant have been identified as potential contributors to ADHD while the child is still in the womb. If the mother is obese during pregnancy, suffers internal bleeding, or goes through a premature birth, resulting in a child born under the healthy weight range for newborns, it can possibly contribute to ADHD formation in the child’s brain as well.

Toxins in the child’s diet, like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as well as stress factors like poor upbringing, bullying, bad parenting, and social rejection have also been studied as causes for ADHD. While there’s not substantial evidence to back these, they might make it worse if someone already lives with this condition.

Social acceptance

While there are solutions for people who suffer from ADHD, it’s equally important for their loved ones to understand this condition and help the individual feel accepted. Instead of chastising someone for being lazy and ineffective, understanding how this disease affects one’s mind can help you better manage your relationship with a patient of ADHD.

If you’re a parent, for example, and you have a child with ADHD, here are some very effective things you can do day-to-day which will make life easier for both of you, and cultivate a relationship of understanding. Some of these include breaking up daily chores into smaller, more manageable tasks for your child, avoiding micromanaging, managing your emotions, and encouraging healthy habits. This video also explains very simply how someone with ADHD thinks, and how you can communicate with them better—whether you’re a family member, a partner of someone with ADHD, a boss managing an employee, or a friend.

Managing ADHD

Medication

There is a stigma against taking medication for mental disorders. Many believe that taking ADHD medication will make you dependent, cause addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and make you fuzzy and slow. It’s important to understand that medication affects everyone differently.

However, if a patient has an honest conversation with their doctor about the severity of their condition, and takes the medicine at the prescribed dosage, it can help mitigate the effects of ADHD, and enable them to focus, learn, finish tasks, and be motivated. However, as stated before, it varies from person to person, and no decision should be made before consulting a doctor and being honest about your symptoms. There’s no shame in discussing mental health, and reaching out for help is a big step!

Changing habits

There are endless resources on how to manage ADHD beyond medication. The general idea is to use as many tools and habits as you can to organize your day, simplify your tasks, set reminders, and build a system that helps you stay on track. Some sources encourage using daily planners, Google reminders, reducing clutter in your environment, breaking down tasks, and changing preconceived ideas about how to approach some tasks.

girl studying

For instance, Helpguide.org’s Tips for Managing Adult ADHD encourages organization, prioritization, and time management as primary ways to handle ADHD for adults. Simple things like setting aside specific time frames to do certain tasks, giving yourself assigned breaks, and breaking down big tasks into smaller subtasks can help you tackle projects and deadlines. Cultivating a clock-oriented lifestyle can help you as well. While it’s not easy to do, a little bit of effort every day can help you slip into a properly-timed daily schedule. Having a roadmap to your day pre-planned can make it easier to manage tasks and responsibilities.

Daily planners, weekly planners, and to-do lists are part of every recommendation list when addressing ADHD. Even if you don’t want to fiddle with physical notebooks, using a phone app or a digital organizer (like OneNote) to set goals you want to meet for the month, the week, and the day are excellent habits.

Removing distractions isn’t always possible (especially in a pandemic) but when you can, try to stay away from things that you know can easily distract you. Don’t keep your phone near you when you work. Turn off the TV. If it helps you concentrate, put on some headphones and play music. This video is a helpful introduction to some basic tools that can help you manage your condition.

Goal-setting can be something like “finish the first section of my essay by Wednesday at 9 p.m.” This does two things: It breaks up your task into a smaller chunk (you only have to do the first section, not the whole essay) and it gives you a specific deadline (9 p.m. on Wednesday). Try to be as specific as possible when you set goals and tasks, as it will help you organize better.

Organization is also crucial. Clean up your room, your workspace, even your computer’s desktop. Many ADHD guides recommend organizing, removing unnecessary clutter and maintaining a clean, tidy workspace. If possible, include a section in your daily planner dedicated to cleaning, organizing, and getting ready for the day ahead.
ADHD
Overall, there are many behavioral changes you can make to address your symptoms. This document by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) contains a long list of habits for organization, time and money management, and even driving. They include hyperlinks to other helpful resources as well.

Phone apps

There are numerous, very helpful apps designed to assist you with organization, reminders and task management. This Healthline article lists some of the best apps in 2021, including Evernote, Asana and Trello, among many others.

There is substantial evidence to prove that ADHD isn’t just a state of mind, or someone being lazy and uncooperative. It’s a biological condition. The good news is, just like with many other health problems, there are ways to manage it and still live the life you want to live.

There’s no shame in seeking help, being open about mental health and acknowledging the issue. While it may seem impossible to solve, ADHD is a very manageable condition that is effectively treated so you can conduct your life on your own terms.

If you think you may have ADHD, reach out to your doctor and ask for a diagnosis. If you’re diagnosed, there’s no end to the wealth of information on how to handle this disease. Follow your doctor’s instructions, work on your habits one step at a time, and you will be successful.

The Canadian experience trap: An unfortunate challenge for newcomers

The Canadian experience trap: An unfortunate challenge for newcomers

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on January 3, 2021

Transitioning to a new country isn’t a simple experience for many. The culture shock, differences in norms, social dynamics, and ethics will take some time to learn and adjust to. A more technical problem, however, is the issue of “Canadian experience,” which refers to the struggle qualified immigrants face to find work in Canada, simply because their work history is from another country, and they don’t have enough local experience.
Woman filling out a form

How deep is this problem?

A 2012 survey by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) found that new arrivals in Canada with impressive credentials and work experience were denied positions they were technically qualified for. These survey participants (numbering at over 1000) were from a long list of countries, including China, India, the US, the UK, Egypt, and many others.

Of their responses, the common experience was being refused a job based on a lack of “Canadian experience.” One testimony stated that removing their new immigrant status on their résumé improved their chances of being hired.

Highly qualified individuals with degrees from recognized institutions and transferable skills from similar fields were not granted positions on the basis that they haven’t worked in Canada. One participant testified that even though they worked at the Indian branch of the Canadian International Development Agency, and were familiar with Canadian work customs, they faced the same issue.
forms
Another testimony stated that their newcomer status was abused by an employer. They were granted an unpaid volunteer position even though they had extensive experience in their field of work; this position never graduated to a paid job, despite promises that it would.

Perhaps one of the most discriminatory tactics was demanding newcomers for “Canadian” references. Despite being qualified, having the documents to prove their education and the skills needed for the job, a participant testified that forcing applicants to have local connections ensured that immigrants were pushed out of the best-paying jobs.

These testimonials are some examples of how discrimination has made it difficult for newcomers to break into the Canadian workforce. While there is no guarantee that an employer will judge an applicant based on where they were born, the practice of asking for “Canadian experience” has been placed under restrictions.

Has it been addressed?

The OHRC does have guidelines for employers when it comes to asking for Canadian experience. The problem is recognized, at least, and there are rules about what questions employers are allowed to ask. The Ontario Human Rights Code legally grants anyone the right to equal employment and housing. This law also prevents employers in Ontario from asking about your home country, race, ethnicity, or ancestry.

Employers who follow this code face a challenge: Some basic questions might be necessary for the job position. For example, how does an employer know if the applicant can speak English or French well enough to do the job, if they don’t ask about their background? The OHRC’s Code has an answer for this as well: Discretion.

While some jobs require a high proficiency in English, others do not. Depending on the job, employers should only ask about such aspects of your background if it’s relevant to the position. If it’s not relevant, asking about your ethnic or national background might be considered discriminatory.

Instead of using networking and connections to validate candidates, the Code recommends using tests and scenario-based interview questions instead. For example, a candidate for a typist position can be tested easily, using a typing test to check their word-per-minute typing speed. Similarly, employers can test how you would handle workplace issues by giving you a hypothetical scenario, and seeing how you would handle this in real life. These tests are good ways to judge a candidate without needlessly digging into their background.
interview
The Code also recommends bridging programs to gain Canadian experience, but does not propose that all newcomers should be forced into these programs without even being considered for employment first. While filling your résumé with Canadian experience shouldn’t be necessary, it’s unfortunately unavoidable.Bridging and professional development programs are a way for newcomers to gain local experience before applying to jobs. Such programs are possible ways to deal with this pressing issue. Here are some ways in which newcomers can put “Canadian experience” on their résumé.

Ways to fill the gap

1. Mentorships

Mentoring programs will pair a newcomer to a professional in the field, allowing exposure to the Canadian workplace. Mentorships can expose newcomers to specific fields of work they are already interested or specialized in. Examples of such programs include the Toronto Regional Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), Welcome Talent Canada, and Windmill Microlending. For a comprehensive list of mentorship programs, refer to the article by Helpingnewcomerswork.ca.

2. Volunteering

It’s a great way to improve your résumé, even if you’re not a newcomer! Volunteering promotes civic duty, community service, and gives you transferable skills. If possible, donate some time and volunteer for an organization or charity that interests you. This resource on volunteering for newcomers is a good way to start.

3. Bridging programs

An attempt to connect your international experience with Canadian standards, bridging programs act as classes where your skills and experiences are evaluated. These programs help you get certification and experience to work in your preferred field in Canada. For a full list of training programs listed by field of study, eligibility requirements and other information for Ontario bridging programs, refer to this guide.

While these aren’t the only ways to break into the Canadian workforce, they are some of the most effective methods. Ideally, you shouldn’t have to bother with getting local experience at all, if you’re qualified in your field and are able to prove it. However, these are good investments to make if you’re new to Canada, and gearing up to dive into a highly competitive job market.

Immigrant parent-child relationships

Immigrant parent-child relationships

By Abisha Sooriyathas

Posted on January 3, 2022
parents and child
Newcomer parents and children each have unique experiences when immigrating to Canada. Oftentimes, adult newcomers will have greater exposure to their home country and therefore have greater ties to the place from which they originated. Meanwhile, the children of newcomers will often spend a large portion of their developmental years in Canada. This can make these children feel pulled between Canadian culture and their heritage culture.

The acculturation gap between immigrant parents and their children

The Encyclopedia of Early Childhood Development also states that an acculturation gap emerges between generations of immigrants over time. Acculturation involves changes in language, behaviours, and values upon immigration. The children of immigrant parents can often adapt to their new environment quickly via socialization through school and friend groups. Meanwhile, immigrant parents may never feel fully comfortable with the new culture.

Needless to say, these differences in experience can affect the relationship between newcomers and their children. This can be seen in the intergenerational divide and cultural dissonance that can sometimes exist between these groups.

How does the culture clash between newcomer parents and their children affect their relationship?

According to a study published by the University of Chicago, intergenerational cultural dissonance — a clash between parents and children over cultural values—is often considered a normal experience amongst immigrant families. Immigrant parents are more likely to adhere to traditional cultural beliefs, while their children adopt more Westernized values.
woman and child on a couch
This clash is significant because it can result in parent-child conflict. The study states that parent-child conflict can result in externalizing youth problems, such as antisocial behaviour or aggression, and internalizing problems, such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

It is important that newcomer parents and children understand that it is normal for these differences to exist, and that neither party is right or wrong. Due to the unique circumstances that exist for newcomers and their children, an additional level of compromise may be needed to navigate these challenges. Luckily, there are also ways to improve the parent-child relationship regardless of race, ethnicity, or immigration status.

How can parents and children form a stronger bond?

The Child Mind Institute states that it’s important for parents to set aside a small amount of time each day to be present and non-judgemental with their children. In this time, parents can actively listen and let their children lead the conversation. They should regularly validate their children’s choices and interests, as well as focus on praising good behaviour rather than criticizing or punishing minor misbehaviour. It is essential for children to be shown that they are loved and to hear that they are loved as well.
kid and adult
If the relationship between a newcomer parent and child feels especially strained, there is no shame in seeking out family therapy in order to assist in healing the parent-child bond. In these situations, it could be beneficial to find a culturally sensitive therapist who understands both parties. This would help facilitate open conversation that can lead to a stronger understanding between both groups.

All in all, it is very possible for newcomer parents and their children to have healthy, fulfilling relationships. Like any relationship, the parent-child bond requires hard work, open communication, and receptivity to love. If both parties are willing to put in the effort, these relationships can often be just as loving as any other.

ESL journaling tips

ESL journaling tips

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on December 27, 2021
journal

As an English learner, one of the things you can do to improve your writing skills is to start journaling in English. Writing down words and phrases is one of the best ways to learn a new language. Journaling can encourage you to write in English on a daily basis, and help you enhance your vocabulary.

How to get started

To start journaling in English, you only need to have a vocabulary of about 100 words. Start off with simple sentences and write as much as you can. Don’t worry about grammar or verb conjugations. Use the words that you are familiar with.

Once you finish your journaling session, go back and make corrections to your text. You can use Google translate or a dictionary to assist you in the editing process. If you have a fluent teacher, tutor, or friend, you can ask them to highlight the mistakes in your journal entries. After your proofreader points out your errors, you can spend some time correcting them.

writing in a journal

Continue reading books, articles, and text in English to expand your vocabulary. Once you have developed a greater vocabulary and an understanding of sentence structures, you will find yourself able to write more complex and in-depth sentences.

Journaling topics

With a journal, you do not need to record private, intimate details of your life, like you would with a diary. You can write about different topics; your journal entries don’t have to revolve around the same themes or ideas. You can jot down conversations you heard, the weather, your job, your daily routine, what happened in the news, fictional stories, how you felt the day before, or even what you ate for lunch.

Materials

Journaling does not require many materials, just a pen and a notebook will suffice. That being said, you might enjoy journaling more if you decorate your pages and write with different coloured pens. In that case, you can buy a variety of washi tape, gel pens, brush pens (which you can use for highlighting, colouring, and hand lettering), markers, and stickers to use for decoration.

journaling materials

While studies suggest writing by hand improves memory retention, if you prefer typing, you also have the option of typing your daily journal entries on MS Word, Google Doc, or any other word processor.

Benefits of journaling

There are many benefits of journaling in English. It can help English language learners develop proficiency over time, and you will be able to see your progress over several months of journaling.

Journaling can help you keep your thoughts organized. Carry your journal around, and write down new ideas wherever you go.

As well, journaling can be therapeutic, as it can strengthen your immune system and help your injuries heal faster. Long-term emotional pain can increase the body’s stress hormone (cortisol levels). Cortisol hinders the immune system, and journaling about concerns or medical issues (like biopsies) can reduce cortisol levels.

Other journaling health benefits include:

  • Mood improvement
  • Reducing symptoms of depression
  • Better understanding of your emotions
  • Stress management
  • Enhancing your overall well-being

Lastly, journaling inspires creativity. Even with its mental, physical, and English learning benefits, journaling ultimately helps you express yourself in a healthy way, and be a more creative person overall. Happy journaling!

Water: The most important natural resource in Canada

Water: The most important natural resource in Canada

By Stephanie Reed

Posted on December 27, 2021
lake

Canada is home to the largest freshwater lake system in the world, which includes the five great lakes—Superior, Michigan, Erie, Ontario, and Huron. There are also thousands of other beautiful smaller lakes including Lake Winnipeg, Great Bear Lake, Great Slave Lake, Lake Athabasca, and Lake Winnipegosis. The country is further bordered by three oceans: Pacific on the west coast, Atlantic on the east coast, and the Arctic Ocean in the north.

Canada’s water systems, dependency on water for recreational activities, and careful preservation of this natural resource may be unfamiliar compared to the water systems in other countries. Therefore, understanding the measures in place for safe drinking water, and the various different recreational activities around water may help ease any questions that might have felt intimidating or confusing.

Drinking water

drinking water

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) was involved in producing a survey (within their “Blue Water Project”) regarding the concerns Canadians have about drinking water. The results discovered the greatest concerns were in regard to water pollution, waste and overconsumption, quality of drinking water, and mass export of the country’s arguably most valuable natural resource.

What Canadians might not know is that there is a strategic approach in place to manage the safety of drinking water. In simple terms, the water supply in Canada has three parts: The source of water, the treatment system, and the distribution system. Within the system that distributes drinking water to schools, homes, offices, businesses, etc., there is a multi-barrier approach, as well as drinking water guidelines, in place to ensure safe consumption of water in Canada.

The multi-barrier approach involves careful selection of the source, implementing safe and effective water treatment, and protecting the lake or river from contamination that would lower the quality.

Natural Resource

Canadian rivers discharge close to nine per cent of the world’s renewable water supply, despite Canada only representing one per cent of the world’s population. It becomes a social, economic, and environmental responsibility placed on Canada to ensure there are precautions in place to preserve this one-of-a-kind resource.

The preservation of water is a system learned and respected from the Indigenous history of Canada. Indigenous generations have always made decisions that consider the long-term effects for future generations. As the protection of water has become a higher priority in Canada over the years, the water system has taken the necessary steps to avoid interference with wildlife, fish, and ecosystems, while also instilling trustworthy safety measures to attain drinking water. Canada is not perfect however, and there are still ways we are not respecting the resources and wildlife.

Culture

silhouette of people in a row boat on a lake

Water is used for a vast number of recreational activities in Canada. The ability to swim in many of Canada’s natural rivers and lakes has created seasonal activities, traditions, businesses, sports, and pastimes connected to the resource of water. Cottaging is a popular past-time in Canada on bodies of water, as well as fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.

In addition, learning how to swim is an extremely important skill for children and adults to have, in order to stay safe while enjoying the beautiful lakes, rivers, and oceans accessible in Canada. In 2014, a Statistics Canada study found that swimming was the most popular organized sport for children. Feeling confident in one’s swimming capabilities makes it so much easier to enjoy all the recreational activities associated with water.

In general, it is clear water is a major system relied upon in Canada. The abundance of freshwater in Canada is argued to be the country’s greatest wealth. The access and reliance on water has created communities through the sports played in Canada surrounding water, summer recreational activities, and more. Learning about this resource and how to protect and preserve it, is something all Canadians can do.

