To most of us, Boxing Day in Canada is the holiday that comes right after Christmas. Many Canadians don’t know the history of the holiday or what its true purpose was. Today, it’s a shopping holiday where you can get great deals on everyday items. It was not always this way, however. Let’s explore the history of Boxing Day and what it has transformed into today.
When Is Boxing Day?
Boxing Day is an international holiday that many countries around the world celebrate. The holiday is celebrated on December 26, which is the day after Christmas Day. If the day falls on a weekend, the holiday shifts to the following Monday.
Why Do We Celebrate Boxing Day In Canada?
Boxing Day originated as a day to give gifts to the poor. After giving each other gifts the day before, the wealthy would box up gifts and give them to the poor. Most people serving the upper class had to work on Christmas and did not get the day off. As a result, the following day would almost serve as their Christmas. Boxing Day also became a time for the wealthy to donate to the poor.
While the idea of boxing day has been around since the 1600s, its official origin was never confirmed. Most people believe that the day was officially established in Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Today, many countries linked to Britain, such as some of the Commonwealth Countries, celebrate Boxing Day. Since Canada used to be a British colony, it too celebrates the holiday.
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Is Boxing Day In Canada A Statutory Holiday?
Boxing Day is a statutory holiday for all federally regulated employees. However, not all provinces made it a statutory holiday. The only province that observes Boxing Day in Canada as a statutory holiday is Ontario. This means that if you live outside Ontario and do not work in a federally regulated industry, Boxing Day will not be a statutory holiday for you. If you live in Ontario, however, it is a statutory holiday.
While Boxing Day was originally a day for giving gifts to the poor, it has undoubtedly transformed into a shopping holiday. In recent years, the term, “Boxing Week”, has started to become popular. This is because of the sales that take place during the week after Christmas. For some families, December 26th can also serve as a way to extend Christmas celebrations. As mentioned above, some Canadians have Boxing Day as a statutory holiday, so they can take the day off.
Boxing Day in Canada has become a great way to save on household items you are planning to buy. If you know you need a new TV, and Boxing Day is a month away, it is usually worth waiting. Boxing Day sales can save you hundreds of dollars if you plan and time your big purchases correctly. Things like electronics, furniture, clothes, and home renovation items usually face tremendous discounts during Boxing Week.
What Stores Offer Boxing Day Sales in Canada
From large corporations to local businesses, almost every store in Canada offers Boxing Day sales. In this section, we will look at some of the most common stores across Canada and what items you will find on discount.
Walmart
Walmart is one of the biggest corporations in the world. It also offers some of the biggest discounts during Boxing Day in Canada. Most items sold by Walmart receive sales during Boxing Week, with the exception of food items. The items that receive the biggest sales are electronics, appliances, and furniture. You might also be able to find discounts on various other items such as toys and clothing.
Best Buy and Staples
Both Best Buy and Staples are some of the best brick-and-mortar stores to buy electronics. They are famous for holding massive sales during certain times of the year, including Boxing Day. Best Buy and Staples also have Back-to-School Sales and Black Friday sales so it is a good idea to be on the lookout for both.
Canadian Tire
Canadian Tire is another big retail store that offers great deals on Boxing Day. You will find a wide variety of items on sale if you do your research. Some common products that are usually on sale include small kitchen appliances, kitchenware, garden tools, and much more. To get a better idea of what items in Canadian Tire are on sale, click here.
These are just some examples of stores that offer Boxing Day deals. Almost all big retailers, and even some small businesses, extend the sale for a week. Make sure to be on the lookout for such sales if you are planning to make a big purchase in the near future.
While the holiday began as a way to give gifts to the poor and allow people to enjoy a day off, it has taken on a completely different role today. Commonly referred to as a shopping holiday, Boxing Day in Canada has become a great way to save money. Today, the holiday mainly serves as a shopping holiday and an extra day to enjoy the Christmas holidays.
When you think of Canada, snow, ice hockey and maple syrup probably come to mind. While those things are Canadian to the core, one part of Canada that most people overlook is the TV shows. Canada has some of the best TV shows out there. Fans from across the world enjoy watching Canadian TV shows. No matter what type of show want to find, Canada has got something for you. From older western shows to newer sitcoms, here are a few of them that capture life in Canada.
