6 Canadian Etiquette to Understand for New Immigrants This blog was written by a former YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. As you settle into your new surroundings, understanding local social etiquette can help you feel more at home and integrate smoothly into Canadian society. Here are some key aspects of…
A Newcomer Story: Finding Opportunities and Adapting for Success Armin’s journey with the YMCA began with the YMCA Pre-Arrival Settlement Services, Next Stop Canada. He learned about the program from the Government of Canada’s website and found out that they offer free services to help newcomers settle. “I was really nervous [about moving to a…
Welcoming Changes: Reflecting Your Journey and Growth in Canada The end of the year is a perfect time to reflect and think about what has happened over the past year and plan for a fresh start. For newcomers, settling into a new country comes with unique challenges but also opportunities to grow and learn. This…
Explore Winter Festivities in the Greater Toronto Area This blog was written in collaboration with the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. As winter settles in, the Greater Toronto Area comes alive with exciting festivals celebrating the season. Join the community to explore the winter festivities and make this winter memorable. Most…
Celebrating Your First Thanksgiving – Thanksgiving Culture in Canada How do Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving in Canada is a national holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October. It’s all about spending time with family and friends and being grateful for what we have. The traditional meal usually includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce,…
Life in Canada: Discover Toronto’s Fall Festivals and Events This blog was written by the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. As the vibrant city of Toronto celebrates the start of the fall season, newcomers have an opportunity to immerse themselves into the local culture through various exciting festivals and events. Each…
Back-to-School Tips for Newcomer Families After enjoying the long summer break, it’s time for students in Ontario to return to the classroom in September. With the new academic year fast approaching, you and your kids might be filled with excitement and anxiety. To ease into the transition smoothly, here are some tips to help you…
Job Searching Tips – What are soft skills, and why are they important? Landing a job in Canada is not just about being good at technical stuff. Your soft skills, like communication and teamwork, also play an important role in job success and career growth. If you’re new to Canada, having strong soft skills can…
Cultural Etiquette in Canada: Tips for Navigating Social Interactions Getting along with people from different cultures can be a wonderful experience and is important in a diverse country like Canada. To do this, we need to respect each other’s differences and keep an open mind. Here are some tips to help you approach cultural differences…
Canadian Culture: Celebrating Family Day February is the month when most provinces in Canada celebrate Family Day. This heartwarming holiday, which falls on the third Monday of February, was proclaimed in 1990 to emphasize the importance of family values. It’s the perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together, relax, and enjoy each other’s…