Canadian historical figures you should know about

Canadian historical figures you should know about

By Stephanie Reed

Posted on December 27, 2021

The advancement of medicine and healthcare has been a global collaboration by doctors and scientists from all around the world making lifesaving discoveries. Canadians have been a major part of the advancements that have changed the survival rates and quality of life for those living with long-term diseases. Among the medical advancements contributed by Canadians, this article will also spotlight three scientific breakthroughs by newcomers, as well as four discoveries by Canadian-born doctors and scientists.

Newcomer discoveries

Dr. Adolfo de Bold

Originally from Argentina, Dr. de Bold completed his PhD at Queen’s University in 1973. Shortly after, in 1981, Adolfo made the famous discovery that isolated the single hormone that is responsible for regulating the heart’s blood pressure, blood volume, and growth. It was his discovery that developed treatments for patients with hypertension and heart failure.

doctors looking at an x-ray

Dr. Julio Montaner

Another newcomer from Argentina, Dr. Montaner relocated to British Columbia where he made one of the most renowned discoveries in treating patients with HIV/AIDS. Prior to this advancement, the life expectancy for patients living with HIV/AIDS was quite poor and had claimed the lives of 35 million people.

The race for a treatment was a struggle, with temporary drugs approved but only presenting short-term success. Montaner organized a clinical group of scientists from around the world, who collectively produced “Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy” (HAART). This therapy, which went on to become the standard of care for patients with HIV/AIDS, combined three of the antiviral drugs that were in circulation for treating patients. However, the antiviral drugs on their own had never reached the same level of efficiency that HAART produced.

Additionally, Montaner has been a major player in treating hard to reach populations. He established a program known as Treatment as Prevention (TasP), which offers access and administration of HAART to all eligible patients as a preventative measure to further reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS within a population.

Vladimir Hachinski

Dr. Hachinski is recognized for his discoveries within stroke and dementia research. Born in Ukraine, he is currently an honoured professor at the University of Western Ontario.

Along with the late Dr. John W. Norris, they invented the world’s first successful acute stroke unit, which would become the standard of care for stroke patients. In addition, Hachinski pioneered the term “brain attack,” to spotlight the urgency needed when someone starts to show signs/symptoms of a stroke. Establishing early treatment to stroke patients significantly decreased possible side-effects and outcomes, rather than waiting for the stroke to happen before seeking medical care.

Hachinski’s contributions to the study of stoke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s research also includes a scale he developed to identify the treatable component of dementia; referred to as the Hachinski Ischemic Score (HIS).

Canadian-born discoveries

Sir Frederick Banting

Nobel Prize winner Sir Frederick Banting was the Canadian scientist responsible for discovering one of the most life-saving medical advancements of the 20th century. Banting’s experimental approach to creating insulin allowed the successful discovery to happen alongside University of Toronto researchers Charles Best, J.B. Collip, and J.J.R. Macleod. This breakthrough in 1920 drastically changed the life expectancy—which stood at one to two years prior—for those diagnosed with diabetes.

Banting died at the age of 50 when he was serving as an officer in the second World War.

Henri J. Breault

child with oxygen mask

In the 1960’s, as the medical world was progressing with discoveries and medicine, unfortunately so was accidental poisoning. As Breault continued to treat an alarming number of children who had ingested harmful materials, such as vitamins, medication, or household cleaners, he was determined to create a way to prevent this from happening. He started the Ontario Association for the Control of Accidental Poisonings, and began raising awareness among pharmacies and physicians across the world about the need for child-resistant medicine containers. His creation and implementation of the safety cap on medicine bottles dropped the incident rate of child poisoning by 91 per cent.

Wilfred Bigelow

surgery

Heart surgery and pacemakers would not be at the stage they are today without the contributions of this Manitoba-born scientist. Bigelow performed the second closed heart surgery in Canada in 1949, which led to greater acceptance of this operation and ultimately the development of coronary-bypass surgery. He also tested the first artificial cardiac pacemakers for use in humans in 1951, and discovered a safe way to reverse human hypothermia—this discovery allowed for a protective cooling of the heart which made open-heart surgeries possible in 1953.

Bigelow additionally contributed to the study of the heart through funding and mentoring within cardiovascular programs and surgery units, which strengthened the overall medical understanding of the heart.

Holiday movies Canadians love

Holiday movies Canadians love

By Delaney Rombough

Posted on December 20, 2021

With the winter holiday season comes many holiday movies. Grab a cup of hot chocolate, some popcorn, and a cozy blanket and settle in for a winter movie night. Here are some holiday-themed movies that we’d recommend.

netflix on a laptop

Home Alone

Home Alone follows the misadventures of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister when he is accidentally left at home by himself over Christmas. After fighting with his family and being sent up to sleep in the attic, Kevin wishes he had no family. His wish seems to have come true. But now, home alone, Kevin must protect the family home against two robbers. This can only lead to chaos and hilarity. There are four films in the Home Alone franchise and you can watch them all on Disney+.

A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story is a series of vignettes. The narrator, Ralphie, reflects on the Christmas where he got the best Christmas present ever—a Red Ryder Range 200 shot BB gun. There are several stories woven within this one such as dealing with the neighbourhood bullies, family matters, and a malfunctioning furnace. All Ralphie wants to do is try and make it to Christmas so he can get the present of his dreams.

Although this movie takes place in Indiana, parts of A Christmas Story were filmed in Toronto and St. Catharines, Ont. You may recognize the view of the Toronto port.

gingerbread men

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic Christmas story. This movie is based on a Dr. Seuss book of the same name. The Grinch and his dog Max live at the top of Mount Crumpet and like the peace and quiet. Unfortunately, Christmas disrupts this peace and quiet. The Grinch comes up with a plan to pose as Santa Claus and steal Christmas and the town’s holiday cheer.

This story has been adapted many times over the years. There’s the 1966 original animated TV special; there’s also the 2000 live-action feature-length movie, and a 2018 feature-length animated movie. The Grinch has also been made into a musical, and in 2020, there was a live-action television version of the musical.

Let It Snow

Let It Snow is based on the Young Adult novel of the same name. A big snowstorm hits a small town in the midwest on Christmas Eve, bringing together a group of high school students. Friendship, love, and family all collide as these young teenagers try to figure out what’s next after graduation and enjoy the holiday season at the same time.

Let It Snow was filmed in several locations around Ontario including Brantford, Millbrook, and the industry-renowned soundstages at Pinewood Studios in Toronto.

two girls with presents

The Man Who Invented Christmas

The Man Who Invented Christmas is a reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic book A Christmas Carol. The screenplay for this movie is written by Canadian actress and writer, Susan Coyne. In this movie, Charles Dickens battles the ghosts of his past as he begins writing A Christmas Carol. As he writes, Charles interacts with the characters in his book as they appear before him, including Ebenezer Scrooge. It’s a race against time as Charles struggles to publish his book in time for Christmas.

5 Youth activism books

5 Youth activism books

By Abisha Sooriyathas

Posted on December 20, 2021
Youth activism books

It is no secret that today’s youth serve as hope for the future. With the boom of social media, young people today are more aware of current events and social justice issues than ever before. With that being said, there is always room to learn more and to do more. Social media can be a great tool to instigate passion for certain issues. However, individuals can take a deeper dive into activism through reading about history and learning how to take action today. Listed below are five books that young people can read in order to learn more about social justice.

This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work by Tiffany Jewel

Written by educator and activist, Tiffany Jewell, this book teaches young people about identities, true histories, and anti-racism works. It is targeted at young people of colour who have felt unable to speak up against the racism they experience in their lives. It touches on experiences like spending time and energy trying to fit into a dominant culture and losing oneself in the process. The purpose of this book is to empower young adults to hold their head high as they fight against racism and microaggressions experienced in their life.

How I Resist: Activism and Hope for a New Generation by Maureen Johnson

This young adult book consists of a series of essays from many different brilliant authors. The purpose of this book is to show readers that they are not helpless and that they are essential in making a change in the world. This book is for anyone who’s heard about and is angered by the injustices of the world. It’s for individuals who frequently ask themselves, “What can I do? How can I help?”

Youth to Power: Your Voice and How to Use It by Jamie Margolin

Written by climate change activist Jamie Margolin, this book is essential for young people who want to play a role in the global climate action movement. In this book, Margolin provides a guide to changemaking, with tips on organizing successful events and peaceful protests as a student. This book gives young people the tools to raise their voice, because their voices must be heard. Margolin herself is proof of this. She has been protesting since she was 14 years old and is now a co-founder of Zero Hour, an organization that is active in the fight against climate change.

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi

Written by Jason Reynolds with the assistance of Ibram X. Kendi, the book provides young people with an engaging narration that describes the basis of the racism that exists in the world today. Specifically, it includes an in-depth retelling of slavery in America and how the construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, and to separate and silence. With that being said, Reynolds is adamant that this book is not a history book. It is a book about the here and now. It is a book that will hopefully inspire an anti-racist future.

Residential Schools: With Words and Images of Survivors by Larry Loyie, Wayne Kenneth Spear, and Constance Brissenden

In this book, Larry Loyie, Wayne K. Spear, and Constance Brissenden recount the stories of survivors and former students of Canada’s residential schools. It shares the memories of more than 70 survivors from across Canada, including quotes and images. When combined, they paint a picture of the harsh realities and the horrors that exist in Canadian history. Although the contents of this book are heartbreaking, it is an important read as it gives a voice to individuals who have for so long been silenced.

Period poverty in Canada

Period poverty in Canada

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on December 20, 2021

There is an unfair stigma attached to people who menstruate. Period products can be too expensive, and people who menstruate still face shame, stress, and a lack of resources for something their body does naturally. Let’s look into how this stigma affects newcomers and how period poverty needs to change.
woman in underwear with a red flower

What is period poverty?

Simply put, period poverty means a lack of access to menstrual products. People who menstruate often resort to unhealthy practices when they cannot afford products such as pads, tampons, panty liners, and more. Shoppers Drug Mart, a major pharmacy chain in Canada, offers more detailed information.

The Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry notes that menstruating Canadians typically spend $6000 throughout their lifetime on menstruation products. Let’s use a rough estimate to figure out how much that would be per year. If someone menstruates from age 12 to 50, that’s roughly 40 years, costing around $150 per year.

Period products are sometimes available in public bathrooms in Canada; however, they’re usually not. $150 per year is a large amount of money to spend on something your body does without a choice. Furthermore, period products are essential in the same way as toilet paper and hand soap, which are both always available in public bathrooms.

Period poverty also refers to a lack of education about periods. It includes the effect a lack of products and education can have on people who menstruate—for instance, not attending school, work and several activities because you don’t have these products. All of these factors create the issue of period poverty and period shame.

Who is affected by period poverty?

Period poverty affects around a quarter of menstruators in Canada. At a bare minimum, at least a quarter of women, teenage girls, and people who menstruate have experienced the struggle to afford period products. Low-income families and neglected or abused teenagers are also more likely to be affected by period poverty. Newcomers from cultural backgrounds that view periods negatively are also at-risk.

Effects of period poverty

  • Toxic-shock syndrome (using a tampon for too long)
  • Poor attendance in school or university
  • Missing work and losing your job
  • Using uncomfortable or unsanitary alternatives to tampons and pads, like toilet paper
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Depression and anxiety

woman holding a tampon

How to change period poverty

Tax-free or cost-free period products

In Canada, you have to pay tax when you buy period products. While this is similar to products like toilet paper, it puts people who menstruate at more of a financial disadvantage than people who don’t. Similarly, period products costing money in the first place puts people who menstruate at an economic disadvantage.

Some countries, like Scotland, are taking a stand and eliminating the cost of period products. They note the importance of ending period poverty and having these products available for anyone who needs them. Hopefully, this will push Canada to do the same in the near future.

Public bathroom availability

Period products should be readily available in Canadian public bathrooms to anyone who needs them. Toilet paper is readily available, as everyone needs to use it. With a large portion of the population regularly menstruating, it’s unfair not to include period products as well. Public availability will also help those struggling financially.

Period acceptance

Even in 2021, there is still a common perception that periods are unsanitary and shouldn’t be a part of conversations. More specifically, the Canadian Public Health Association notes that some cultures view periods as taboo. This stigma makes people who menstruate feel ashamed about their body’s natural cycle. This shame makes someone less likely to speak up if they can’t afford menstrual products.

A lack of period acceptance only makes the problem of period poverty much worse for newcomers in Canada. Discussions about periods should be open and happen without shame, especially within communities with a history of treating the topic as taboo.

Taking Action

Period poverty should be concerning for everyone, and there are several ways society can take action and make a change. One way to do so is by reaching out to a local representative (member of parliament or MP). Ourcommons.ca has a contact page where people can search for the MP in their area. Contacting an MP is one of the most direct ways to express concerns about readily available period products.
sanitary pads

Other ways to take action in the fight against period poverty include donating to several charities(listed below). Teachers and people with social influence can also work towards educating kids more frequently about periods. This education will work to fight the stigma associated with periods and normalize them more. Other ways to help include:

  • Signing and sharing petitions on social media.
  • Organizing and attending events that raise awareness.
  • Listening to those most vulnerable and continuing to learn about period poverty.

Period poverty: Resources and charities

Affordable winter activity gear guide for newcomers

Affordable winter activity gear guide for newcomers

By Raven Smith-Grange

Posted on December 13, 2021
hockey rink on a lake

Newcomers looking to find affordable recreational winter gear, look no further!

Winter is fast approaching, which means cold weather and lots of snow. But lower temperatures doesn’t necessarily mean there are less things to do and see.

The colder weather also brings winter activities and sports. For many of these types of activities, you will need special clothing and equipment. As a newcomer, a great way to discover new hobbies and meet new people is to participate in fun seasonal activities. However, many newcomers wanting to try outdoor winter sports face financial, location, language, and information barriers.

Here is a guide to making the most of Canadian winter sports as a newcomer.

Types of winter sports

There are many winter sports available to take advantage of:

  • Tobogganing – an activity where people slide down a snowy hill with a narrow sled known as a toboggan
  • Snowshoeing – a walking activity where snowshoes are attached to winter boots, making it easier to walk through the snow and not sink
  • Skating
  • Skiing
  • Hockey
  • Snowboarding
  • Hiking

skiing

Retail stores to purchase equipment

Play it Again Sports

Play It Again Sports is a sporting goods store with locations in Ontario, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. They offer gently used and new sports equipment at a lower price than traditional stores. Play It Again Sports also has an online website.

Walmart

Walmart is a department store chain across Canada. Walmart sells house products, groceries, electronics, clothing, and of course recreational winter items. In comparison to sporting goods stores, Walmart is on the affordable side. They sell hockey sticks, hockey bags, hockey skates, and different gear for other sports. Walmart has physical stores and an online website.

Sporting Life

Sporting Life is a collection of stores that sells sporting goods. Sporting Life offers sports clothing, equipment, accessories, and footwear for kids and adults. The items at Sporting Life can be considered expensive, but the store also has sales.

Canadian Tire

Canadian Tire is a retail store with both physical stores and an online website. The store sells equipment for cars, outdoor living, home, pets, and recreational activities for all seasons. They have sales and offer items at clearance prices. Prices range from lower priced items to more expensive items.

Free services

Montréal

Four libraries in Montréal, Que. provide free sports equipment to the public. Libraries include: Mordecai-Richler, Saul-Bellow, Marie-Uguay, and Rosemont. People wanting to borrow equipment can make a reservation through phone or in-person, and they must have a library card.

The equipment people can borrow according to this website are: Children’s sleds, snowshoes for adults and children, snowshoe tails, walking poles, and crampons. Crampons are a device that attaches to winter shoes to improve traction on ice and snow.
snowshoeing
More information can be found here.

Calgary

Calgary Flames Sports Bank

The Calgary Flames Sports Bank helps Alberta families by providing hockey equipment to those who have trouble affording it. According to their website, they collect gently used equipment via donations and also purchase new equipment as needed. One of the goals for the program is to make hockey accessible for kids. Families can apply to the program through two ways.

Option 1

The first way to participate in the sports bank is through a registered organization.

Some of the registered organizations include KidSport, Alberta Government Child Health Benefit, Alberta Government Income Assistance Program, Jump Start, and the Calgary Fee Assistance Program. A full list of the programs can be found here.

If a family is a part of these programs, they can complete a Calgary Flames Sports Bank Parent/Guardian application form with required documentation. Once the form is signed, the form can be emailed to admin@flamessportsbank.ca. The Calgary Flames Sports Bank will then contact the family to schedule an appointment.

Option 2

If a family is not a part of these programs, according to the sports bank, they can apply to KidSport. Once the family receives approval from Kidsport, they can follow the steps in Option 1.

Winter activity programs for newcomers

Canadian Tire – THE NHL/NHLPA FIRST SHIFT HOCKEY PROGRAM

The NHL/NHLPA and Canadian Tire First Shift Hockey Program provides families who are new to hockey, a chance to experience the sport. The program does have a registration fee of $229. The fee covers providing “head-to-toe” equipment, equipment fitting, and the welcome event according to the website.
hockey skates and stick

NEAT

The Newcomers Explore and Appreciate Toronto Mentorship Program, also known as NEAT, offers their Wintegration program. The program allows newcomers of different ages to participate in outdoor activities.

Programming involves free trips and events including skating, tobogganing, hiking, and other activities. Participants will need to provide their immigrant information according to the website. NEAT uses Meetup to promote their services.

Sustainable shopping tips

Sustainable shopping tips

By Delaney Rombough

Posted on December 13, 2021

Choosing sustainable options and brands when shopping benefits you, the environment, and the local economy. Here are some tips to help you shop sustainably.