Anne of Green Gables (1985)
L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables is one of the most iconic Canadian books of all time. It is no surprise that since the book was published in 1908, multiple film adaptations have popped up. Many of these adaptations have captured the heart-warming tale in an entertaining manner while still staying true to the novel.
However, there is one adaptation that stands out. The 1985 adaptation of Anne of Green Gables has captured the hearts of millions of Canadians and is cherished by fans across the world. It manages to perfectly capture life in Prince Edward Island during the early 1900s. The TV show is about the life of a 12-year-old orphan named Anne who is adopted by two elderly siblings, Mathew and Marilla. The ageing siblings wanted a young boy to help out on their farm but instead received a girl, Anne. Marill and Mathew did not welcome Anne at first because she wasn’t a boy. However, she manages to win the hearts of her adoptive guardians and eventually the people of her town, Avonlea.
The whole series is available on a streaming service called GazeboTV. Another option is checking out your local public library. Since it is such a popular show, you will likely find the title in your local library.
Learn About Canadian History Through TV Shows: Frontier (2016)
Let’s face it. History is not the most exciting subject out there. Students learn about the North American fur trade but most children don’t even give the topic a second thought. The Canadian TV show, “Frontier”, is trying to change that. The show brings attention to a part of Canadian history that is usually overlooked.
This TV show takes the audience back in time to the North American fur trade and the powerful Hudson’s Bay Company. It follows the thrilling adventures of the rebellious Declan Harp. Declan Harp was an employee at the Hudon’s Bay Company before he became an outlaw. Join Declan as he undertakes his quest for revenge against the very company he used to work for. All three seasons of Frontier are available on Netflix. Keep in mind that the show has some violence in it, so it is aged 16+. Click here to access the trailer for the show
Western Canadian TV Shows: Heartland (2007)
Heartland is another show that is based on a book. This Canadian TV show takes place near the rocky mountains of Alberta in Heartland Ranch. It follows the teenage protagonist, Amy Fleming, and her family who run the ranch. After Amy’s mother passes away, it is up to Amy and her sister to revive the bankrupt family ranch.
This show gives a good insight into life in the Albertan countryside. The show is full of scenic shots that cover the wide expanse of the Rocky Mountain Foothills. Heartland offers a good view of country life as well as an interesting storyline that is easy to follow.
Heartland is available to watch on Netflix. If you do not have a Netflix subscription, you can also watch all 15 episodes on CBC Gem for free. Click here to access the complete series for free. If you would like to check out the trailer first, click here.
Canadian Sitcom Shows: Kim’s Convenience (2016)
Kim’s Convenience is a great sitcom that touches upon some of the amazing things about Canada. This Canadian TV show is about a Korean family that immigrated to Toronto, Ontario and opened a convenience store. Kim’s convenience combines comedy with real-life elements that make the show fun, engaging and overall, entertaining.
What makes this show so great is that it gives Canadians a look into different cultures. It shows how different and at the same time, how similar Canadian families can be. Fans from different backgrounds have been able to relate to the family dynamics of a family that just happened to be Korean-Canadian.
You can watch Kim’s Convenience for free on CBC Gem by clicking here. If you have a Netflix or Prime Video subscription, you can also watch the show there. If you want to get an idea of what the show is about first, check out this video.
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Schitt’s Creek (2015)
Another great Canadian TV show that happens to be a sitcom is Schitt’s Creek. The show follows a once-wealthy family that went completely broke. The only asset that the Roses could keep was a small town by the name of Schitt’s Creek. The Roses had bought the town as a joke but now they had no choice but to move into it, leaving behind life as they know it. Join the Roses as they struggle to adapt to their new modest lives with their two spoiled children.
CBC Gem also offers Schitt’s Creek to watch for free. You can access the show for free by clicking here. You can also watch the show on Netflix and Prime Video if you have a subscription to those streaming services. If you would like to watch the trailer first, you can also do that by clicking here.
Whether you want to get a glimpse of life in Canada, learn a bit about cultural and historical aspects, or just be entertained, these Canadian TV shows cover it all.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
In Canada, you have an extensive list of options to watch television shows and movies. And, fortunately, there is no shortage of video streaming services you can subscribe to for a fraction of the cost of cable television. Millions of Canadians tune into steaming services as a main source of entertainment.
The traditional option has been to subscribe to cable television. Millions of Canadians have TV services through Rogers, Bell, or other local providers. As television services have evolved, they have become a good source for culture-based channels and programming. There have never been more cable television station options. But the one issue is cable television can get quite expensive. It can be an expense that is not in the budget for a newcomer to Canada.
