The New to Canada Podcast

If you’ve ever listened to the New to Canada podcast, you understand the value of hearing other newcomers’ stories and experiences. It’s the reason why I started this show. Moving to a new country can get TOUGH… and just knowing that we aren’t alone in our struggles can be so healing. Today's guest has spent her incredible journalism career shining a light on the stories of immigrants in Canada. In this episode, she opens up about some of the most inspiring people she’s had the privilege to meet, and the powerful lessons they've shared along the way. Introducing: Baisakhi Roy. Editor of Canadian Immigrant. Stories that you don’t want to miss: A senior veteran journalist from Mexico and the workplace discrimination she experienced. A young professional from Morocco who struggled to navigate the English language barrier when building her career. A 13-year-old wracked with trauma, escaping Liberian civil war, who now mentors youth via the Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative. A 3-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee who lost 3 daughters due to Israeli shells and has dedicated his life to working for global peace. And many more! PLUS, Baisakhi tells us about her own experience moving to Canada from India in 2010 with a 4.5-year-old - and how precious mentorship and a supportive husband were key to her settlement.   Come say hi!  I’ll be at the Canadian Immigrant Fair in Toronto, this Friday, June 27 at the MTCC - hosting a table and recording the podcast live. It’s totally FREE to attend, so grab your spot and join the fun! Links & Resources: Register FREE to attend Canadian Immigrant Fair: Click here Connect with Baisakhi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baisakhiroy/  Follow Canadian Immigrant:  LinkedIn  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/ Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

What happens when you move to a new country… and it doesn’t work out? You don’t find the happiness and success that you thought you would. You painfully miss everyone and everything that you left behind and feel like you’ve made a huge mistake. We’ve all gone through times of feeling this way, but it isn’t spoken about enough so you can end up feeling like a failure. Like you’re the only one struggling. This episode’s guest is Chiara from England. She has recently blown up on social media since she started to vulnerably share her story. She moved to Vancouver just last year and has since realised that it wasn’t the right decision for her. This podcast is filled with inspiring success stories from newcomers to Canada. People who have built amazing lives for themselves here. It’s truly an incredible country and there is so much opportunity. However, I was excited to sit down with Chiara for a different take. One that so many people share and experience (as you can see from the comments on her videos.) Sometimes, a move abroad doesn’t bring you happiness and a return back home is the best choice for you. Together, we discuss her story and what brought her to this decision. We chat about the danger of making a PLACE responsible for your happiness, and whether we think living outside of our comfort zones is even a positive thing. Chiara then shares whether she’s nervous about returning to her old life in London and some of her best advice for others who may be regretting their move. Links & Resources: Follow Chiara on Instagram: @journeywithchiara__ Follow Chiara on TikTok: @journeywithchiara Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/ Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

For this special episode, I’m LIVE on the ground at Toronto’s ‘Newcomer Day’ that took place on May 23. Armed with my portable microphone, I wore a t-shirt emblazoned with the words “TALK TO ME: Share your immigration story on the New to Canada podcast” and I was excited to connect with 11 internationals: Sophie from Ireland Johnny from Lebanon Samantha from Malaysia + Australia Joseph from Nigeria  Olha from Ukraine Andrey from Israel Leah from Kenya Zahid from Pakistan Wafaa from France + Morocco Enrique from Venezuela Julia from Ukraine In this episode, you can hear a few minutes from each guest as they share when they made the big move (ranging from 6 months to 20 years!), the struggles they faced, the wins they’re proud of, and their best piece of advice for other newcomers arriving in Canada today. Links & Resources: (Sophie from Ireland) Irish in Toronto Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/123680717695499   (Samantha from Malaysia/Australia) Joey Dolls: joeydolls.com   (Joseph from Nigeria) Diversity Kitchen: diversitykitchen.ca  (Zahid from Pakistan) Career Foundation: careerfoundation.com (Enrique Bravo from Venezuela): @enriquebravoart  Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved!  TheNewcomerCollective.com/join  Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com

Recently, I hosted a live online event, my ‘Moving to Canada’ party! Not only was it SO much fun to meet and get to know you all in person, but it was also PACKED with so much value. It seemed crazy not to publish it here on the show for you all to experience... I’m joined by Career coach, Michelle Ashley, and together we tackle the TWO biggest areas of struggle that I see newcomers to Canada face, again and again: CAREER: Navigating the Canadian job market and rebuilding your success abroad. EMOTIONS: Finding your support network and feeling settled and ‘at home’. If you listen to just ONE episode of this podcast, this is the one. I’m so excited to share all this advice with you.   Links & Resources: Join us inside the New to Canada Academy: Learn more - Save $50 with promo code PODCAST50 (valid for 14 days) Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/  Join Career Strategist, Michelle, for a free webinar: "Navigating the Job Market with Clarity and Strategy"  - Together you'll cut through the job search noise, focus on gaining clarity about your ideal job, understand yourself better, and apply effective strategies to land that perfect role. Learn More Use free online AI tool to scan your resume and get actionable tips to improve it: Jobscan.co

Gabriela, a licensed psychologist, and expat, discusses mental health challenges after moving abroad. They explore homesickness, culture shock, guilt, shame, and the importance of seeking support. They also emphasize the significance of emotional stability and recognizing the bravery and resilience of moving to a new country. Additionally, they highlight the importance of progress tracking, journaling, and appreciating achievements for mental health.

Ian Andexser, chairman of the Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners (CABP), joins the podcast to discuss how to 'buy back' missing years of UK State Pension contributions when living abroad. He shares personal experiences, the issue of frozen pensions, and the importance of joining an association for pension forecasting. Ian's journey to Canada and his love story add an entertaining touch to this informative episode.