Shop local

Shopping local means purchasing products that were made locally. Locally made products are more environmentally friendly because they haven’t travelled long distances by air or sea. Less travel means less carbon dioxide emissions. This can include everything from fresh produce to baked goods to stationery stores. For example, going to the local farmer’s market is a great way to get fresh, delicious, in-season produce that has been locally grown.
flower stand
Purchasing goods from locally owned and operated businesses also directly contributes to the economy of your community. For example, instead of getting your daily coffee at Starbucks, an American multinational corporation, visit a café that’s only in your area.

Buy secondhand

Instead of buying new items all the time, shop for secondhand items. Check out local thrift stores, consignment stores, or even eBay. You can buy secondhand clothes, furniture, appliances, books, and more. You can find lots of unique items at secondhand stores and most of the time, they’re still good quality at a fraction of their original price.
thrift store clothes

Switch to eco-friendly and sustainable brands

There are many companies that incorporate environmentally friendly and ethical practices into their business. For example, these companies might include those that use recycled materials to make their products or companies that manufacture locally instead of overseas. Products from sustainable brands may be more expensive, but they also often last longer. Long term, this can save you money by not having to replace products so frequently. You can find out which brands are sustainable by looking them up online or looking for certifications such as Energy Star, B Corp Logo, and the Canadian EcoLogo.
reusable bag with vegetables

Look for long-lasting, reusable products

When shopping, purchase products that can be used over and over again. Try to avoid purchasing products that you’ll only use once and then throw away. Invest in items like cloth napkins, metal straws, plastic storage containers, stainless steel travel mugs and water bottles, and canvas bags for grocery shopping. This helps reduce waste.

You can also do this with your wardrobe. Purchase some good quality staple pieces such as plain t-shirts, jeans, and button-up shirts that can be mixed-and-matched and used for multiple occasions. Although they might be more expensive, high-quality items often last longer. However, most of the time, you’ll only need to buy these long-lasting products once, so you’ll save money in the long term.

Dealing with PMS and menstrual cramps naturally

Dealing with PMS and menstrual cramps naturally

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on December 13, 2021
woman laying on a couch

In many countries, menstruation is a taboo topic. You may have grown up in a culture where there was not much discussion surrounding your period or the symptoms that precede it. Every month, you might silently bear your period and perhaps take an Advil for pain relief.

Now that you are living in Canada, where discussions surrounding menstruation are more common, you might be wondering, are there other ways to deal with your period? Are there any natural methods for mitigating pain or symptoms that arise before or during your menstruation? Can you better prepare for the arrival of your next period? The answer to all of these questions is yes.

You may experience one or both of these ailments during your menstrual cycle:

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition with symptoms like fatigue, irritability, bloating, abdominal pain, sadness, and emotional outbursts, that can occur five to 11 days before menstruation.

Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual cramps)

Dysmenorrhea is the term for painful period cramps in the lower abdomen. The cramps can occur before or during your period.

Treatments

Chasteberry

This remedy has been used for centuries to treat menstrual conditions. The chasteberry tree is a shrub found in Europe and Asia with flowers followed by dark purple berries the size of peppercorns. In late summer/early fall, the ripe fruit is gathered and dried. Chasteberry is able to influence certain hormone levels in your body. It is available in liquid, tablets, capsules, and tea bags.

Peppermint

According to a study in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, peppermint is able to reduce menstrual cramp pain. The menthol in peppermint relaxes uterine muscles relieving the spasms. The research subjects in another study took peppermint capsules and peppermint extract, but peppermint is also available in essential oil and tea bags.

Stay hydrated

Keeping hydrated with plenty of fluids, like water or juice, can lessen abdominal bloating.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Both alcohol and caffeine can disrupt your sleep and contribute to PMS symptoms. According to a study in the Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences, drinking caffeinated beverages regularly can cause menstrual abnormalities. As well, a research review suggests that 11 per cent of PMS cases can be associated with alcohol intake worldwide.

Exercise

Exercise can improve PMS symptoms, like fatigue, and decrease the pain of menstrual cramps. Exercises like walking, running, dancing, swimming, pilates, and biking can increase endorphins—​​chemicals in the body that relieve stress and pain—and reduce PMS symptoms.

Tracking your period

It’s always good to plan ahead when it comes to your period. Each month, circle the dates when you have your period. The start of your period is the start of your menstrual cycle. With this information, you can figure out when your next period will be using a period calculator.
calendar

If you’re worried that period tracking apps pose a privacy risk, you can keep track of your physical and emotional changes using a menstrual diary. This can help you to better understand your PMS symptoms and how to treat them.

Tracking your period has many benefits. It can help you track changes with your body, recognize abnormal symptoms, and understand your mood. Charting your menstrual cycle can also help you become more familiar with your body’s fertility.

Understanding your body

Natural treatments can help reduce pain and other symptoms that may occur with your menstrual cycle, while tracking your period can help you understand your body better. Natural treatments and a menstrual diary can also help you prepare for your upcoming period and eliminate any anxieties and uncertainties you may have surrounding menstruation.

Cloth pads

Community Health Centres

Community Health Centres

By Stephanie Reed

Posted on December 13, 2021

Navigating any healthcare system in a new place can be challenging. Finding a family doctor to take on a new patient can sometimes involve year long waitlists! To ensure no one should have to put their physical or mental health on hold, Community Health Centres (CHC) are publicly funded organizations that serve as multi-purpose health centres focused on the community and its needs.

The first CHC in Canada was founded in Winnipeg in 1926. Today, there are more than 100 CHCs in the province of Ontario alone. The purpose is to eliminate the exclusivity that unfortunately seems to come with accessing healthcare.

These centres vary in names across the country; however, they all focus on providing programs surrounding illness prevention, social services, community resources, counselling, and more. While offering many different types of resources to communities, these centres also work to address the external reasons for poor health such as poverty, education, language barriers, and more.

students

The following are a few examples of CHCs across the country and some of the services and programs offered within their communities. Beyond this list, there are hundreds more across Canada, which can be accessed through the Canadian Association of Community Health Centres website.

TAIBU Community Health Centre

Located in Scarborough, Ont., this CHC was established specifically to serve the Black community across the Greater Toronto Area. This CHC offers programs such as education information on diabetes, counselling, a lower back pain management program, social clubs, youth groups, and more. This centre is located at the following address:
27 Tapscott Road, Unit #1
Toronto, ON M1B 4Y7
(416)-644-3536
info@taibuchc.ca
health care

Saskatoon Community Clinic

There are two locations for this clinic in Saskatchewan. Members of the community can use the wide range of resources offered such as trauma counselling, early cancer tests, sexual and reproductive health resources, transgender health services, counselling for children dealing with grief, and more.

Downtown Clinic
455-2nd Avenue North
Saskatoon, SK S7K 2C2
(306)-652-0300

Westside Clinic
1528-20th Street West
Saskatoon, SK S7M 0Z6
(306)-664-4310

North End Community Health Care

Located in Halifax, N.S., this centre offers nutritional services, prenatal group classes, cooking classes, a walking social group, dental clinic, mental health services, and more. Additionally, offered through this centre is a program called “Good Food Box,” which arrives on the first Wednesday of every month with fruits and vegetables for healthy meal preparation at a cost of $7.00.

2131 Gottingen Street, 5th Floor
Halifax, NS B3K5Z7
902-420-0303

health care

Women’s Health Clinic

This clinic located in Winnipeg is a female focused centre offering support and education to women in Manitoba. At this clinic, there are consultations and procedures for surgical and medical abortions, pregnancy care, eating disorder treatment, parenting and birthing classes, and counselling for women, transgender, queer, and non-binary people who are unable to pay for private counselling.

Located at:
419 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3C 0M3
204-947-1517
WHC@WOMENSHEALTHCLINIC.ORG

Two additional resources with zero to minimal fees are Friends in Action in Toronto, Ont. and Affordable Therapy Network which can be found across Canada.

The cost of living in Vancouver, B.C.

The cost of living in Vancouver, B.C.

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on December 6, 2021
science world Vancouver

For many newcomers to Canada, Vancouver might seem like an enticing city to immigrate to. It is one of the most popular Canadian cities to live in, as it is safe, clean, bustling, and multicultural. Not to mention, Vancouver is also beautiful. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and offers scenic parks, trails, and landmarks.

That being said, Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada to live in. Here are some important financial implications to keep in mind when considering a move to Vancouver.

Housing

vancouver high rise buildings

According to Padmapper, the median rent price for a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver is $1950. This breakdown by Numbeo notes that rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost about $3748. A three-bedroom apartment outside of the city centre can cost about $2866.

If you are looking to buy a house in Vancouver, the average house price, according to Zolo, is around $1 299 522, and a house is usually on the market for approximately 18 days.

Utilities

Numbeo cites that monthly utilities (heating, water, electricity, cooling, and garbage) cost about $92 a month, not including monthly internet costs which are roughly around $87.

For a single person living in Vancouver, outside of the city centre, housing and utilities (including internet) could be a minimum of $1822 per month, and $2202 per month for someone living within the city centre.

Phone

When it comes to a monthly phone plan that includes data, unlimited talk, and text, the lowest price can start from $38 a month for 5 GB of data to $95 a month for unlimited data.

Transportation

It is fairly easy for people to explore and travel around Vancouver. Transportation costs in the city can be low, especially for people who prefer to walk or bike around.

skytrain Vancouver

For those using public transportation, the monthly TransLink pass is $100.25 for 1-Zone, $134 for 2-Zone, and $181.05 for 3-Zone. The three zones consist of different areas across Metro Vancouver. All bus trips are a 1-Zone fare. SkyTrain (a rapid transit system in the Metro Vancouver Regional District) and SeaBus (a passenger-only ferry service) require a 1-, 2-, or 3-Zone fare, depending on the time of day and number of zone boundaries you cross during your trip. For people who drive, gas can average $1.44/litre.

Food and entertainment

Like any major city, Vancouver has grocery stores and many unique restaurants to visit. In terms of food, the cost of groceries, for one person, can average between $217 to $317 per month. For one person, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $20. For two people, the average cost of a restaurant meal at a mid-range restaurant is about $75.

restaurant meal

Watching a movie is also an enjoyable pastime for city dwellers. In Vancouver, a general movie ticket for an adult costs $14.25 plus tax.

Fitness

Vancouver offers many ways for people to keep fit. For example, there are numerous parks and trails where a person can bike or hike. Some, however, feel more motivated to workout when they have a gym membership. For newcomers who desire a fitness membership, the monthly fee is roughly $57.

Childcare

Childcare can cost roughly $1144/month per child in full-day, private pre-school.

Breakdown of costs for a single person

  • Rent and utilities – $2202
  • Phone – $38
  • Transportation – $100
  • Food and entertainment – $252
  • Fitness – $57

Total: $2649 per month

In order to be able to afford living in the city of Vancouver, a person living alone would have to make at least $50 000 annually. The costs do not include spending for clothing and paying off debt.

What you need to know about the cost of living in Toronto

What you need to know about the cost of living in Toronto

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on December 6, 2021
Toronto
The cost of living in Canada is a large and varied range, depending on where in the country you choose to stay. For many, Toronto’s economic and cultural melting pot offers great opportunity, but it may come at a high cost. A survey named Toronto the second most expensive city in Canada, closely following Vancouver at the number one spot. Statistics aside, how expensive is Toronto, really?

Rent

An important thing to remember is that living costs in Toronto’s downtown are far higher than the outer regions of the city. Rent prices also depend on factors like the number of bedrooms a unit has.

In downtown Toronto, the average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is $1900+ per month, and a three-bedroom apartment in the same area comes to an average of $3300+ per month. Outside the downtown area, a one-bedroom is around $1600+ a month, and a three-bedroom is roughly $2500+. Two-bedroom apartments will fall between these two price ranges, at around $2300+. Studio apartments average at $1700+ in outer areas and $2000+ downtown.

These are averages, and aren’t meant to reflect the exact price of any unit you may find. This is to give you an idea of how the prices vary based on region. On top of rent, renter’s insurance (which protects your belongings from theft and damage from accidents like fire) comes to an average of $37+ a month. It is, however, not necessary to have renter’s insurance to rent property.

Utilities

telephone pole and wires
Utilities can include electricity, heating and air conditioning, gas, hot water supply, and cable and internet services. Usually, most common utilities are included in the rent. Regardless, the average monthly price of basic utilities is around $150.

Transportation

While owning a car comes with its own costs, public transit in Toronto is affordable and versatile enough to get you wherever you need to go. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) provides subway and bus services which charge you $3.25 per ride for adults, or you can buy a monthly pass for $156 and use it for unlimited transit rides. Taking the time to set up a PRESTO card can make using public transit much easier as well.
transportation
Due to rising costs in transit fares, these numbers may change in the future. Using both transit fares and Uber/Lyft taxi fares, a calculated average monthly transportation cost comes to $260+.

Daily use of your own car mounts up in gas expenses. Depending on how much gas your car consumes, the price of a full tank will always vary with the often-volatile price of fuel. According to Statistics Canada, the average cost of gas in the past year in Toronto was $1.07. At the time of writing this article, gas currently costs $1.18 per litre in Toronto.

Groceries

Food costs in markets are also on the rise for a variety of reasons. Surveys show that the average monthly expenditure on groceries is different depending on the age and gender of consumers. Research by InterNationsGO! reported the combined average monthly cost of both men and women between the ages of 19 and 30 was $300+. Following that, the average for the age range of 31 to 50 is $280+.

For a breakdown of prices for specific grocery items, the Numbeo public data list and this InterNations article both list some common grocery products (meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, breads, etc.) and their average prices in Toronto. For instance, according to Numbeo, a loaf of bread can cost $2.85; a dozen eggs can be $3.42, and a litre of milk can go for $3.04 in Toronto.

Internet and cell phone plans

According to Lowestrates.ca, phone and internet service costs an average of $170+. While Bell and Rogers are two companies with the biggest monopolies on these services, their prices are often comparatively high. Teksavvy is another one of Canada’s most popular providers.
cell phone and laptop
Prices can depend on how much data you want, how many minutes, and what companies charge for their one-time installation fee. Planhub is a useful tool for finding cell phone plan providers based on your usage preferences, and this list shows you 10 good internet service providers in Toronto.

Toronto is undoubtedly expensive. Carefully consider your budgets for the necessities mentioned here in relation to your source of income.Make sure you know exactly how much you’re paying, and what you’re paying for, before going into an agreement.

How much does all this cost in a year?

Rent: $1600-$2500
Utilities: $150-$200
Public transportation: $156-$300
Groceries: $280-$350
Internet and phone plans: $170-$200

Assuming the lowest estimates, where you find the cheapest places available and get your groceries and other necessities at the lowest prices available, you can live in Toronto’s cheaper outer regions for an annual salary of $30,000 after taxes.

Assuming the highest estimates, which round up from the averages listed, a reasonable salary is $50,000 after taxes.

Bear in mind that these expenses are only the bare necessities, and usually aren’t the only things that will cost you money. Moreover, these are based on estimates and averages—so the real prices of things on the shelves may look different (including being higher than the estimates). This is just to give an idea of how much basic necessities might cost, on average. Toronto is an expensive city; one where even a six-figure salary isn’t always seen as enough.

It’s best to assume $50,000 as your monthly budget for just these five necessities listed here. There are likely going to be expenses beyond this budget as well. It’s always better to plan for the higher end of the expenditure range.

Why Montréal, Quebec is an affordable and exciting city for newcomers

Why Montréal, Quebec is an affordable and exciting city for newcomers

By Alaana Kumar

Posted on December 6, 2021

Montréal, Que. is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations. Travellers from all over the world come to the city to witness the beautiful architecture, experience the delicious food, and attend the annual music festivals. Similarly, local Montrealers hold the city close to their hearts all-year-round. From culture to affordability, here are a few reasons why Montréal might just be the city for you!
faris wheel

Culture

While the official language of Quebec is French, the city of Montréal is bilingual. This means you can move to Montréal knowing just English or French—and you’ll have the opportunity to learn the other! Additionally, Montréal has entertainment in various forms, including music, heritage and architecture, theater, and comedy.

Each year, the city hosts hundreds of festivals and public events, including the summer Jazz Festival and Osheaga Music Festival. These events draw crowds from all over the world, highlighting the city’s cultural institutions and creative individuals. Montréal also has a thriving art scene with art shows, galleries, and street murals constantly evolving.

Recently, the Centre d’art daphne opened in downtown Montréal, the city’s first Indigenous artist-run art centre. Along with the various entertainment opportunities, the city is also filled with historical sites, museums, cathedrals, and numerous neighbourhoods to explore.

Living in Montréal is sure to captivate you with its history and learning opportunities, connecting you with lots of interesting individuals from all walks of life.

Nightlife

Whether you’re looking for a nice restaurant to dine out with your partner, a bar to grab drinks with friends, or a rave to dance your heart out, the city has it all. Living in Montréal, you might adopt the “work hard, play hard” mentality given the numerous cafes to visit during the day, and vibrant restaurants and clubs to frequent at night. These bars and clubs are allowed to stay open until 3 a.m., so if you’re a night owl, you’ll surely find something to do!
Montreal night

Comprehensive public transport

If you’re opposed to sitting in traffic, long commutes, or driving in general, Montréal public transportation is an ideal solution. The city’s transit system, called the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), includes the metro and bus systems.

These services operate daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., and even later on the weekends, with several night buses running after metro hours. There are four lines that make up the Montreal metro system, and 68 stations to get on and off the train, with each station containing its own history and architecture.

A single fare on both the metro and the bus costs $3.25, a one-day pass costs $10, weekend passes (from Friday 6 p.m. to Monday 5 a.m.) cost $13, and a weekly regular pass costs $25.50. Children under the age of 5 can travel for free year-round. Other package options include an unlimited evening pass, a three-day pass, and a 10-trip pass to be used sporadically throughout the year.
Public transit

Affordability

Living in major cities often comes with high living expenses. However, Montréal is the exception to this rule. Housing in the city is much cheaper than in other major Canadian cities, like Vancouver and Toronto.