Check out the list below to find a video streaming service that offers the type of programming you want at a price that fits your budget:
Top Video Streaming Services in Canada
You have many streaming service options in Canada. But remember, the content on these services will differ from what is available in your country of origin. For example, the types of shows and movies on Netflix Canada are different from what you will get on Netflix in the U.S., India, and other countries in Europe and around the world.
Here is a list of the most popular streaming services that are available in Canada:
CBC Gem
This application is available for free, in an ad-supported version. It provides you with a steady stream of Canadian television shows, movies, documentaries, and programming. It also gives you access to international series. You can purchase an ad-free version for only $4.99 per month.
You can also access CTV and City TV for free through their mobile app. This provides you with another source of Canadian programming.
Learn more about CBC Gem.
Netflix
Netflix is far and away the most popular streaming service in Canada. Most people around know about it as the company offers programming around the world. You have access to a wide range of movies, TV series, documentaries, and Netflix originals. While Canada may not have as many titles as the U.S. it has an extensive library of content. Depending on the package you choose you could pay anywhere from $9.99 to $19.99 per month.
Learn more about signing up for Netflix Canada.
Crave
Crave is a Canadian video streaming service that was created by Bell Media. The platform offers original programming and shows you cannot get on Netflix. It is also your source for HBO and Showtime in Canada. The basic plan for Crave starts at $9.99 per month. The premium plan is $19.99 per month.
Learn more about signing up for Crave.
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Amazon Prime Streaming Service
Get access to original programming as well as a variety of Canadian TV programs. One of the great benefits of this platform is you can get it included for free if you are an Amazon prime member ($79 per year). Or you can subscribe for $7.99 per month.
Learn more about signing up for Amazon Prime Video.
Disney +
Relive your childhood and watch all your favourite Disney titles all in the same place. Disney + recently integrated Star, which included programming from Fox and Hulu, geared for mature viewers.
You can sign up for $11.99 per month or pay $119.99 for an annual subscription.
Learn more about signing up for Disney +
AppleTV+
Apple TV is a basic streaming service. It has a limited library of content, as it only offers Apple produced movies and series. You do not have to have an Apple device to sign up. You can get it for $5.99 per month, making it one of the more affordable options on this list.
Learn more about signing up for Apple TV+
YouTube Premium
If you spend a lot of time watching content on YouTube, then you may want to consider YouTube Premium. You can get video and music ad free and download content and watch it offline. You can sign up for $11.99 per month.
Learn more about signing up for YouTube Premium.
Where Can I Access Video Streaming Services in Canada?
You can gain access to any of the above streaming services as long as you have access to the internet. You can use your computer, phone, tablet, Smart TV, and other internet-enabled devices. Some cable services also provide access to some streaming services as part of cable packages, allowing you to have access to both in a bundled price. However, with the high cost of cable, streaming services in Canada can be an affordable option to consider.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
There are many things you need to think about when moving to Canada. One often overlooked are the types of clothing you’ll need for Canada and the different seasons. Many new immigrants often gloss over the fact that Canada has a unique climate, unlike any other country. It can snow in the spring or you can be wearing shorts in December. Canadian weather can be truly unpredictable. If you are not prepared, you could find yourself with a suitcase full of clothing that has you ill-prepared for the weather outside. And while Canada may be known for its cold winter, when you know the type of clothing to wear, winter can be a very enjoyable season, filled with fun outdoor activities.
Types of Clothing You Need for Four Seasons in Canada
Canada is truly a nation of four seasons. So you’ll need to dress for different seasons. The weather can vary greatly based on where you live in the country. It can also change significantly from one day to the next. You can experience humidity and temperature close to 40 degrees Celsius in the summer and temperatures as low as -40-degrees Celsius with the wind chill in the winter.
So, you really need to have the right types of clothing to keep yourself comfortable throughout the year in Canada. But we have you covered with the list below.
A List of Clothing to Keep Yourself Comfortable Year Round
Depending on your country of origin, you may have some of these clothing items already. All basic clothing items are standard no matter where you live. But pay particular attention to the winter clothing items. If you are without these, you’ll want to get them as soon as possible. Because no matter where you live in Canada, you are going to need good, comfortable, and warm clothing. If you’re spending time doing anything in the snow such as skiing, snowmobiling, skating or even just building a snowman, you’ll need something beyond your average city-appropriate outerwear.
