Newcomer Guide to Canadian National Parks: Destinations and Essential Tips This blog was written by the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. Canada’s national parks are a natural beauty and adventure gold mine, both because of the breathtaking landscapes and a wide array of activities. Before exploring the beauty of these parks,…
Socializing in Canada: Tips on Navigating Language Barriers for Newcomers This blog was written by YMCA Newcomer Information Centre Information and Referral Specialist, Lena Samoilichenko. Communicating effectively in your non-native language can present challenges, but it’s a skill that can be mastered with persistent practice over time. Whether you’ve just started learning English or trying…
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…
Winter Grocery Shopping: Three Tips for Healthy and Budget-Friendly Meals As we head into the winter season, I know it can be tough finding healthy and affordable options in the grocery store, especially when fresh produce is pricier than usual. Try these three tips to help you navigate the aisles and shop smart this winter.…
Four Canadian Social Etiquettes to Know as a Newcomer For newcomers in Canada, understanding basic social etiquette can play an important role in integrating and building positive relationships with the community. Canada is often called the land of immigrants, with diverse cultures and traditions. Some aspects of Canadian social customs may differ depending on your…
How Settlement Services Help New Immigrants in Navigating the Canadian System Are you moving to Canada or just recently arrived in Toronto, Ontario? Adjusting to a new country can be exciting and full of opportunities but also challenging. With its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse culture, Canada is a great choice for those looking for…
How to Build a Good Mental Health as a Newcomer Moving to a new country can be an exciting and life-changing experience. You may face many challenges adapting to a new culture, language, and social norms, which can affect your mental health. While mental health does not mean the same thing as mental illness, having poor…
Celebrating Earth Day – How to Contribute as a Newcomer Earth Day is an annual global event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness about environmental protection and sustainability. The city hosts various events and activities to commemorate Earth Day, including tree planting, clean-up events, and educational sessions on recycling and waste reduction. These events…
Attending your first Canadian workplace holiday party? Check out these tips to make sure you have a good time. December is the month when most Canadian workplaces will organize a holiday party or year-end party as an opportunity for the company to show appreciation for the team’s achievements throughout the year. For the past two…