If you’re looking to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver, the average rent starts at about $2,120 per month. A similar room in Toronto would start at just under $2,000. In Montréal, however, the average rate of rent for a one-bedroom is around $1,230. If you’re interested in buying property, buying a house in Montréal costs around $300,000 less than a house in Toronto, and $500,000 less than buying a house in Vancouver. With this lower cost of living, you’ll have more savings to spend on Montréal events, eateries, and nightlife!

Coming to Canada as an Indigenous researcher during the pandemic

Coming to Canada as an Indigenous researcher during the pandemic

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on November 29, 2021
Pedro Mateo Pedro

Professor Pedro Mateo Pedro was born in Guatemala, from the Department of Huehuetenango. Since the early 2000’s, Pedro has worked on the revitalization of Mayan languages. Pedro is the speaker of one of Guatemala’s Mayan languages, Q’anjob’al. His research focuses on how children learn Mayan languages.

Pedro graduated from the University of Kansas in 2010, with a PhD in Linguistics, and then went to Harvard University to do a Postdoctoral fellowship. After completing his Postdoctoral fellowship, he went back to Guatemala with the hope of working at a university there. After eight years, he left the country again.

“I started to explore job opportunities and one of them was this position at the University of Toronto [UofT] in the Linguistics Department, which is related to doing research and working with Indigenous languages and with Indigenous communities. My work in Guatemala is about working with Mayan languages [and] at the same time with Mayan communities, so I said I am going to apply for this job and hopefully, something will happen. And I was offered this position,” said Pedro.

Pedro has experience teaching online since, at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 to June 2020, he was working at the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro in Mexico. He was supposed to start teaching at UofT in July 2020, but due to the pandemic, he couldn’t come to Canada until January 2021.

On January 8, 2021, Pedro and his family arrived in Canada. He did not have time to settle in since, a few days later, he started teaching online. In Pedro’s own words, “There was no transition at all.”

Pedro Mateo Pedro

One of the challenges of teaching online, in comparison to in-person, was the lack of interaction with students. Still, while teaching two courses, Pedro found that his group of students were engaged and supportive.

Pedro is a teacher, researcher, and advocate of Indigenous people and Indigenous issues.

“Not only do Indigenous people lack access to education, higher education, for example, one thing that is important to mention is that many Indigenous languages are disappearing. And that’s an issue. The question is how to bring those languages back [and] how to maintain those languages. So in this case it’s like a combination of the efforts of researchers and community members,” said Pedro.

“We have to care about the language that [Indigenous people] speak because in the language is where their culture is.” – Pedro Mateo Pedro

Since he has been working with Mayan communities in Guatemala for many years, he hopes to continue that collaboration alongside making connections with Indigenous communities in Canada.

“One goal that I have is to do some kind of exchange between Indigenous people from Guatemala and Indigenous people in Canada, especially in the Toronto area. For example, [a dialogue about] the [state] of those Indigenous languages,” said Pedro.

For more information on Professor Pedro Mateo Pedro, check out his faculty profile: https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/about/glance/new-faculty/pedro-mateo-pedro

Intimate partner violence in immigrant and refugee communities

Intimate partner violence in immigrant and refugee communities

By Abisha Sooriyathas

Posted on November 29, 2021
fist
Intimate partner violence (IPV) can be defined as assaultive or controlling behaviours used by a current or former partner against an individual. These behaviours can include physical, psychological, emotional, or sexual abuse, as well as social isolation, stalking, and threats/intimidation. Other lesser known forms of intimate partner violence include financial violence (such as withholding money or controlling bank accounts) and neglect (which includes withholding food, care, and medications).

Although both men and women can be victims of IPV, it is primarily an issue that affects women. Many women who are victims of IPV may avoid seeking help in order to preserve their relationship. They may also fear the stigma and gossip that they might face amongst others in their community if they speak up about their experiences. It is important that victims are made aware that any abuse that they face is not their fault, and that they should not accept being shamed for it.
woman with writing on back
Violence between partners occurs throughout the world, and is not tied to individuals of a single culture, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. According to a survey conducted by the Family Violence Prevention Fund, IPV is not more prevalent in immigrant and refugee populations than in other groups. However, while non-fatal IPV may be reported as lower for these immigrant groups, the same article explains that immigrant populations experience higher IPV-related death rates.

Why don’t the numbers add up?

The discrepancy between the number of reported instances of IPV and the IPV-related deaths could be attributed to many different factors. It could indicate that existing systems and law enforcement institutions are failing to adequately respond to instances of IPV in immigrant communities.

An article by the University of Western Ontario explains that immigrant and refugee women hold many intersecting identities (ex: sex, gender, sexuality, education, race/ethnicity, etc.). These intersections can often impact an individual’s vulnerability to IPV, as well as the system’s response to them. Women who are discriminated against in more than one way often have difficulty being believed, accessing support, and finding safety.
child with parents arguing in the background
The inconsistency in the number of reported instances of IPV and IPV-related deaths in immigrant communities could also be due to lack of reporting in its early stages. Again, this is not the fault of the victims of IPV. Reporting instances of abuse is often a very difficult and emotionally draining task, especially for immigrant women who may experience language barriers and unfamiliarity with Canada’s legal system. In addition, victims may fear for their safety and security if they choose to speak out. This is especially true in communities that believe in harmful gender roles which claim that men have ownership over women in heterosexual relationships.

These gender roles can be extremely detrimental to the wellbeing of women in these relationships. Again, it is important that women know that their gender does not give anyone the right to inflict abuse onto them. In addition, being married or in a relationship does not allow your partner to use physical violence against you or control what you do sexually.

The way that you feel in your relationship matters. If you feel physically, mentally, or sexually abused by someone in your life, please seek the help that you need and deserve.
couple
The Newcomer has an article that includes an extensive list of resources for individuals who are experiencing sexual violence. Although seeking out help can be scary at first, it is worth it in the end. If you feel that you are alone, know that there are women who are currently experiencing the same struggles as you, women who have faced and freed themselves from IPV, and women who are willing to guide you in doing the same.

Fitness is free: 5 Ways to exercise at home without equipment

Fitness is free: 5 Ways to exercise at home without equipment

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on November 29, 2021
stretching at home

For many, fitness might not be at the top of the list when it comes to regular activities. Life can be busy, challenging, and unpredictable, so it’s not always easy to fit a workout program into your day-to-day life. Fitness is also expensive; a gym membership is a monthly expense and buying your own dumbbells to work out at home can get very pricey.

However, it’s not always acknowledged that staying fit doesn’t have to cost any money at all. Exercises that just use your body weight are an excellent choice for people with busy schedules, tight budgets, and a desire to live a healthier life. You don’t need any equipment, gym memberships, or training classes! Here are a few ways to stay fit and healthy at home without spending extra money.

What you need to get started

Money’s not a concern, but you still need to have these at your disposal before you consider working out at home.

Consistency

This is likely the most important thing to remember. If you want to exercise, you should stick to a routine. Even if you want to exercise only three times a week, you should do your very best to do it three times a week. If you mark Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as workout days on your calendar, then you can’t miss a day unless you have a good reason.
man running up stairs
Staying consistent is harder than it sounds for many, but it’s far from impossible. If three days a week is too much, then try twice a week. No matter how much or how little you do, it works best when you stay on track. That being said, it’s definitely not the end of the world if you get distracted, fall out of routine, or have to deal with other things in your life. The important thing is to try your best to maintain a routine, and get back on track when you can.

Diet

Exercise is worthless if you don’t watch your diet. While the occasional pizza or bag of chips is fine, having too much junk food, sugary drinks, and alcohol can completely undo any effort you put in when you exercise. Additionally, getting plenty of water is important. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps during your exercises. If you want your workouts to make a difference, eat healthy and stay hydrated!

Technique

This is crucial, especially for people getting into regular exercise for the first time. The number of repetitions you do, or the weight you lift, is not as important as how you do it. Your posture, your technique, and discipline in the movement is key. If you’re starting to learn pushups, for example, don’t think “how many can I do?” Instead, ask yourself “am I doing a pushup correctly?” Once you master your technique, you can start thinking about how many you can do. Your form is most important, as it helps you get the most out of any movement and avoid injury.

Stretching

Many who start their fitness training tend to neglect stretching before a workout, because it feels boring or tedious. Stretching is absolutely essential before working out. Making sure your joints, your muscles, and your body overall isn’t feeling stiff, and your muscles are ready for some high-intensity training, is one of the most important things you can do. While there are many kinds of stretches, this guide to dynamic and static stretching should give you a place to start. Do these or similar stretches before every workout.

There’s more to it than this, but for beginners, these rules are vital. Let’s look at some excellent workouts you can start at home right now, free of cost.

1. Pushups

The standard pushup has a learning curve, but it’s a fantastic thing you can do every day once you learn the proper form. When done correctly, pushups strengthen your pectorals (chest), triceps (back of your arms), deltoids (shoulders), abdominals (around your stomach and waist), and your serratus (the muscle beneath your armpits).
pushup
It’s a great upper-body exercise that you can do with very little space required—just a few feet on your floor is enough! This guide explains different types of pushups (including modified ones which are easier than standard pushups), and this video shows you how to get proper form on a pushup. If a basic pushup is too difficult, don’t be discouraged! This quick breakdown shows how you can build your strength up to a standard pushup over time.

2. Squats

Just like the pushup, the squat is another essential foundational movement. Squats target your quadriceps (thighs), glutes (buttocks), and hip flexors, but your core and lower back will be activated too, if done correctly. The squat is a stationary lower-body movement that takes up very little space, and is excellent for keeping your legs in shape. Read this guide on the basics of a squat and its variations, and watch this video for an extensive explanation on how to build up to a deep squat, even if you can’t at first.

3. Planks

Your core (abdominals) is one of the most important places to build strength in. A strong core will let you do other workouts more effectively, with less chance of injury. The plank is one of the best core exercises you can do, with no equipment whatsoever.
women planking
Unlike pushups or squats, which you do in repetitions, the plank is done for durations; you must hold a single plank position for a set period of time. The longer you hold it, the harder it gets. More practice will let you hold it for longer periods, and strengthen your core. This guide shows you how to do a basic plank, as well as many variations you can do to keep things interesting.

4. High knees

Cardiovascular health is just as important as strength and endurance. Doing a bit of cardio every day will help you keep your heart healthy, lowering risk factors of heart disease. It will also help you lose weight, and assist in pumping blood to your muscles, helping your other workouts too. There are many ways to do cardio at home without equipment. One of them is high knees, where you essentially jog in one spot. Just like the plank, try to time yourself and see how long you can jog; the more you train, the longer you’ll be able to go. Learn this easy exercise and start your day with some solid cardio.

5. Burpees

Think of this as a combination of earlier workouts. The burpee is tough, but an excellent movement for both cardio and strength training. It’s essentially a combination of a pushup and a squat jump (to see how to do a squat jump, look through the linked squat variations above).

Do this pushup-squat combo for repetitions, and you’ll feel a high level of intensity in both heart rate and muscle activation. This standard guide to burpees will show you how it’s done and how you can do easier variations, and this video demonstrates the exercise in full effect. The burpee is difficult at first, so don’t feel bad if you can’t do too many. Focus on technique, and endurance will come.

Fitness is versatile and there are many ways to go about it. Stick to your plan and be consistent, and you’re bound to see results.

Common critters in Canada

Common critters in Canada

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on November 22, 2021
squirrel

A Richardson’s ground squirrel

Hey kids! Canada has some amazing and cool creatures! As a newcomer, you’ve probably seen a bunch of captivating critters in your neighbourhood and wondered about them. Let’s take a look at a few of the animals you may have encountered and discuss some fun and interesting facts about them!

Squirrels

Over 20 different types of squirrels reside in Canada. Canada has squirrels that build nests in trees and ones that dig burrows to live underground. Contrary to popular belief, not all squirrels have fluffy tails! Ground squirrels have thin tails and hibernate during the winter, while bushy-tailed tree squirrels are active throughout the entire year.
Eastern grey squirrelred squirrel

An eastern grey squirrel (left) and a red squirrel (right)

Squirrels are found in every province and territory in Canada! The largest squirrel is the marmot, which is a ground squirrel with short and heavy limbs. Groundhogs fall into the marmot family. The smallest squirrels are chipmunks, which are striped squirrels that are omnivorous (feeding on plant and animal matter including seeds, nuts, worms, small frogs, and bird eggs).

Fun facts:

  • The presence of tree squirrels indicates a healthy and mature forest.
  • A squirrel’s front teeth never stop growing.
  • Squirrels zig zag to avoid predators.

groundhogchipmunk

Caption: A groundhog (left) and a chipmunk (right)

Opossums

This beautiful creature is Canada’s only marsupial. While people often use “opossum” and “possum” interchangeably, possums are smaller than opossums, have furry tails, and live in China, Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand. Opossums have hairless tails, white faces, black eyes, and are only found in North America. While there are a variety of possum species, there is only one opossum species: The Virginia opossum.

Opossums are about the size of a cat, and have tails that are prehensile, which means these tails help them to grasp items and climb. It’s a myth that opossums use their tails to sleep upside down. Their tails don’t have the muscular structure to support their entire weight for longer than a moment or two.

Fun facts:

  • Opossums can be found in Ontario, Québec, and British Columbia.
  • Male opossums are called jacks, females are jills, and babies are joeys.
  • Opossums have the most teeth of any land mammal in North America with a total of 50 teeth.

Raccoons

Don’t let that cute face fool you—they are intelligent! Raccoons are clever scavengers and excellent swimmers. They rely on their sense of touch to locate food. Their front paws have sensory receptors that allow them to tell apart objects without seeing them. When raccoons eat near a water source, they wash food by dunking it in water and rolling it in their palms. This behaviour allows them to gain precise information about what they are about to eat.
raccoon

Common Raccoon

Raccoons have an omnivorous diet. They can be found in all of Canada’s provinces except for Newfoundland. There are three species of raccoons that exist in the world, with the “common raccoon” (Procyon lotor) as the most widely found species.

Fun facts:

  • Male raccoons are called boars, females are sows, and babies are kits.
  • In the wild, raccoons live for an average of two to three years.
  • During the winter, raccoons don’t hibernate, but can sleep in their den for weeks.

Skunk

Our last creature can get a little stinky. This mammal can be easily identified with its black and white fur. Skunks are not aggressive, but can shoot a smelly, oily substance when they are frightened. Before spraying its victim, a skunk will turn its back, raise its tail, hiss, growl, and stomp its feet.

skunk

A striped skunk

If you get sprayed by a skunk, mix four cups of hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda and a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent. Dip a rag in the mixture and scrub yourself, avoiding your eyes. Then, take a shower.

Like raccoons, skunks are nocturnal and omnivorous. They don’t have very good eyesight but have a great sense of smell and hearing. Skunks are especially fond of eating insect larvae, crickets, and grasshoppers in the summer. They will also eat wasps and bees by stomping on them with their front feet.

Fun facts:

  • Male skunks are called bucks, females are doe, and babies are kits.
  • Skunks can survive a snake bite because they are immune to snake venom.
  • Skunks can live up to three years in the wild.

Hope you enjoyed getting to know these cool creatures in Canada!

Internalized racism in people of colour

Internalized racism in people of colour

By Abisha Sooriyathas

Posted on November 22, 2021

Racism.

A six-letter word that has the power to evoke an overwhelming amount of negative emotions. These emotions can often manifest in a number of ways—sadness, pain, discomfort, avoidance.
Woman in a chair
Nowadays, racism is largely unaccepted and, as a result, racist behaviours and actions are met with large waves of societal disapproval. That is not to say that racism no longer exists, but instead, to recognize that the atmosphere around racism has undergone a large shift. Still, the word “racist” can often make individuals feel uncomfortable. This is partially due to the fact that conversations surrounding race are still difficult for people to engage in.

One of the aspects of racism that has not been properly acknowledged or understood is internalized racism.

What is internalized racism?

According to an article published in the Journal of Counselling Psychology, internalized racism is defined as having negative emotions toward one’s own racial group. For people of colour, this may look like believing in stereotypes that imply that their own racial group has an inherent weakness or deficit. It can also look like the idealization of Eurocentric (or white) standards of beauty. In general, internalized racism causes people of colour to feel inadequate, both in regard to their character and their physical appearance.

The topic of internalized racism is a tricky issue because it places attention on the role people of colour play in unconsciously perpetuating racist beliefs. When having conversations about internalized racism, it is important to be aware that this issue is not to be used as an excuse to blame people of colour for the racism that exists today. Instead, these conversations should be used to recognize the psychological hurt that can exist in people of colour as a result of systemic racism.

How can you tell if you’ve internalized racism?

Discovering whether or not you’ve internalized racism is often a long, emotional process that involves a significant amount of inner work. It requires you to ask yourself personal questions on how you feel about your race or the colour of your skin, and to be brave enough to answer honestly.

It can also be beneficial to examine the way you interact with both people of your own race and other races. For example, one study by sociologists, Dr. Karen Pyke and Dr. Tran Dang, examined the terminology used by the grown children of Korean and Vietnamese immigrants. Specifically, it looked into words like “FOB” (Fresh Off the Boat) and “whitewashed,” and examined the relationship that second generation immigrants had with these terms.

The use of these terms is thought to be an adaptive response to racial oppression by the larger society. Second generation immigrants may refer to others of their own race, specifically newer immigrants, as “FOBs.” This allows them to distance themselves from their own race and to ridicule the lack of Americanization of newer immigrants. The use of this derogatory term allows these individuals to feel distanced from the negative stereotypes assigned to their own race; however, this is done at the expense of others within their racial group.