All clothing on the list below is readily available for purchase in stores across the country. You can also find these items online or used at local thrift stores. Here is a list of clothing you will need for each season:
Types of Clothing for Spring in Canada (March to May)
This is the start of patio season. Spring is a signal that winter is over, and the warmer weather is on the horizon. It can be an unpredictable season. The cold could linger, and you could find it to be unseasonably cool. Or it could be exceptionally warm. It’s a good idea to have some summer and fall items handy to be prepared for the unpredictable nature of this season:
- Rain boots
- Raincoat
- A light jacket
- Umbrella
- Running shoes and sandals
- T shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Jeans, long pants, shorts
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Types of Clothing for Summer (June to August)
Canadian summers can be hot and humid. It can be just as warm as about anywhere else in the world. Expect a mix of sunshine and some rainy days. There will be lots of opportunities to enjoy parks, the lake and local beaches. It’s the time of the year when Canadians go on vacation, head to cottages, and enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. Here are some types of clothing items to have:
- Bathing suit
- Sunglasses
- Baseball hat
- Flip flops, sandals, and walking shoes
- Shorts, dresses
- T shirts and tank tops
- Light hooded sweater
- Sports attire
Types of Clothing for Fall (September to November)
Once fall comes around, you’ll notice the leaves starting to change colour on the trees and the weather starting to cool. It is pumpkin spice latte season. It’s time to break out your sweaters and celebrate Thanksgiving. Here is the clothing you will need for fall:
- A light jacket
- Sweaters and hoodies
- Jeans, leggings, and long dresses
- Long sleeve shirts and button up shirts
- Light gloves
- Scarf
- Wool hat
Clothing You’ll Need for Winter (December to February)
We’re sure you’ve heard about Canadian winters. We are known for them. Fortunately, what most people don’t realize is that winter is only one season out for the year. But it is true, the frigid temperatures, snow and ice, and bone-chilling winds are very real. You’ll want to wear multiple layers, especially if you head outside to go tobogganing, skiing, or a good brisk walk. Here are some examples of the type of clothing you’ll need for a Canadian winter:
- Winter coat (with hood)
- Snow pants
- Boots
- Gloves, toque, scarf, earmuffs
- Thermal pants
- Long pants
- Heavy sweaters
- Hoodies and sweatpants
- Thick socks
You can always get up-to-date information about the weather in Canada here.
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If you have most of these types of clothing for Canada, you’ll be comfortable year-round no matter what city you call home. As you can see from the above list, you will need a little bit of everything to ensure you are prepared for Canadian weather. It’s common for new immigrants to come to Canada without all the right types of clothing. But don’t worry, you will have no trouble getting the clothing you need once you arrive.
For more information, tools, and free webinars about living in Canada visit our Settling in Canada resource page. We’ll help you to settle in Canada successfully!
The benefits of volunteering for newcomers to Canada are many. Importantly, volunteer work can help you learn more about your local community. And, volunteering is an important part of Canadian culture.
Every day, Canadians donate their time, energy, and money to help certain causes that they feel strongly about. They give back to their communities, without expecting anything in return.
According to the recent Statistics Canada report, over 12.7 million Canadians volunteered their time in 2018. They contributed a total of 1.6 billion hours of their time. This is equivalent to almost 858,000 full-time jobs carried out throughout the year.
Because many of Canada’s non-profit and charitable organizations have limited budgets, they rely on volunteers to achieve their objectives. So volunteers play an essential role in local communities.
As a newcomer, you may find that you do not know a great many people once you arrive here. Making friends as an adult can be a little challenging for some. Especially when there are cultural differences to overcome. Volunteering can provide the backdrop to a comfortable and easy introduction to many like-minded people. This is a very popular way for both newcomers and Canadian born people to make friends. The best thing is to get yourself out there to talk to people and get to know fellow Canadians.
Get Started to Volunteer
There are a plethora of opportunities available that contribute to the benefits of volunteering. It can be confusing as to which organization you should volunteer for and in what capacity.
First, make a list of the skills you want to gain. Think about the causes you are interested in. Then, decide how much time you can set aside for volunteering.
Some examples of volunteer roles include:
- Fundraising
- Raising awareness
- Organizing events
- Managing donations
- Planting trees
- Cleaning beaches
Some examples of causes include:
- Women’s rights
- Refugee welfare
- Healthcare
- Environment, and many more.
