Life in Canada: Volunteering as a Pathway to Belonging Moving to a new country could mean building a life from the ground up. You may be learning a new language, looking for work, or trying to understand Canadian culture. You might also be wondering how to meet people and feel more connected to your new…
5 Common Mistakes Newcomers Make in Their First Year in Canada – and How to Avoid Them The first year in Canada is like learning to ride a bike for the first time—there are wobbles and a few falls, but each time you get back up, you gain confidence and find your balance! Everything is…
Life in Canada: What Newcomers Should Expect in the First 3 Months Moving to Canada is an exciting milestone. Many newcomers arrive with a long to-do list and high expectations. The first three months are usually about learning, adapting, and building a foundation for your new life. If you’ve recently arrived, here are some things…
Cyber Security Awareness Month: 5 Online Safety Tips for Newcomers to Canada Every October, the Government of Canada promotes Cyber Security Awareness Month to help Canadians develop good online habits. They share tips and resources to help Canadians build good online habits and protect their information from hackers and scammers. As the world becomes increasingly…
Building a New Beginning: My Journey with YMCA Newcomer Services We had a wonderful opportunity to hear from one of our newcomer members who is willing to share his settlement journey to motivate and inspire other newcomers. Below is his story, written by Ankur himself. Moving to a new country is both an exciting adventure…
Building Community and Connection: Newcomer Support Group for Hispanic Women This blog was written by the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist and the Sense of Belonging Program Facilitator, Diana Correa. In May 2024, the YMCA GTA Newcomer Information Centre started a project for Hispanic newcomer women called the “Sense of Belonging”. This project…
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…
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,…