The term “whitewashed” is more complicated. It can be used by culturally traditional immigrants to criticize immigrants who have assimilated into the white mainstream. However, it can also be used by non-white immigrants to self-identify as an accepted member of white society. Although this displays externally as pride for their status in western society, it is often a mask for shame associated with internalized racism.
holding hands
It is clear that both of these terms are often used by second generation immigrants to resist taking on a racially stigmatized status. However, the very process of “othering” oneself from one’s own racial group further perpetuates the belief that there are essential differences between white people and other racial groups.

This is problematic because this very notion has been used in the past to justify the inferiority and mistreatment of non-White racial groups. Again, it should be reiterated that the oppressed do not create their own oppression. Internalized racism is a response to racism, rather than a cause of it.

Why is it important to talk about internalized racism?

According to a research article published in The Counselling Psychologist, modern racism is “more subtle and covert, involving more avoidance than hostility.”

White culture is the dominant culture in Canada and, as a result, eurocentric values and ideas are normalized within the Canadian population. This environment can make non-white newcomers feel excluded or “other.”

The internalization of these ideas takes things a step further, causing nondominant groups to see themselves as “less than” or inferior. As such, it is easy to see how internalized racism can have negative psychological effects. When ignored, internalized racism can cause people of colour to live with constant feelings of shame and inadequacy.

In addition, internalization of racism is dangerous because it allows oppression to become self-sustaining. Individuals who are a part of marginalized groups begin to think, feel, and act as though they (and other members of their racial group) hold less value than the majority population.

An article in The Journal of Pan African Studies states, “If you can control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his action. When you determine what a man shall think you do not have to concern yourself about what he will do. If you make a man feel that he is inferior, you do not have to compel him to accept an inferior status, for he will seek it himself.”

This clearly displays the significance of understanding and deconstructing internalized racism. Racism is not only blatant, traumatic instances of discrimination and harassment. It is also a part of our daily social reality and can function through infiltrating the minds of people of colour.

It is important that individuals are made aware of internalized racism so that they can be mindful of the language that they use and the way that they speak about themselves and others of their own racial group.
Mental health matters
As people begin to realize their internalized racism and understand that it arises from systemic racism that is designed to make them feel inferior, they will hopefully be able to let go of feelings of shame and inadequacy associated with their race.

This will ideally allow them to find their own individual liberation from a system that acts against them. Although the work is difficult, the reward is priceless. People of colour are able to free themselves from the cage of oppression that exists within their own minds. In this freedom, they can unlock their purest truth and fullest potential.

A guide to workplace healthcare benefits

A guide to workplace healthcare benefits

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on November 22, 2021
Health
Canadians have access to free healthcare. That being said, there are some additional healthcare perks and benefits that many Canadian workplaces offer their employees. Let’s look into how newcomers can find a job with these benefits and understand how extended health insurance coverage works.

What types of jobs have benefits?

Many jobs offer workplace benefits to their employees. Sometimes, you will have to go through a probationary period before having access to benefits. However, it is worth the wait and usually isn’t too long. To know if a job has healthcare benefits, be sure to check the job listing or ask your employer.

Many companies have healthcare benefits packages, especially larger companies with more employees. New, smaller businesses may not be able to provide benefits to their employees. However, some may in the future. It is helpful to know what jobs and companies offer benefits. Here are a handful of examples:

  • Canadian food retailers, such as Loblaws
  • Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO)
  • Large restaurant chains may offer benefits to managers
  • Clothing stores, such as Gap Inc.
  • Large chain companies, such as Walmart
  • Most Canadian banks
  • Teachers and other school employees
  • Information Technology (IT) jobs
  • Most marketing jobs
  • Government jobs
  • Many entry-level positions after graduating from university

Canadian insurance companies

Many Canadian insurance companies provide employees and employers with extended healthcare plans. Some major insurance companies in Canada include:

  • Manulife
  • Canada Life
  • GreenShield Canada
  • Sunlife Financial
  • Desjardins
  • SSQ
  • Empire Life
  • Johnson Inc.

Understanding insurance coverage

Benefit cards

If you have healthcare benefits at work, you will be given a benefits card. This Telus Health Guide shows what information is on a benefit card, using Manulife as an example. Most benefit cards will have a policy number (also known as a plan contract number) and a member certificate number (also known as a member ID).

What does workplace insurance cover?

Your workplace benefits give you access to extra healthcare not covered by your provincial healthcare plan. This benefits plan will usually cover a certain percentage of the cost of an appointment. They will also cover a certain percentage of any prescriptions you need. Here are some services you have access to with additional workplace coverage:

  • Prescriptions
  • Dental care
  • Physiotherapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Massage therapy
  • Vision care

chiropractor

How much coverage do I have?

Your insurance company will grant you a certain amount of coverage per service. For example, let’s say you receive dental treatment, and the cost is $115. Your insurance company may cover the entire appointment, or a portion, depending on the plan. This means your insurance company will reimburse either the full cost or a portion of the cost after submitting your claim.

Your benefits plan will also give you a certain amount of coverage per year, for each service. When you reach your maximum coverage for a service, your insurance company will alert you after you submit a claim. For instance, after a certain amount of dental appointments, you may not be eligible for coverage anymore until your insurance resets. You may also want to use your coverage once a year for check-ups without having to worry about reaching the maximum.

It’s important to check how much coverage you have for each service, especially if you need some more than others. For example, if you have $500 for physiotherapy until your insurance resets, you should keep track of how many appointments you can afford to book per year.

How do I use my coverage?

To use your coverage, you can submit a claim to your insurance company after paying in full for your services. Many insurance companies have apps you can install on your smartphone. You can submit your claim with the detailed receipt given to you after an appointment. For example, if you attend a physiotherapy appointment, your receipt will have:

  • Your physiotherapist’s signature
  • Your physiotherapist’s license number
  • The exact cost of the appointment
  • Other detailed information about the clinic

Health care worker
Some clinics can directly bill your insurance company for you. This means that they can submit a claim for the insurance company to pay the clinic instead of you. You will only have to pay for a portion of the appointment, or none at all, if they can accommodate this.

The amount you pay will depend on how much coverage you’re eligible for each visit. If the clinic cannot offer direct billing, they may submit a claim on your behalf. This saves you some extra paperwork, but you will have to pay upfront for your services. It usually only takes a few business days to get your money back from your insurance company.

What to bring to Canada

What to bring to Canada

By Delaney Rombough

Posted on November 15, 2021
map
Packing and deciding what to take with you to a new country can be a daunting task, especially when you’re limited by the airline’s luggage allowances. Because you can’t pack everything, it’s best to stick to practical, essential items that you’ll use frequently.

You shouldn’t worry about packing bulky items that take up lots of space like bedding, kitchen utensils, small appliances, room furnishings, or lots of extra clothes and personal care items. These items can be easily purchased once you arrive in Canada. When packing, it’s best to pack the things that can’t be replaced.
passport
Consider packing the following essential items:

  • Passport, visa documents, and personal identification documents — make sure to pack these items in your carry-on luggage because you’ll need them at customs once you arrive in Canada.
  • Electronic devices such as your laptop, cell phone, camera, headphones, and necessary chargers.
  • Travel power adapter — these are small devices that will allow you to plug your electronic devices into a Canadian electrical socket. Canada operates on a 120V supply voltage and 60Hz.
  • Prescription medications and medical records — if you take prescription medication, bring enough to last until you can get a prescription refill in Canada from a medical professional.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing for all seasons and occasions including coats, t-shirts, shorts, long pants, sweaters, formal wear, exercise clothes, socks, etc. Remember you don’t need to bring too many extras since you can always purchase more clothes in Canada.
  • Toiletries and personal hygiene products such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, hair care products, skin care products, cosmetics, etc.
  • Footwear for all seasons such as sneakers, sandals, warm, waterproof winter boots, and rain boots.
  • Any other personal items such as a photo album, diary, books, decorations for your room, or musical instruments
  • A small amount of Canadian currency (around $500 CAD)—you don’t need to carry a lot of cash since debit and credit cards can be used for most transactions including transportation from the airport.

What to put in your carry-on

When you arrive in Canada, you’ll need to clear customs and talk to an immigration officer. Because you’ll collect your checked luggage after you clear customs, you should have the following items easily accessible in your carry-on bag:

  • Valid passport
  • Other personal identification such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, or government issued photo ID card
  • Valid visa documents
  • Any school related documents such as letter of acceptance or past qualifications if you’re an international student
  • Details of accommodation

airport
You should also pack valuable personal belongings in your carry-on bag such as a laptop, cell phone, chargers, a book, prescription medication, basic toiletries, some Canadian currency, and some snacks.

If you are packing liquids, gels, or aerosols in your carry-on, containers must be 100ml (3.4oz) or less and all containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag that is no more than one-litre in capacity. The bag must be transparent so the screening officers can easily see its contents.

What not to bring

There are a number of items that are not allowed past security checkpoints such as knives and some sports equipment. If non-permitted items are found on your person at the security checkpoint you can:

  • consult with your airline and try and put it in your checked bags
  • give the item to a friend or family if they aren’t coming with you
  • abandon the item (the item won’t be returned to you)

If items that are illegal in Canada are found at a screening checkpoint, officers are required to notify the police. The government of Canada provides a detailed list of items that you cannot bring into the country.

Now that you know what you can and cannot bring into Canada, you can pack accordingly and get ready to board your flight.

Reuniting with a loved one in Canada

Reuniting with a loved one in Canada

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on November 15, 2021

For newcomers, reuniting with family members can be a long awaited and happy occasion. Many newcomers come to Canada on their own, and face challenges adjusting, before they are able to sponsor their family members. Being away from loved ones can be especially difficult during times of hardship, like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, where there are many uncertainties and changes in government mandates.

Melton Vaz’s story

Melton Vaz came to Canada from India in 2018, by himself. His life consisted of going to work, coming back home, cooking food, and keeping busy.

In 2019, he was able to sponsor his father, Michael Vaz, through a super visa. When pandemic restrictions hit in March 2020, he didn’t know if his mother, Wilma Vaz, would be able to join them in September 2020, as planned.

“The government made a really good decision that [allowed] parents to travel to Canada as a family reunion.They [wouldn’t] be exempt from travelling. I was so relieved. It’s mom, you know. I was very, very excited to see her. The travelling and all, […] it was stressful because of COVID. [She] had to do testing before travelling, testing after travelling, and quarantine,” says Vaz.

Melton Vaz and his mother Wilma Vaz

It was Vaz’s mother’s first time travelling, and the flight to Canada was long. Still, she did not feel completely at peace until Vaz’s sister, Melita Vaz, joined them in January 2021 on a student visa. Once Vaz’s sister arrived in Canada, the entire family was reunited.

Home cooked food at last

One of the things Vaz missed about his mother was her home cooked food.

“I was craving [my mother’s cooking] for two years. Since she came, I have not stepped into the kitchen. It was my kitchen before. Since she came, it’s [become] her kitchen,” says Vaz.

Family support

With his entire family in Canada, Vaz finds that he has more time to relax, go out with his friends, and study.

“I have support, I know that I am not alone so I am really grateful for that,” he says.

Advice for fellow newcomers

Vaz has met newcomers who struggle with loneliness in Canada. For those newcomers who are still waiting to be reunited with their loved ones in Canada, he has some advice.

“Don’t lose hope. There are times when you feel lonely, especially during winter; winter is challenging. It’s depressing. Keep faith, pray for good things to happen, just don’t lose hope. Try to socialize. Try to hang out with your friends. I would go to church and socialize with [people there] to take my mind off that loneliness. Canada is your new home,” said Vaz.

“Just work hard for [your] goal. There are many newcomer programs to get a job and free agencies that will [help you] process the [sponsorship] visas.”

Melton with his sister, mother, and father

Jennifer Salboro’s story

Jennifer Salboro came to Canada as a live-in caregiver in 2016. She had a long-term boyfriend, Louie Christian Ruelos, who she met while in the Philippines. They maintained a long-distance relationship.

“We were in a long-distance relationship which was kind of challenging because of the difference [in] time zones. We made sure that we communicated each day and we had the same understanding that we [would] keep our relationship no matter what. Along the way, we shared the same dreams. I always told him my plans and he was on my side; we were on the same page,” says Salboro.

Spousal sponsorship

file folder

After Salboro got permanent residency in 2018, she went back to the Philippines to get married. She and Ruelos had a civil marriage in 2019, and started the process for Ruelos to move to Canada.

“It was so challenging completing the forms for spousal sponsorship. You have to really prove to immigration that the relationship [is] authentic. You have to send them the timeline of your love story and all your conversations,” says Salboro.

Salboro submitted the forms for spousal sponsorship in February 14, 2019 and Ruelos was granted a visa in May 2019. They had a church wedding in December 2019.

The best birthday gift

Jennifer and her husband

Salboro and Ruelos were reunited in Canada on January 4, 2020, which also happened to be Salboro’s birthday.

“It was the happiest birthday ever, when he arrived here. It was the best gift also. I was the happiest because we waited for this for a long time—to be with each other and build a life here. It was like a shared dream for both of us to be together and build our family here in Canada,” says Salboro.

Advice for fellow newcomers

Salboro has seen relationships and families fall apart due to unrealistic expectations about life in Canada. She believes that newcomers should manage their expectations before coming to Canada and exercise patience throughout that time period.

Salboro said, “For the waiting time, be patient with your love and care, and share [your] dreams together. Everything is possible, just work hand-in-hand [to] being committed to each other regardless of the time difference or the distance.”

Businesses started by newcomers

Businesses started by newcomers

By Stephanie Reed

Posted on November 15, 2021
meeting

Statistics Canada found that newcomers remain owners of private companies for roughly the same length of time as Canadian-born owners. According to 2016 Statistics Canada findings, immigrants are the business owners of 50 per cent of restaurants, 53 per cent of grocery stores, 56 per cent of truck transportation, 36 per cent of dentist offices, 51 per cent of computer design and service systems, and 30 per cent of software publishers.

People from all over the world have started new lives in Canada, along with new careers, goals, and opportunities. Businesses all over the country have been started by newcomers and have expanded with large degrees of success. The following are only some of the notable businesses started and run by newcomers to Canada, that you may or may not have realized!

Mabata Honesty Shop

In 2018, Canadian newcomers, Najib Faris and Francesco Stara, opened the Mabata Honesty shop in the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. It was an unattended food vendor which profited on customer honesty.

There were no staff on site; it was strictly run by self-checkout and integrity. Customers paid by putting cash in a mailbox or using the card reader to cover the costs of their snacks or coffee. It was only a temporary business adventure in the Halifax airport to gauge how well the system would work. However, they are hoping to one day expand honesty kiosks to libraries, universities, and hospitals. For the period the kiosk was open in the airport, they recorded a payment rate of 100 per cent and zero theft.

Blackberry

Blackberry

This billion-dollar smartphone company was co-founded by Mike Lazaridis and Douglas Fregin. Lazaridis was born in Istanbul, Turkey before moving to Windsor, Ont. with his family at the age of 5. The two founded Research in Motion (RIM), a computer science consulting business which the world came to know as Blackberry (in 1999) after they altered their business idea.

After significant success in the smartphone business, as well as strong competition from Apple products, Lazardis retired in 2013 and went on to establish a fund that looks for breakthrough technology in information science, known as “Quantum Valley Investments”.

Jimmy the Greek

Dimitrios Antonopoulos immigrated to Canada in 1963 from Nafplio, Greece. He didn’t speak any English, had no money, and little education. He began to work three jobs to make ends meet for his family. He eventually got some restaurant experience, and worked his way up to proposing his dream of starting a Greek restaurant to a commercial leasing executive, Philip Reichmann.

In 1979, the “Epikourion Restaurant ” was opened at First Canadian Place on King Street in Toronto. After massive success, he could not seat the amount of people who would line up for the lunchtime rush. This is how “Jimmy the Greek,” a faster service to offer the same favourites of chicken souvlaki, oven-baked potatoes, rice, lamb, gyros, and more, began. Today, Jimmy the Greek has 54 locations across Canada and Dimitrios still visits the first location twice a week!

Hakim Optical

woman with glasses

This eyeglass enterprise is one of the largest optical companies in Canada. It was founded and remains owned by Iranian-born Karim Hakimi. His interest began in magnifying lenses as a child. His journey to founding this company ranged from being a diver in the navy, making camera lenses in Germany, and then telescope lenses in Switzerland.

When he learned he could not own his own factory in either place, he wrote a letter looking to move somewhere with his optical skills. Canada responded and sent him a plane ticket. He eventually found an open space to rent in Toronto—this would be the start of the 160 locations across Canada that are known as Hakim Optical.

ALDO

shoe store

This shoe company was launched in 1972 by Aldo Bensadoun. Born and raised in the south of France, Aldo found himself in Montréal, Que. on a weekend trip away from his university in New York. He immediately fell in love with the city and transferred to McGill University. Today, ALDO has grown to over 1600 stores in 80 countries.

Navigating roommate tension

Navigating roommate tension

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on November 8, 2021
roommates
It’s important to understand that living with a new roommate can be a daunting experience that may cause you to feel isolated or anxious. This can be especially difficult for newcomers, as there may be tension due to language barriers or personal differences. Below, we’ll discuss roommate tension and making sure your living situation is right for you.

Why are roommate relationships important?

Your roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend. That said, building a friendship with a roommate can bring you a lot of joy. It is also okay to just have an understanding that you will split bills and rent. As long as you are cordial and respectful of each other’s lifestyles, this arrangement may work best for you.

However, in some cases, your roommate may become a close friend. If you and your roommate have a close bond, this may also allow you to meet some of their friends. If you feel like you can get along well with your roommate, you could form a friendship and start building a social circle.

Settlement.org notes that it’s up to you and your roommate to establish if your relationship is strictly based on housing, bills, and keeping the space clean. The other option is building a bond with your roommate. What ends up happening with your roommates may depend on things like, common interests, age, and personalities.
friends
Roommate relationships are also important if you have difficulties with your landlord. While it’s important to know your rights as a tenant, landlords can sometimes break the law. Sadly, they might try to take advantage of newcomers who aren’t familiar with tenant rights. By having a solid relationship with your roommate(s), you can all stick together and stand your ground.