Applying for a volunteer position is just like applying for a job. You will be asked to submit a resume, so have one ready. Depending on the focus area you are volunteering for, you might be asked to provide references. When working with vulnerable persons, you will have to undergo a background check.
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Five Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering benefits the people you are helping and also benefits you. Here are some of the benefits of volunteering
1. Network with Others
Volunteering is a great way to socialize, meet new people, and make new friends. Even though you come from diverse backgrounds as other volunteers, you share a common passion for giving back to society. This helps you develop personal and professional relationships with other volunteers. Volunteering will strengthen your ties to your local community and Canadian society.
2. Enhance Mental and Physical Health as a Benefit of Volunteering
When you help others and make a difference to society, you will feel good about yourself.
While volunteering, you are constantly interacting with other volunteers. This will help you develop a strong support system and combat depression and loneliness. Reduce your stress and anxiety by working with children and animals because they can instantly elevate your mood.
Whenever you find yourself stuck with nothing meaningful to look forward to, think about why you are volunteering. This will help you find your purpose in life. And volunteering can make you feel good knowing that you are helping others and showing that you care about your new community in Canada.
3. Volunteer as a Family Activity
Children can also benefit through volunteering. Children learn through observation. As a parent, you can be a good role model by showing your children how you are making a difference in society. Your children will learn compassionate and positive behaviour from you. This will motivate them to sign up as volunteers. Similarly, they will gain valuable Canadian work experience while they are studying.
Your children will also get a chance to interact with other volunteers. They will make new friends and this will make it easier for them to adapt to Canadian culture.
When you move to Canada, you might want to keep expenses low and have fun as a family. Volunteering as a family is a great way to spend quality time together without spending any money.
4. Advance Your Career as a Benefit of Volunteering
This might come as a surprise to you when some employers ask you for Canadian work experience or a Canadian portfolio of work. You might wonder, how can I gain Canadian work experience if nobody gives me a chance to work in Canada? This is the biggest benefit of volunteering for newcomers. You can gain work experience and build a Canadian work portfolio by volunteering.
While you are looking for a job in your field, volunteering experience on your resume will bridge the gaps and show activity. As well, you’ll stand out among other applicants as it demonstrates to employers that you’re interested in other things and causes.
In addition, if you want to learn a new skill, you can get your feet wet by volunteering. Some roles require that volunteers have certification like first-aid, CPR, etc. If this is within your area of interest, the non-profit organization may give you the resources to gain these certificates.
If you want to volunteer to gain Canadian work experience, it’s important to volunteer strategically. Think about what it is that you want to achieve to get the most out of your volunteer experience.
5. Improve Your Language Skills
If English or French is not your first language, you will get a chance to speak with volunteers in English or French. While interacting with other volunteers, your language and communication skills will improve. So you’ll also gain the confidence to speak with others and have a meaningful conversation.
Volunteering might be unheard of in several societies. However, in Canada, it is a way of life. Volunteering will be fun and rewarding and not another chore, as long as you enjoy doing what you do.
Now that you have learned more about the benefits of volunteering, you can find local volunteer opportunities, by visiting:
For more information about living, working, and banking in Canada, check out our upcoming webinars!
We often discuss many practical and interesting topics about migration, but not about the mixed emotions when living in the great white North! And, those mixed emotions come with migrating to Canada.
As we approach another change in season, and with it a lot of mixed emotions, I would like to share my personal experience when I first landed in Canada two Fall/Winters ago.You’re almost packed with your landing date in sight. And, buried deep with all the stress and excitement of your new life, a job, a home, a car, etc. But, have you thought of how your body and mind will react to the extreme change in climate when you first land in the great white North?!
For helpful information about your next steps when you arrive in Canada, join our free webinar:
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We are into the Fall season and soon heading into the harsh and white winters. Just like everybody else, I too did not give this much thought when I planned my trip in the fall/winter months. Most pictures I researched online about my destination city had nice warm sunshine, plenty of people walking the streets, shops and activities galore. And, that painted a very beautiful yet deceptive picture in my mind. Not here to demotivate anyone but a series of emotions and feelings that I went through after I first landed in the freezing cold months, aka The Canadian Winters!!