If you’re inspired by “money mindset” podcasts, this is the episode for you!  There comes a time in your immigration journey when you’ll start looking to the future and thinking about how to build your wealth in Canada long-term. This episode’s guest, Tomisin Salam, is originally from Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to Canada in 2011 to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Together, we chat about the art of taking educated risks and grabbing the endless opportunities that Canada has to offer. Tomisin talks us through his journey from selling clothes out of the trunk of his car to now being the CEO of his own FinTech company, FiatMatch - (An initiative that helps immigrants navigate the financial challenges of living in a new country) - and how you can start to build additional revenue streams too.   You don’t want to miss: All about growing up in Lagos, Nigeria - The cultural, financial, entertainment capital of Africa. His journey to entrepreneurship in Canada: Starting with building a payroll accounting system in Nigeria and taking the idea to Canada in 2011. Knowing when to “change” your dreams and pivot your goals when better opportunities arise. Where to start when you have an idea for a business and the importance of connection and mentorship. The financial struggles that Tomisin sees newcomers face again and again and why “credit” offered to newcomers may not be the best thing. Untapped opportunities: How to make additional income in Canada, from investments to side hustles. PLUS, the common scams and financial fraud that you should watch out for in Canada… Links & Resources: Follow Tomisin on LinkedIn: Click here Learn more about FiatMatch - The international money transfer marketplace: fiatmatch.com   Check out the Immigrant Library: immigrantlibrary.com Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/ Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com  

As new residents and citizens of Canada, it is so important for us to learn about and become allies for its Indigenous Peoples. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples have been living in what is now Canada for thousands of years, and they each have unique histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs.  We newcomers are now lucky enough to call this beautiful country our home - but we must remind ourselves that we are living on their land. In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle and Jamie-Leigh, who come to us from RAVEN Trust, a not-for-profit that raises legal defense funds to assist Indigenous Peoples. They also have a fantastic online video course called Home on Native Land that you can take for FREE to start your learning. In this episode, we discuss the history of colonization in Canada, including the definitions of Terra Nullius, the Doctrine of Discovery, and the Indian Act. We also speak about the common misconceptions about Indigenous peoples, as well as the ongoing conflict over broken treaties. I ask Danielle and Jamie-Leigh whether Indigenous Peoples welcome immigrants and refugees to Canada, as well as what they think about the term “Canadian”.  They also share some of the ways that newcomers to Canada can contribute to ongoing reconciliation efforts. __ In Canada, September 30 is The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, or “Orange Shirt Day.” The day aims to raise awareness about the Indian Residential School System, where Indigenous children across Canada were ripped from their families, abused and thousands killed. It is also an opportunity to commit to the process of truth, justice, and reconciliation. You can learn more by clicking here. __ Links & Resources: Home on Native Land is a new, free online learning tool that is funny, honest, and accessible, providing a no-risk, comfortable way to understand Indigenous law, Canadian law, and their impact on the nation we call home. The series of 10 x 30-minute modules is the first public education initiative from RAVEN, an organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous rights. Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more  Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/  Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective  For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com  

Hannibal from the Philippines, contest winner of Canada’s Luckiest Newcomer, shares his experience of arriving in Canada as an international student during the pandemic. He discusses how it felt to win the contest and the life-changing prizes he received. The podcast also covers topics such as weather differences in Canada and the Philippines, challenges of dressing for Canadian weather, and overcoming challenges as a newcomer in Canada.

Searching for some camping tips as you head out into Canada’s National Parks this summer? Look no further! This episode’s guest, Audrey Levesque, is a Canadian camping expert who has worked with Parks Canada for over 20 years. Canada’s diverse NATURE is one of the main reasons that newcomers give for moving here and Parks Canada manages and protects many of the most special places it has to offer - 171 national historic sites, 47 national parks and 5 national marine conservation areas to be exact! Join us as Audrey shares her experiences working in some of Canada’s most beautiful and interesting spots, as well as her best advice for making the most of your campsite.   You don’t want to miss: Living in Nova Scotia: What to expect from the summer season. An update on the ongoing wildfires burning across Canada. What is Parks Canada, why was it created and the important work that it does. The “Graveyard of the Atlantic”: Audrey’s favourite posting after working with Parks Canada for 20+ years. Front vs Back-country camping, as well as the various “glamping” options available. How to reserve your National Park campsite and the fees to expect. The endless list of activities you can take advantage of during your visit. Leave no trace: Tips for keeping the parks clean and avoiding unwelcome wildlife visitors(!) Camping safety and etiquette. PLUS, all about the ‘Learn to Camp’ overnight program if you’d like your first camping experience to be with an expert. Links & Resources: Parks Canada website: www.pc.gc.ca   Reserve your National Park campsite: https://reservation.pc.gc.ca/   FREE National Park admission for 1 full year with the Canoo app: https://canoo.ca/  Visitor Safety: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/securite-safety  ‘Learn to Camp’ Program: https://parks.canada.ca/serapprocher-connect/ltc-dlc  Camping Checklists, Recipes, Printable Games, Tutorial Videos, and more: https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/hebergement-accommodation/camping-101  Join the New to Canada Academy: Learn more  Download my 50 free tips from newcomers to Canada: What they wish they knew before they moved! https://thenewcomercollective.com/canada-tips/  Follow me on Instagram: @TheNewcomerCollective  For more about us and what we do, check out our website: TheNewcomerCollective.com