Roommate tension

Housing discrimination laws exist in Canadian provinces; however, sometimes, there may still be tension between roommates. You may struggle with language barriers, political or religious disagreements, and other types of conflicts of interest. It’s also possible that your personalities clash.

First, newcomers and people born in Canada may struggle with language barriers. For instance, if English or French isn’t your native language, there may be times when you and your roommate have a hard time talking to each other. This shouldn’t cause a toxic, negative relationship. However, in some cases, miscommunication may lead to arguments.

Secondly, being from a different country may mean that you have different religious and political values than your roommate. It’s important to find a roommate who treats you with respect regardless of your beliefs. If your roommate talks down to you or mocks you for your views, it is not the right living situation for you.

Furthermore, it’s important to note if a roommate seems hostile based on your differences. They may take their anger out on you or make your life difficult. If you notice signs of this, you should find new arrangements as soon as possible. Signs of a hostile roommate include:

  • Overreacting to minor situations
  • Controlling behaviour
  • Bullying (physical and psychological)
  • Intimidation
  • Gaslighting

Lastly, your roommate must understand that being a newcomer in Canada is a difficult change. Your personalities may clash if your roommate is an outgoing person and you feel shy or nervous about meeting new people. Your roommates should understand that it takes a while to feel comfortable in a new place.

Mediation

There are many different reasons why you and your new roommate may have tension. It could be a serious situation that you should leave. It could also just be a simple case of a misunderstanding and a struggle to connect. Luckily, there are ways to help ease the tension and understand each other.

Many student housing buildings at college and university campuses have mediation services available. This may be a good idea for newcomers struggling to build a relationship with their roommates. For example, Cambrian College explains the process of arranging a mediation meeting with your roommate.
roommates
During a mediation meeting, a third party will help you and your roommate discuss your differences. If you feel isolated from your roommate, explain this to the third-party mediator. Your roommate may need to hear about your struggles as a newcomer in a different country.

You don’t need to live on campus to arrange a mediation meeting. If you know of a loved one, friend, or any person who could be a third-party mediator, try reaching out to them. You can also ask your roommate if you could have a house meeting. Regular meetings can help solve problems before they happen, and all roommates will have a chance to talk.

What if my roommate relationships don’t improve?

If your roommate comes across as disrespectful or unwilling to change, you should part ways. Sometimes conflicts can’t be resolved by mediation, and it’s better to start the process of finding a new roommate or place to live. You deserve to be comfortable in your own space and to feel safe.

Additional resources for roommates

Living with roommates for the first time
Tenant rights in Canada
Small talk: What it is and how to get better at it

Self-care tips for newcomers in Canada

Self-care tips for newcomers in Canada

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on November 8, 2021
woman cleansing face

According to the Canadian Council for Refugees, newcomers show resilience to “the stress of settling in a new country.” They also mention that “spiritual and cultural practices, art, recreation and other non-medical interventions play an important role in promoting positive mental health.” That’s where self-care comes to the forefront. Self-care is about looking after yourself for optimal physical, mental, and emotional health.

People engage in self-care to look and feel healthy, so that they can go about their daily activities with ease and be able to help others as well. Self-care practices also help strengthen the ability to cope with stressors like financial issues or relationship conflicts. You might be wondering, what does self-care require? What does it look like? If you want to get started on self-care, here are some simple first steps.

1. Figure out the areas of care that you are lacking

First of all, it’s important to identify the areas of your life that you are neglecting.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

salad

Physical well-being

  • Am I getting enough sleep every night?
  • Am I eating a variety of fruits and vegetables every day?
  • Do I make the effort to exercise every week? If so, do I always do the same exercises or do I try to switch it up?

gym

Social well-being

  • Do I spend enough quality time with people I care about?
  • Do I make the effort to reach out to friends?
  • Do my loved ones know how much I care about them?

friends on a van roof

Mental well-being

  • Do I regularly engage in hobbies that interest me?
  • Am I pushing myself to learn new skills?
  • Do I seek new challenges or opportunities for growth?

Spiritual well-being

  • Do I engage in spiritual practices that I find fulfilling?
  • Do I find meaning and purpose beyond my daily tasks?
  • Do I feel connected to nature and the world around me?

Emotional well-being

  • Am I able to understand and work with my emotions in a healthy way?
  • Do I express my emotions in an appropriate manner?
  • Am I able to forgive myself and the people who hurt me? 

2. Create an action plan

Once you have identified the areas you are struggling with, come up with a plan to best address them. If you struggle to get enough sleep, set an alarm for getting to bed and another for waking up. If you haven’t spoken to a friend in weeks, reach out and ask when they are available to meet. If you enjoy playing the violin, but it’s collecting dust in your closet, pick it up, tune it, and practice it when you have spare time.

If you think there are too many areas to work on, you can start off with three self-care practices, prioritizing which ones you think would be most impactful. Let’s say you would like to make exercising, engaging in hobbies, and forgiving yourself and others the top three self-care practices. Here’s an example of what your plan can look like:

  1. On Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., I will do pilates at home.
  2. On Thursdays, I will attend an in-person Zumba class from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m..   
  3. On Tuesdays, I will spend time sketching from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m..
  4. On Fridays, I will journal about why I have trouble forgiving myself and others from 6:00 p.m. to 6:40 p.m..

If you want to forgo the specific timeframes, you can put the practices on a to-do list and just make sure you complete them before the end of the day.

3. Check in on yourself by the end of each week or month

Before the end of the month, take a look at your plan and see if you have been able to allocate enough time for your self-care practices. Have they become a regular part of your daily or weekly schedule? Do you feel more energized each day? Have they become habitual? Once you notice your self-care practices becoming habits, you can start looking at the other areas that you struggle with, and add them to the self-care practices that you are already doing.

Your self-care practices don’t all have to be activities that you do daily or even weekly. If you only find yourself meeting up with one friend once a month, or engaging in hobbies twice a week, that can still be beneficial for your long term well-being. The more you engage in self-care practices the better you will feel in the long run.

Tipping culture in Canada

Tipping culture in Canada

By Stephanie Reed

Posted on November 8, 2021

When learning the customs and mannerisms of a new country, it can be overwhelming trying to remember every new expectation. On top of learning a new language and the ‘slang’ that comes with it, there will most likely be many other expectations to familiarize yourself with while settling into a new country.
resturaunt
Perhaps the process of ordering food at a restaurant is different, or your expectations of servers, or driving services vary compared to another country you may be more familiar with.

Why are you expected to tip?

Tipping is giving money to someone who provided a service.—This Canadian (and United States) custom of tipping may be confusing or unintentionally overlooked.

To begin understanding the process/custom of tipping, it would be helpful to know why customers tip. It is not a mandatory custom in Canada; however, it is expected to be added to the cost of the bill in most cases where workers personally provide you a service. This includes food deliveries, sit-down restaurants, personal transportation like Uber, beauty services, etc.

There are some cases where the employees are paid less than minimum wage. The wage employees are paid also varies by province. Therefore, when customers are paying their bills, it is expected they will add an additional amount to cover a tip (also known as a gratuity) for the servers to earn equal to or more than minimum wage by the end of their shift.

Who do you tip?

Unfortunately, there is not a universal answer to this question. For example, a cashier at a grocery store provides you the service of cashing out your order of groceries, but you are not expected to tip them.

The same goes for a fast-food employee who takes your order, payment, and provides you the food. In both of those situations, you are not expected to tip the employee despite being provided a service involving food.

Services where there is an expectation to tip include but are not limited to:

  • Salons & Spas (hairdressers/barbers, aestheticians, nail care, massage services)
  • Driving & Personal transportation services (valet parking, Uber/Lyft/Taxi drivers)
  • Wait staff & Personal Food Delivery (bartenders, waiters/waitresses, pizza delivery, grocery delivery to door services)

Hair salon

How much do you tip?

A tip is given in a percentage according to the total of your bill. For example, if your bill at a restaurant was $20 (before taxes), you would decide what percentage of a tip to give on your $20 bill. The following are the most common percentages of tips based on expectations and satisfaction of the service provided:

  • No tip – Unsatisfactory, major issue, extremely poor quality of service
  • 10% – Service fell below expectations
  • 15% (norm) – Enjoyed service, satisfied
  • Above 15% – Above average, exceeded your expectations

In recent times, customers have recognized that servers have been without tips for the past year due to the global pandemic. Thereby, customers have been tipping more generously as society opens back up to help those who may have struggled financially without their serving jobs over the past year.
tipping
Again, it is not mandatory to tip higher, only tip what you can afford. In general, having a better understanding of why you are expected to tip, who to tip, and how much, will make the custom less intimidating and confusing.

Home and yard care tips during the colder seasons

Home and yard care tips during the colder seasons

By Stephanie Reed

Posted on November 1, 2021
couple with snow shovels

Canada’s four seasons each require obtaining different materials when taking care of your home and/or yard. The geographical location of Canada leads to freezing winters and moderate fall temperatures, which can sometimes be the hardest change for newcomers. Here are a few simple suggestions to maintain your yard and home care throughout the colder months.

Fall tips

Lawn and garden care

electric grass cutter

  • If you have a motorized lawn mower, check oil and gas levels regularly. In the fall, using as much gas as you can before storing it away prevents rust and carburetor issues often caused by stale gas left for too long.
  • Rake, collect, and dispose of any leaves before the first frost of the season. This will prevent the accumulation of damp leaves from forming a dense mass that will damage grass and plants.
  • Fertilize your lawn in the fall to conserve nutrients over the winter.
  • Cut down any perennial plants (ones that grow back every year) in your garden to the root and cover with topsoil for a dormant period over the fall/winter.

House care

  • Turn off and drain any external water pipes and hoses to avoid freezing or bursting of pipes.
  • Remove any leaves or debris from eavestroughs and drain pipes to avoid water collecting and leaking to your basement or rotting the roof line.
  • Cover your air conditioner to avoid exposure to snow that causes rust or mechanical issues.
  • Reinforce or replace any weather stripping and caulking on windows and doors to keep out the colder temperatures.

Winter tips

icicle

  • Store ice melt/salt to be prepared for icy patches that form throughout the season. Generously applying the ice melt onto slippery patches prevents dangerous slips/falls.
  • Investing in a snowblower can be useful for some residents in certain parts of Canada that receive significantly greater periods of snow compared to others. With winter comes fireplace and furnace use, make sure to inspect and upkeep with CO2 detectors.
  • Clean and replace furnace filters every month to maintain safe air quality.
  • Winterize apartment balconies; this may involve covering any outdoor furniture, and bringing any seasonal or valuable belongings indoors.

For additional information, check out The Newcomer’s guide to preparing for your first winter.

Dealing with grief in Canada

Dealing with grief in Canada

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on November 1, 2021
Grief

Losing a loved one through death, divorce, estrangement, or separation can be devastating. Grief—the sorrow and suffering felt when you lose something or someone you love—can take a toll on your physical and mental health, making it hard for you to eat or sleep. The greater the loss, the more intense the feeling of grief can be.

People experience grief differently, and the mourning process can be stressful and painful. According to psychiatrist, Elisabeth Küber-Ross, there are five stages of grief: Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. While it is good to know the stages, not everyone goes through all of them, and it is not a requirement to experience all stages to grieve and heal. Below are some actions you can take to cope with your grief and help your healing.

1. Acknowledge that you are experiencing pain

Many people tend to hide their pain to avoid being pitied or viewed as weak. It may seem shameful or embarrassing to admit that you are hurting, but recognizing your pain and vulnerability can be a great source of strength and healing.

2. Identify your struggles

grief

When grieving, there might be certain things that some people struggle with more than others. Maybe they don’t have the motivation to cook for themselves during the day or they aren’t able to watch romantic movies anymore. If you or someone you know is struggling, a helpful exercise would be making a list of triggers to better understand what to avoid or what to get additional support for.

3. Seek support from a professional if you need it

Not everyone has a friend to turn to, especially when they are newcomers. If you feel like you need additional support, let your doctor know. They can help you get a referral for professional support. There’s no shame in asking for professional help during your grieving process.

4. Continue to do the activities that you enjoy

Oftentimes, those grieving neglect the things they enjoy when overwhelmed by emotions and everyday responsibilities. Some people even believe that they have to punish themselves, because their loved one is no longer around to enjoy life with them. Contrary to this belief, indulging in activities that bring you joy like eating out, going to the movies, and exercising do not undermine the mourning process. In fact, they may help relieve your pain.

5. Track your thoughts, feelings, and mood

Writing about and reflecting on daily thoughts and emotions can be highly therapeutic. Some people even use mood trackers to help them physically see and understand how their emotions can change from day to day. Journaling and tracking your mood can help you recognize patterns in your thoughts and feelings, allowing you to work on them by yourself or with a trained professional.

6. Reach out—and be receptive to—the people that care about you

friends

Many people don’t realize how loved they are. In cases where one is experiencing a separation, estrangement, or divorce, they may feel undeserving of love or like they don’t have anyone to turn to. Let the people who are in your life and who care about you know how you feel. Just the act of unburdening yourself, can be relieving. Be selective in who you decide to share your feelings with, because not everyone can handle heavy emotions. It’s okay to ask your friends if you can open up to them.

Driving in Ontario: How to get started

Driving in Ontario: How to get started

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on November 1, 2021
driving
Canada is a vast country. Getting from point A to point B might be easy in condensed cities using public transit, but suburban areas have a lot of distance between them. Having a car gives you freedom, autonomy, and opens up new opportunities. That being said, a car is expensive, a big responsibility, and needs a lot of preparation. What are the most important things to check off your list before you buy your first car?

Getting your license

Depending on which province you stay in, the rules for getting your driver’s license can vary. Generally speaking, the process takes a few years to fully complete, and involves multiple tests. You will most likely start by passing a written test, which will ask you about driving rules, street signs, what to do in driving scenarios, and what’s legal. Following that, you may need to take multiple road tests to become fully licensed. While Ontario is mainly discussed here, this article breaks down the requirements for getting your license in each province.
driving
Ontario’s system of getting a license is an extensive step-by-step process. As a new resident, you’re allowed to use the driver’s license of your home country for up to 60 days, after which you’ll need an Ontario license to drive.

How to apply

To get a driver’s license in Ontario, you’ll need to be at least 16 years old and pass a vision test. The vision test only takes a few minutes and is performed at the test center—which you can find using DriveTest, Ontario’s online portal for booking written tests and road tests. The portal lets you locate the closest center to where you live.

Costs

Booking a test package will cost you $159.75. This includes your written knowledge test to get a G1, the road test for a G2, and the cost of holding your license for five years between tests, after which the license expires. If you fail a test and need to retake it, there are additional fees. Every extra written test is $16; every extra road test for a G2 license is $53.75, and re-taking a G license road test costs $90 each time.

If your five-year license expires, the cost to renew your package is also $90. To avoid having to renew your license, make sure you book your G2 and G road tests as soon as you become eligible, which is after 12 months, or eight months if you complete a driver’s education program.

Documents

The testing center will need to validate your name, date of birth and proof of signature. There are many ways to do this, even if you’re not a Canadian citizen. Your foreign passport, Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing (or Form 1000), or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (Form IMM 5292) are all valid ways to prove your identity. You can also use temporary immigration forms such as your Visitor Record (IMM 1442), including any work permit or student authorization.
driving

License classes

Depending on what kind of vehicle you drive, you’ll need to get a specific type of license. This is important if you plan on getting a job as a truck driver or school bus driver, for example, because those require different licenses than the one you need to drive a car.

For your personal car, the G-class license (including the G1, G2 and G licenses) is needed. Getting to a full G license is divided into the G1, G2 and G tests. This process takes a few years, some patience, and a lot of practice!

G1

The first step is getting a G1. You must pass a written test on road rules, driving skills and driving laws. You can only drive with a G1 license if you have an experienced driver (with a full license) sitting next to you in the passenger’s seat. You must keep your G1 for at least 12 months before you’re allowed to apply for the next step, or eight months if you complete a driver’s education program.

G2

To get a G2 license, you must take a road test. This means taking a car to the test location and driving around a specific route while an examiner sits next to you and tells you where to go. If you follow all road rules and drive properly, you’ll get your G2 license. You must keep your G2 for at least 12 months before applying for the final step. Take this time to practice as much as you can! As you may guess, the G1 and G2 licenses come with certain restrictions on what you can do. These restrictions are listed here, and they explain what you cannot do with a G1 and G2 license until you complete your training.

G

The road test for a full G license is more advanced than the G2, as it involves highway driving, advanced lane changing, parallel parking and more complex skills.

If you’re from one of the listed eligible countries, it is also possible to exchange a driver’s license from your home country with a full Ontario G license. If you’re not from an eligible country, you can still use your original license to reduce the training you need to get a full Ontario license. This depends on how much driving experience you already have. The full summary on foreign license credit and how to exchange them can be found here.

Once you have your G, you’re a fully licensed driver in Ontario!

Preparing for driving tests in Canada

Preparing for driving tests in Canada

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on November 1, 2021
driving
The three-step process to becoming fully certified to drive takes a few years, and a lot of practice. The recommendations below are some things you can do to make it easier to pass tests, learn more, and become a better driver.

G1 written test

While the testing centers don’t provide instructions for learning how to drive, there are other ways to make sure you’re prepared. Before your written test, make sure you study the MTO Driver’s Handbook. It can be found online here (use the table of contents on the left of the page to navigate).

You can also buy a paper copy of the handbook from a Service Ontario location, a DriveTest center, or online on Amazon. Studying this book will teach you the basics of what to expect on the test. Following this, make sure you do these free practice tests online until you get a passing grade or higher. Do these until you’re confident you know the material, and you should pass with flying colors!

G2 and G road tests

When practicing for your G2 and G road tests, you will need to actually drive a vehicle! There are freelance instructors available on Kijiji who can charge you per lesson and teach you what they know about driving. If you choose a freelance instructor, make sure they are certified to teach you how to drive.
driving
Another option is to enroll in driving school. While this is generally more expensive, the prices (and instruction quality) will vary greatly depending on where you look. While it’s important to have a budget and save money where you can, it’s also equally important to get proper high-quality training that will make sure you’re fit to drive safely on the road.

Why go to driving school?

Depending on what school you look at, you can get both in-class theory lessons and practical driving courses. Instructors will provide you with their own car, which you can also take to your booked G2 and G road tests for an additional cost. Along with this, having a certificate from a driving school can reduce your monthly car insurance payment.

According to this guide to driving tests by The Humberview Group, completing a driver’s education program can reduce the wait time between G1 and G2 tests from one year to eight months. Some driving instructors will also lend you their car to use for road tests, if you’ve completed a course.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation provides this extensive list of government-approved driving schools for every city in Ontario. Navigate to your city, find what schools are around you, and see which programs you like best. Program costs will vary greatly, as will the amount of time they take to complete. It’s a good idea to sign up for driving school before you book any road tests, as the school will likely offer to book it for you by the time you’ve finished the course.

This process is long and might be challenging, but it’s a worthwhile investment in your own future. Having a valid driver’s license is one of the most basic and vital assets to living in Canada, as it becomes your go-to identification card for almost any scenario. With proper training, patience, and getting help when you need it, you’ll be behind the wheel very soon!
friends in a car

A land across the ocean

A land across the ocean

By Abisha Sooriyathas

Posted on October 25, 2021

This is a work of creative fiction. All characters and situations are from the imagination of the author. But like all stories, you may discover a heart of truth.

Stories were never written about people like me. People who came from a land across the ocean.

Each of us journeyed here for a different reason. Some of us were looking for opportunities and dreaming big dreams. Others were escaping lands ravaged by war and poverty, seeking only safety. Solace.

When our people arrived here, we received a mixed welcome. Some celebrated us, while others threatened us.

Insulted us.

Attacked us.

It was something we slowly grew accustomed to, shoving the broken pieces of pain deep into our souls where they formed wounds that soon turned into permanent scars. It was numbing, this hiding of our hurt, but we buried our pain in a place so deep that others couldn’t see it.

Or perhaps they could see it, but they preferred to turn a blind eye. I hated to admit that I might do the same if I could.

Slowly, we built lives in this new land. We found jobs to provide for ourselves, but even this wasn’t entirely well-received. We were stealing what was theirs, the people here said. Tainting what they had created.

Despite these hurtful words, our people continued to grow and thrive—as much as the system would allow. It is hard, you see, to thrive in a place that doesn’t want you to. Just as plants need sunlight to grow, humans need support to succeed.

I knew that people did not want to see me succeed in this new home of mine, if it could even be called that. This knowledge was a blessing and a curse. It allowed me to stay safe, to keep my head down and avoid any disagreements. But it also planted a seed of fear within my heart, one that made me small.

I made my peace with this smallness and grew accustomed to taking up as little space as I could. But despite all my efforts, I was noticed.

I was used to being noticed in a subtle way. People pointed fingers at me and laughed. Others whispered with suspicious gazes, seeming to fear me as much as I feared them. They called the colour of my skin ugly, the fabric of my clothes weird. I had gotten used to the quiet judgement and the pain of silent mockery.

But I hadn’t been prepared for this hushed abuse to become loud. I hadn’t been prepared when one day, as I was walking home from school, I was pinned against a brick wall and then thrown to the ground. Disgusting words were flung at me as I curled myself into a ball and wept. Spit landed on my cheek and dribbled down my face, mingling with my tears and forming small rivers on the pavement.

I went home that day and cried some more. My mother heard me and knocked on my door. I didn’t open it.

She creaked it open, peering through the gap. “My dear, what is so wrong that you are crying enough to fill a lake?”

I pulled the covers over my head so that she couldn’t see me. “Go away! This is your fault! You made me strange and they hate me for it.”

With the sheets pulled over my eyes, I couldn’t see the hurt on my mother’s face. But I felt it. I felt her heart break and felt the tears that were inevitably welling in her eyes, because they were now filling mine with renewed abandon.

My mother left quietly, now carrying pain that I had received from another and inflicted upon her. I pushed the guilt away, swatting at it every time it reappeared, as if it were a fly that would not leave my room.

The next day, I adopted new clothing. My attire now matched that of the people of this new land. I asked my mother to buy the food that the people here ate. She eyed my new clothing with a look that was torn between sadness and confusion, but she obliged.

I made these changes, and I found new friends. We played in the park from dawn to dusk. My mother watched happily, but there was something missing from her gaze. Something broken.

I ignored it.

I carried on for months like this, quietly content with the acceptance that I’d found. My new friends even invited me to celebrate a holiday with them. It was a foreign holiday to me; they called it Halloween. They said that we must dress up as our favourite characters from our favourite stories.

My friends found characters easily, pulling on costumes and playing pretend. I found a character, and I asked my mother to buy the costume.

After I pulled it on, my new friends averted their gazes. One of them shuffled uncomfortably where they stood.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Their eyes darted to meet mine for a moment, a blush seeping into their cheeks. “It’s just… You don’t look very much like that character.” My face fell into a frown.

“Yes,” another friend said hesitantly. “Your skin is not the right colour and your face is different from theirs.”

The statement drove a sharp wedge deeper into my soul. I already knew that I did not look the part, but I was hoping I could at least pretend.

I went home again, fighting back the tears that threatened my eyes. I would not let this ruin my day. I would not let the pain resurface.

The following few hours, I searched for a character who looked like me. I tore through books, losing myself in story upon story. I read about knights who slayed dragons, and orphaned princesses who led kingdoms. I read about young people falling in love and old people growing apart. I read about life and loss and grief and love. But still, throughout all my reading, I never read a story about someone who looked like me.

It occurred to me that stories weren’t written about people like me. The people from the land across the ocean were excluded from the stories here. I wondered if this was purposeful. The thought filled me with a sadness as deep as the ocean that my people had crossed to come here.

I thought back to the past few months, of the way I had pushed myself away in favour of another. How could stories be written about people like me if people like me continued to shed our skin in order to fit a mold that was not ours?

My mother entered my room then, sitting next to me and bringing a comfort that only mothers can bring.

“Did you not like the costume I bought for you, my dear?” she asked.

I shook my head. “I don’t want to pretend to be someone else.”

My mother smiled a sweet smile and kissed me on the forehead. “You know, I always did think you were the best at being you.”

I rolled my eyes. My mother laughed.

I listened to the music of her laugh, let it fill my heart and patch up the pieces of it that had cracked.

“I’m sorry,” I said to her. “You are not strange. And neither am I.”

She cupped my chin with her hand. “I know that, my dear. And I’m glad that you know it, too.”

I threw the costume my mother had bought into the garbage and pulled on clothes that made me feel comfortable. I went to my friends, who still played in the park. They smiled and called out when they saw me.

One of them furrowed their brows. “Where’s your costume? What character are you supposed to be?”

I smiled widely then. “The character that I am is myself.”

Some of my friends nodded, apparently unwilling to indulge my oddity. Others were more curious.

“But a character has a story,” one of them said, scratching their head in doubt. “Otherwise, they are not a character.”

I stood taller, the smile on my face growing wider, and gestured to the ground. “Then sit, my friends, and let me tell you a story. A story about a faraway land. A land across the ocean.”

Post-secondary school admissions requirements

Post-secondary school admissions requirements

By Delaney Rombough

Posted on October 25, 2021
Graduation
Applying to post-secondary school in Canada is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. For the best chance of being admitted to a Canadian college or university, students must meet several admissions requirements.

Secondary school diploma

To apply for an undergraduate program, students must complete Canadian Grade 12, Grade 11 in Quebec, or their home country’s equivalent. In Quebec, students wanting to enroll in post-secondary school must also complete Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP). Students will need to provide proof of this, such as their secondary school graduation diploma and transcripts.

Proof of English language proficiency

Almost all Canadian post-secondary programs are delivered in English, so students must have a strong understanding of the English language. International students applying from countries where English isn’t their primary language, may have to pass an English Language Test as part of the application process.

These tests assess students’ English listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The most common tests that Canadian institutions accept are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students should check with their school of choice to determine what score is required for a successful application. An English language test may be required for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.

Students who want to attend post-secondary school in Quebec where the courses are taught in French may require students to demonstrate an acceptable level of French language proficiency. One of the most common tests is the The Test d’Évaluation de Français pour le Canada (TEF Canada).

Prerequisite courses

Students may be required to take prerequisite courses depending on the program they are applying for. Prerequisites are specific courses or programs that must be completed before students can enroll in the course or school they are applying to.
studying
Most Canadian institutions require students to have Grade 12 English, or equivalent. Students applying to specialized undergraduate programs such as STEM-related degrees, will often have to have courses such as Grade 12 math, chemistry, physics, and biology, in addition to English. Prerequisite courses vary depending on the school, so be sure to check the program’s academic requirements on the school’s website.

Grades

If students are applying to an undergraduate program, they will be assessed on their high school grades, so they will need to provide their transcripts. Students applying to postgraduate programs will be evaluated on the grades they earned during their undergraduate studies. Many programs have a minimum average or grade point average (GPA) requirement that students must meet in order to be admitted. It should also be noted that some schools weigh students’ grades from their final two years heavier than the first two. For both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, a student’s GPA may also determine eligibility for scholarships or funding.

Undergraduate degree

To apply for a postgraduate program such as a master’s degree, students will need a three or four-year bachelor’s degree in a related field of study. Students may have to provide their degree certificate and transcripts.

Supplementary documents

Many Canadian schools evaluate students on more than just their grades and past academic qualifications. This means that they require additional documents. These supplementary documents may include personal statements, essays, resumes/CVs, or standardized test scores. Students who have applied to arts or creative programs may also need to provide a portfolio, work samples, or attend an audition.
document
Because admissions requirements vary from school to school and program to program, students should always check with their school and program of choice for exact requirements. Making sure they have all the required documents will give them the best chance of success.

Explaining food buzzwords: A guide to informed grocery shopping

Explaining food buzzwords: A guide to informed grocery shopping

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on October 25, 2021
grocery shopping
Walking down grocery aisles, food items with labels like “organic,” “all-natural,” “gluten-free,” and “non-GMO” are a common sight. These items are generally priced higher than products without these labels. Buying food with these labels might be considered healthier, but what do they actually mean? More importantly, are they worth the extra money? In this article, you’ll find a brief overview of the most popular labels, so you can make more informed shopping choices and budget your groceries better.

What are GMOs?

A GMO (or genetically modified organism) is simply any kind of organism—including crops and produce—of which the genetic code, or DNA, has been changed in some way. The idea of modifying crops to improve their traits is definitely not new; it’s been around for over 8000 years, and is one of humanity’s oldest practices.

GMOs are used to increase crop yield (so that more food is farmed), and make crops resistant to insects, reducing the need for insecticides and pesticides. They’re used to improve the quality of food grown in farms, and even make food more nutritious, potentially improving the diets of malnourished people around the world.
farm equipment in field
GMOs make crops resistant to herbicides and viruses, increase essential vitamins and other nutrients, and grow more food for an increasing global population.

Are GMOs bad for you?

Since the 1990s, GMOs have been publicly criticized, spreading mass panic across the world when people learned that their food was being genetically changed. A study on misinformation in science, published in the Cultures of Science journal in 2019, found that much of this fear was based on false rumors of GMOs causing certain diseases like cancer. Other rumors claimed that politicians and corporate leaders avoided eating GM food. These are only some of the baseless rumors that gave GMOs a bad reputation. Of course, there is no evidence that GMOs cause any harm to our health. Many studies conducted over decades have shown that GMOs are just as safe to eat as non-GMO products.

Why are non-GMOs so popular?

However, because of the public backlash, non-GMO products have gained popularity. The price tag of non-GMO foods is higher because they’re far more expensive to produce. GMO farming lets farmers use genetically modified source ingredients (like seeds), but non-GMO farmers have to specifically buy un-modified source ingredients, and constantly make sure they’re not in contact with GM products. The increased labor, constant screening, and getting organic certification for their crops, all makes the process of bringing non-GMO products to grocery stores more expensive.

In short,non-GMO products aren’t more expensive because they’re healthier; they cost more because it’s harder to produce them. When it comes to health, there is no difference between GMO and non-GMO products, in terms of their effects on your body. While non-GMO farmers do use different kinds of pesticides when needed, none of them (including those used on GMO crops) pose any threat to human health.

What does “organic” mean?

The first thing to remember is, of course, that organic products are non-GMO, as GMO ingredients are banned in organic agriculture. However, there are differences between the organic and non-GMO labels.
apples
The organic label means that the product is free from harmful chemicals, antibiotics, banned pesticides, and contact with GMO products. The non-GMO label means that the people producing these products have made sure that contact with GMOs was avoided in every step of the production process. If anyone’s interested in avoiding GMOs, both organic and non-GMO products provide that assurance.

What does “all-natural” mean?

Unlike the previous labels, “all-natural” is not as clear in its meaning, even if it does let companies raise their prices. In Canada, “natural” labels are only allowed when the food product in question doesn’t have anything added to it. This includes vitamins, artificial flavors, and other additives. “Natural” products also can’t have anything removed from them aside from water).
watering crops
However, “natural” is valid as long as the product isn’t significantly changed with artificial colors, flavors, and additives. This means animal products raised with antibiotics can still be labeled as “all-natural.” Snack foods claiming “all-natural flavors” in their ingredients list, can also have this label even if they’re no different from a duplicate product without it. This lets companies charge more for a product than their competitors, simply because they market their products as “all-natural.”

The “natural” label is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is one of the world’s leading authorities which ensure the safety of biological products, medicine and other consumer products. Because of this, “natural” products could very well contain hormones, GMOs, highly processed ingredients, and vague mentions of “natural flavors” with no elaboration. Unlike the non-GMO and organic labels, the natural label doesn’t have a strict set of guidelines—so companies can use it however they want. Seeing a product advertised as all-natural is absolutely no guarantee of better quality, healthier traits, or ethically sourced ingredients.

Should you bother with “gluten-free?”

“Gluten-free” is on many peoples’ lists when seeking a healthy diet. Gluten is found in grains like barley, rye, wheat and triticale, malt, wheat starch, and brewer’s yeast. More generally, carb-heavy foods like noodles, pasta, breads, cakes, crackers, pancakes, flour-thickened gravies and sauces, and other grain-based dishes are high in gluten.

Can anyone go on a gluten-free diet? Yes, but perhaps they shouldn’t. This diet is mainly for people suffering from celiac disease. Patients of celiac disease suffer from an immune response when they eat gluten, which attacks and damages their small intestine.

A similar but less severe condition, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, also shows the same symptoms of celiac disease such as constipation, abdominal pain, foggy mental state, and diarrhea. Gluten ataxia is also a gluten-triggered condition which causes nerve and muscle control issues. People with wheat allergies also opt for this diet.

The gluten-free diet is very strict, and restricts the consumption of a long list of everyday foods. It’s often low in necessary fiber, iron, and folic acid. Some gluten-free foods are also higher in fats, sugars, and salts.
woman shopping for bread
The common misconception that a gluten-free diet is healthier is arguably false, as it can damage your health by causing deficiencies. Unless you suffer from celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten ataxia, or specific allergies, don’t waste your money and time shopping for a gluten-free diet.

Hopefully, these points have cleared up some popular marketing terms for you. These labels can drastically affect the price, so learning about them can help you make better choices when shopping for groceries and managing your budget.

8 Budgeting tips for newcomers

8 Budgeting tips for newcomers

By Maria Montemayor

Posted on October 25, 2021
finances

As a newcomer to Canada, you might be facing numerous expenses. Money may be tight for the first few years, so it’s important to start budgeting early. Otherwise, you could find yourself in debt. A budget, quite simply, is a plan for how to spend and save your money. If you haven’t budgeted before, or need some help getting started, check out the tips below.

1. Write down your monthly income

Income means all the money that you earn each month that isn’t considered a loan. You can write down your income on a piece of paper, type it up on your laptop, or make note of it on a budgeting app. You just need to know how much money is coming into your bank account each month.

2. List your monthly and seasonal expenses

Before the start of the next month, write down all of your expenses. You can start by including what you need to pay for on a regular basis, like your rent, food, utilities, internet bill, and phone bill. Next, list expenses you want to save up for like gifts, clothing, or vacations.

3. Prioritize paying off your debt

If you have debt, the best thing to do is to try paying it off as quickly as possible. Commit to paying a certain amount each month, alongside your monthly expenses. Create a timeline of when you want your debt fully paid off, and try your best to stick to it.

money

4. Set aside money for saving and making unexpected payments

With your monthly expenses and debt included in your budget, make sure to set aside some money for saving and for unexpected expenses. If you ever lose your primary source of income, you can rely on the money you have saved to cover expenses and avoid going into more debt.

5. Adjust your budget as your income changes

You may find yourself making more money in certain months and less money in others. Instead of increasing your spending during the months you earn more, you can increase your savings or start donating to charitable causes.

6. Schedule your payments

To make budgeting easier for yourself, schedule certain days of the week for buying things and making payments. For example, you can do all of your grocery shopping on Mondays or pay all of your bills on Fridays. Create a plan that works best for you!

7. Track your spending throughout the month

Throughout the month, you can check if you are on budget. For example, if you allot $150 toward your groceries one week, you can check if you went over your goal. You can also check your savings for that month.

Here are some free budgeting apps to help you track your monthly expenses:

debit and credit bills

8. Don’t worry if your finances aren’t on track right away

If you find that your spending habits haven’t changed much, and your debt hasn’t completely disappeared early into budgeting, don’t feel bad. It typically takes three to four months for people to get into the habit of budgeting. 

Buying your first car in Ontario: 7 things to know

Buying your first car in Ontario: 7 things to know

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on October 18, 2021
car keys

Whether you’re new to the country or you’ve been here a while, a first car purchase is a big step for anyone. Cars are expensive, need a lot of maintenance and care, and driving is a huge responsibility. Even so, people still buy cars and still drive, because it’s nice to have your own freedom! If you’ve made the decision to purchase a car, here are some things you should keep in mind.

1. Buy second-hand

This might seem obvious, but it’s very important to stress that the benefits of buying a second-hand car far outweigh the novelty of a brand new vehicle. The first consideration is cost: Second-hand cars are cheaper. This isn’t just because the car has been previously used. Brand new cars come with a long list of fees, taxes, and additional charges on top of the market price of the car itself.

According to the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), all these prices must be included in the advertised price of a new car. These prices include freight fees, safety test fees, government levies like air and tire taxes, pre-delivery inspection fees, administration fees, and OMVIC fees (if a car dealership is listed under OMVIC).

These are simply the mandatory fees that come with the list price of a new car. Additional charges can include any add-ons like security and theft prevention products, warranties, pre-filled fuel, and tire protection. On top of the already-exuberant prices of many brand new car models, these fees will make a new car purchase extremely expensive.

old car

A second-hand car might have a lot of mileage and some wear and tear, but if you search diligently, you can find a good-quality, decent vehicle that will serve its purpose and save you a lot of money. While a second-hand purchase also comes with some additional fees, it’s still much lighter on your wallet.

2. Where should you look?

There’s a long list of online portals where you can browse used cars, and the price range is very wide. Some used cars can be found for $6000 or less, while others cross $10 000 to $20 000. Prices will depend on the make and model of the car, as well as the year of its release. Generally speaking, newer releases and flashy brands will cost more. What kind of car you choose is up to you, but making functionality your top priority could save you money as well.

Some prominent places you can search are:

These three websites offer listings that come with a vehicle history report from CARFAX, which you can request to view. As we’ll discuss later, history reports are also crucial to your first car purchase. CARFAX offers reliable reports, so search in these three websites if you want that added benefit.

If you want to expand your search, other popular platforms include:

Regardless of where you buy from, you should be able to access the car’s maintenance history and records. This is done by getting a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), so always ask for the VIN before buying a car from anyone!

3. Accessing history reports using the VIN

Having a car’s VIN is one of the best ways to check that you’re making a legitimate purchase. As anyone can sell a used car, the previous owner’s testimony of the car’s quality may not always be reliable. They could be trying to get rid of the car by selling it to you, without telling you about some hidden issues it might have. This is why getting the car’s VIN is crucial.

The VIN plate (featuring the number) is usually located on the car itself: On the dashboard, the windshield on the driver’s side (inside the car), or on the driver’s door jamb, the surface which the driver’s door closes on. Older car models might have it in other places on the car as well. The VIN is also found on insurance documents, ownership documents, and service history. If you can’t locate the VIN plate, ask the car’s owner for assistance.

It’s important that you see the VIN plate for yourself. Check the actual plate number, and cross-reference with the number printed on any documents to make sure they match. This is because people can alter the VIN to hide the car’s service history, something often done when a car has been reported as stolen in the past. If the VIN doesn’t match on any of the documents or the plate, keep searching!

There are a few portals you can visit to check a VIN, some of which are: 

4. What to look for in a history report

What are some red flags in a car’s history? These reports include a car’s complete history, including previous owners, repairs, accidents, etc. Here are a few examples of things you don’t want to see in a history:

  • Vehicle title not in the seller’s name: If the car is not in the seller’s name, it means they’re not legally allowed to sell the car. Do not make this purchase.
  • Many past owners: If a car has passed through a long list of owners, it might indicate there’s something wrong with the car which isn’t being honestly disclosed.
  • Similar accidents: If there are multiple incidents of very similar accidents occurring, it might be caused by a malfunctioning component of the car. This is a potential safety hazard.
  • Odometer fraud: The odometer is a number on the car’s dashboard that shows how many total kilometers it’s traveled. Generally, if this number is too high, the car’s value goes down. Because of this, odometers are often tampered with to show lower numbers, enabling the car to be sold at a higher price than it’s actually worth. A history report will state the car’s actual odometer reading. If it doesn’t match the reading on the dashboard, it might indicate fraud.

For a full list of possible red flags in a history report, this article is comprehensive.

5. Before you buy: Pre-purchase inspection (PPI)

cars

This inspection is performed by a licensed professional, and is essential for finding any hidden problems in the car you’re thinking of buying. While it’s not uncommon for used cars to have damage in the past, the inspector can check if this damage was repaired successfully, or if it’s still a problem. Moreover, if the seller claims there was no damage, but the PPI reveals there was, you can avoid doing business with a dishonest seller. You will have to pay anywhere between $100 to $200 for an inspection, but this is money well spent! If you end up buying a faulty car without getting an inspection, it could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.

There are many places offering inspection services. Contact your local Canadian Tire or auto body shop and ask where you can get it done. You can also Google “motor vehicle inspection stations” to find what’s available near you. This form offered by the Automobile Protection Agency shows what needs to be checked in the car; if you want, you can print this out and take it to your inspector to discuss what needs to be evaluated.

6. Take it for a test drive

Test-driving a potential car is necessary to make sure you know what it feels like before you buy it. If the seller refuses to let you take it for a test drive, this might be a red flag. Test drives let you check the car’s brakes, parking, responsiveness, signals, wipers, headlights, and other internal features. You should plan a route before going on your test drive. This list offers comprehensive advice on how to plan an effective test drive.

7. Registration, bill of sale and taxes

The least exciting part of getting a new car is paperwork, but it has to be done. Additionally, this isn’t complete without taxes. In Ontario, for example, you have to pay 13 per cent retail sales tax (RST) on the price you paid for the used car—not to the seller, but to the provincial government. Keep this in mind when you’re budgeting your car search.

A bill of sale is the most important document when you’re buying (or selling) a used car. Much like a receipt, the bill of sale shows what you bought (like the year, model, and make of the car), the price you bought it at (for tax purposes), and the transfer of ownership proving it’s now your car. A bill of sale is also necessary for registering your car once you’ve bought it. For a full list of what needs to be stated on a bill of sale, follow this guide.

Finally, registering your car grants you your vehicle permit, license plate, and license plate sticker. You have to register a used car within six days of buying it. This is done at any ServiceOntario center. There are some fees involved: $32 for a permit; $59 for a license plate; for a license plate sticker, it’s $60 in northern Ontario and $120 in southern Ontario.

There’s a lot to learn about car ownership, so take your time and get all the help you can. You’ll be on the road in no time!

Understanding Ontario’s housing crisis

Understanding Ontario’s housing crisis

By Brittany Stuckless

Posted on October 18, 2021
house
Ontario is Canada’s most populated province. It has Toronto, the capital city Ottawa, and plenty of other beautiful towns and urban centres. Unfortunately, Ontario is also in the midst of a housing crisis, with a complex yet somewhat recent history. This article will help newcomers understand why there is a housing crisis in Ontario, what it means, and how to navigate the uncertainty it may bring.

What is a housing crisis?

A housing crisis is when there is a lack of affordable housing in an area. It generally affects large cities, but the impact can be noticeable in an entire province. The Advocacy Centre for Tenants of Ontario notes that the “majority of Ontario urban centres have experienced larger increases in housing costs between 2011 and 2016.”

The Canadian Real Estate Association also states that by the end of 2021, the average cost of a house in Ontario will be around $850 000. Additionally, most homes in downtown Toronto cost at least $1 million. These averages are expected to rise again by the end of 2022. The housing crisis affects most people who aren’t making a large salary. The effects can cause stress for tenants and future buyers.

Why is there a housing crisis in Ontario?

Affordable housing is becoming more difficult to find for several reasons. Here are some factors that contribute to the housing crisis in Ontario:

Low supply

The government of Ontario notes that the housing supply is not keeping up with demand in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). They also mention how rural and northern areas of the province can be affected. As more and more people from the GTA realize housing is affordable, they move to smaller areas of the province, causing those housing prices to rise as well.
houses
Low supply is a complex issue and takes a long time to solve. For instance, it takes a while to approve building permits, and it can take up to a decade to build a high-rise or a low-rise project. There are also the issues of securing enough land, high land prices, and government fees.

Population growth

The population of Ontario has been regularly increasing since 2015. There are currently around 14 million people living in Ontario. This number increases annually by approximately 140 000, according to the province of Ontario’s website.

Population growth has an impact on the housing crisis, and more people need homes every year. Currently, the supply is not keeping up with the population’s demand for homes, causing prices to rise.

Prices vs. income

The minimum wage in Ontario is too low compared to high housing prices. The minimum wage is currently $14.25 per hour. In contrast, the average cost of a home in Ontario is rapidly increasing. The Canadian Real Estate Association notes that prices are rising by as much as 30 per cent per year. To compare, the minimum wage in Ontario has only increased by around three dollars since 2017.

Short-term rentals

Companies like Airbnb let homeowners make some extra cash. The concept lets people save a lot of money and avoid hotel prices. Airbnb is a convenient service providing people with accommodations; however, it has greatly affected the housing crunch.

In many famous cities, including Toronto, wealthy buyers often buy several properties they don’t need for themselves. Afterwards, they list these properties on Airbnb as short-term rentals. This creates a shortage of homes for future buyers. It also affects the number of rental units available for tenants.

Luckily, many cities are introducing bylaws to fight the impact short-term rentals have on the housing market. In Toronto, you can no longer list a residence as an Airbnb unless it is your primary residence. Enforcing these bylaws will eventually make an impact on the housing crisis.

How does this crisis affect immigrants?

Being new to Canada, immigrants will generally notice the high housing prices in Ontario. Furthermore, newcomers in certain cities and towns will feel the effects of the housing crisis more than others. For example, the city of Brampton has a high immigrant population.

In an article featured in the Toronto Star, readers learn about what needs to happen to give immigrants in Brampton more of a sense of community, access to affordable housing, and other services. The article discusses “Smart Growth” and how intensification can help drastically. Intensification means “the process of increasing and densifying the amount of housing development per hectare.”

While it is still possible to buy a home, many new immigrants may have to start their lives in Ontario by renting. Settlement.org helps newcomers with how to find suitable rental units and steps to buying a home.

What needs to be done?

Ontario is a beautiful province that everyone deserves to enjoy. Additionally, the housing crisis shouldn’t keep newcomers from planning to spend their lives there. Before buying a home, it is possible to find a decent apartment in Ontario that fits into their budget. In the meantime, they can start saving while waiting for the housing crisis to improve.
apartments
We’ve already touched on intensification, but there is more work that needs to be done. The provincial government needs to work to improve the housing crisis. With help from the federal government, there needs to be a focus on quality, large-scale community housing and ‘cutting the red tape’ that makes it so challenging to secure permits and start construction. The Ontario government outlines a plan that focuses on achieving the following goals:

  • Providing housing for people in need
  • Helping tenants financially
  • Reducing waitlist times
  • Improving the quality of community housing (safety, amenities, etc.)

Housing resources

4 Newcomer scholars who have made significant contributions in the scientific community

4 Newcomer scholars who have made significant contributions in the scientific community

By Abisha Sooriyathas

Posted on October 18, 2021
doctor
Throughout history, there are countless examples of people being discriminated against or sidelined due to their gender or race. This fact holds true within the scientific community.

According to an article by Scientific American, racism and sexism still exist within the scientific community today. In the past, this could be seen through biologists promoting false theories on female inferiority or arguing that race was a biological category that was not only descriptive, but hierarchical. This essentially means that, at one point in history, scientists attempted to argue that Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) had an inherent, biological disadvantage to white people. In addition, the work that women and BIPOC did in order to facilitate scientific advancement was frequently stolen from them.

Although the scientific community is now stepping in the right direction, it clearly still has a long way to go. The remainder of this article strives to contribute to this step in the right direction by celebrating some of the successes and the ground-breaking research of newcomers and people of colour in recent years.

Dr. Lap-Chee Tsui

Dr. Lap-Chee Tsui is a Chinese-Canadian scientist who immigrated to Canada early in his professional career. According to an article by Hospital News, Tsui is well-known in the scientific community for his discovery of the cystic fibrosis gene in 1989.

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. It causes mucus build up in these areas, resulting in respiratory issues and difficulty digesting foods. This genetic disease currently has no cure.

Tsui’s discovery has allowed for a better understanding of the disease. It has led to advancements in how to treat and manage the disease, as well as newborn screening for early detection and carrier testing in parents. Needless to say, Tsui’s work has prolonged many lives that could have been lost to cystic fibrosis.

Dr. Naranjan Dhalla

Dr. Naranjan Dhalla was born in India and immigrated to Canada in the middle of his career. His research examines the subcellular and molecular basis of heart disease. His work has facilitated connections between heart dysfunction and diabetes, as well as a molecular explanation as to how stress can cause heart disease.
Heart
In an article published by the Experimental and Clinical Cardiology journal, Dhalla’s long career was honoured via a tribute to him on his 75th birthday. His career includes many academic accomplishments, such as his publication of over 600 research articles. Dhalla’s work is well regarded, and he has been invited to speak at over 500 conferences and academic institutions around the world. By 2006, Dhalla had trained over 145 scientists who were pursuing their own academic research across the world. Both Dhalla’s research and his ability to inspire young people should be celebrated.

Professor Lakshmi Kotra

Professor Lakshmi Kotra immigrated to Canada from India. According to the Kotra Research Group website, he is “an academic entrepreneur who focuses on drug discovery and development.” He is famous for his discovery of an antimalarial agent through his research at the University Health Network in Toronto.

Malaria is a life-threatening, infectious disease that is transmitted to humans via insect bites. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in 2019, there were a total of 409 000 deaths due to malaria worldwide.

Luckily, malaria can be treated and cured with antimalarial agents like the one invented by Kotra. Unfortunately, many malaria-associated deaths occur in Africa, where access to these antimalarial drugs may be limited. This is an issue that the WHO has been working to remedy through global initiatives. Nonetheless, Kotra’s work has made a significant impact in reducing the number of malaria-associated deaths around the world.

Dr. Tak Wah Mak

Dr. Tak Wah Mak was born in China and immigrated to Canada later in his life. According to an article by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Mak’s research has greatly increased researchers’ understanding of immunity, specifically as it relates to cancer, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. His contributions are largely driven by his significant discovery of the structure of the human T-cell receptor, a cellular component that is involved in the body’s immune response.
Microscope
In character, Mak’s success is attributed to his ability to challenge conventional scientific thought and his determination to create fresh research paths. His work is propelled forward by his dedication to serving others. His efforts have clearly been worthwhile, as his research has provided great insight into the induction of immunity in sick or diseased people around the world.

It is safe to say that the work of these four scientists has changed the world as we know it for the better. The discoveries that they made are evidence of the incredible results that can come from hard work and dedication. They are also a testament to the amazing way that newcomers can make a difference around the entire world, no matter where they come from or where they choose to settle.

4 Ways to make friends in a new city

4 Ways to make friends in a new city

By Aneesh Chatterjee

Posted on October 11, 2021

Living in a new place is overwhelming for many. A different culture, unknown social norms, and drastic lifestyle changes can be difficult to process for newcomers. However, it’s nothing to be afraid of. Reaching out to people around you is one of the best ways to get to know your new surroundings. Here are some ways you can make friends and build connections in your new world.

1. Volunteer

Volunteering is a big part of work and life in Canada. Canadians learn about the importance of volunteering from a young age.There are always opportunities to contribute to your community in different ways. You can volunteer at food banks, animal shelters, museums, community centres and more. Donate your time and spend it with people, and you’ll be able to make new friends among your fellow volunteers. This is a great way to meet people who have similar interests, since you’re all volunteering for the same programs.

volunteering

Go Overseas, a website that lists jobs, volunteer opportunities, and programs abroad, offers an extensive list of programs.

For more reasons to volunteer in Canada, check out The Newcomer’s article on the benefits of volunteer work.

2. Take a class

Even if you don’t want to be a full-time student, small classes are perfect places to meet new people. Find a hobby or craft you like, or perhaps a professional skill you want to work on for your résumé, and see if there are classes you can take. You’ll encounter people who have the same passions as you, and that’s always a great way to start conversations.

class

These classes can be anything from learning Excel and Powerpoint, going to driving school, or taking a woodworking class. Look for what you find interesting and see what classes are available in your city. Here are some examples of interesting classes you can take in Toronto.

3. Go on hiking tours

If you’re up for it, organized hiking trips with small groups are a great way to meet new people. Apart from exploring beautiful natural features in some of Canada’s many gorgeous hiking spots, the small group is perfect for starting conversations while you walk. These tours are structured and well-planned. You’re driven to the location by bus, and the trip usually takes up a full day. Great Canadian Trails is a great website to scope out the many places you can go to book these trips.
Hiking

4. Reach out at work

This might seem obvious, but it’s not always considered: Get to know your coworkers! Simple regular interactions at work are a great way to build the basis of new friendships. Once you’ve gotten comfortable with each other, if you’re both interested, don’t be afraid to reach out and invite your coworkers to activities outside the workplace. As pandemic restrictions ease, small gatherings at restaurants, catching a movie together, or going to a music event are great icebreakers for colleagues.
work friends

5. Join community activism

If there is a cause you care about, you may find local activist groups to participate in. While this is similar to volunteering, it does let you meet people who care about bringing social change. These topics can be strong bases to form new relationships with like-minded individuals.
protest
Amnesty International hosts activist groups all across Canada, and you’re likely to find a group in your region with whom you can get involved.

In the end, reaching out and talking to people is the best way to make a connection. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind and be honest, and the right people will find you.