Dealing with Canadian winters
Migrating to Canada, I had never before experienced such cold weather for months! Leave alone snow falling from the sky non-stop for 3-4 days on end. I had heard of it, but took it in my stride, like I was going on a holiday and would easily cope with it. Though, the first fall of snow for someone like me was like a blessing from the sky. And, I played in the snow for a good few hours.
But, I soon realized it’s not that easy to take it in for days! And mind you, I am not referring to the cold weather here. What I am really getting to is the dark and gloomy skies, poor visibility, and shorter days (less and less sunlight) during the winter months.
I landed in Vancouver, British Columbia (the mild west). And, the winters are mild compared to some of the other provinces. The rain, and the layers of clothing are no different for someone who had moved from a hot and humid tropical country. But, soon I noticed a sudden change in my behaviour, mood, and thoughts.
I was new to the city, sans friends or family and had migrated by myself. So, I often found myself lost in a lot of soul searching and sometimes doubtful questions:
- Have I made the right move?
- Why did I leave everything behind?
- I was such an extrovert back home but, why can’t I talk to anyone freely here?
- Why is everything so expensive here?
Trust me, a few months down the line when you’re settled in and things seem to have moved along well, you will laugh at yourself. And, with the warmer summer months and long days coming about you’ll find life comes full circle as we approach this season again next year. So, I felt it important to discuss this and termed it as mixed emotions. as it’s often mixed with excitement, yet some soul searching.
This is my third fall/winter in Canada, and I again find myself in that zone I was the first time around. This prompted me to write about it and maybe help those who are about to land, or are on the brink of their first experience with the change of season. Let me tell you, it’s completely natural to feel that way! Don’t add to your stress.
Tips to deal with the mixed emotions of life in the great white North!
We are so used to the sunshine, having loads of people around, and being up and about until the wee hours of the night. So, it’s a very strange situation when suddenly everything looks so glum. This is a cold country! We all know that. So, that’s something none of us can control. But, what we can do is:
- Smile. Most important! It’s ok to cry out once in a while so that you can smile later ???? It’s about balance.
- Stay away from people who spread any negative thoughts around you.
- Exercise 4-5 days a week in a gym or an outdoor location (if possible). Trust me. you will meet people there in that similar exercise/workout environment. And, you might just make a friend or two sharing some valuable health tips. Side benefit, your mind will remain active, healthy, and trigger positive thoughts too.
- Find an outdoor winter activity; and make snow your friend! Try skiing, snowboarding, snow skating, small and moderate winter hikes or maybe develop an interest in Canada’s very own winter sport, ice hockey. I don’t know if that will really capture your attention upfront but trust me, Canadians love their sports teams. And. watching a game live in a sports arena, sports bar, etc can help build a happy tempo within you too.
- If you have a job and work colleagues, plan to meet for a house party once a month. Or, just go grab a drink after work on TGIF. It helps to bond outside of your professional environment. And, you’ll have a good time.
- Stay less connected to people back home! Yes, I know some of you would disagree with me here. But, I personally realized that every emotion attached with a small audio/video call, chat messages brings back memories that dampen your loneliness even more. You could probably increase contact once you have settled in well in your new home.
- Travel! Canada is a huge country and if time and budget permits make sure to witness the winter from different perspectives and provinces. You will be blown away how diverse this country truly is. I did Quebec and Ontario in peak winters and felt so fortunate I was living in BC! Lol!! It just brought a smile to my face that’s it. Also remember winter fares on airlines and hotels are usually cheaper so, why not!
- Try this app called Couchsurfing. It changed my world completely! I made a lot of friends through that and unknowingly got my first full time job thanks to a reference I made while having a BEER! Seriously! You never know when, who and what can get you where. Don’t stop attending your professional networking events though! This is just a fun add-on not a resume distribution centre. Go to make friends, if something more happens consider it destiny!
- Live life everyday, make daily plans, don’t think too far ahead. Even the weather forecasts are not completely accurate so any cancellations can dampen your spirits totally. This might sound easier said than done. But, believe me you’ve got to instill this in yourself every single day until you start doing it.
- Indulge in volunteer activities. You won’t get paid, but you will be out there doing something constructive, meeting new people, and building some much-needed Canadian work experience. And, most importantly giving back to the society which you never had time for back home. This is your new home, so no harm in making a new beginning, right!?
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There are many more interactive things you can do to kill the negativity or uncertainty that the winter season brings. I have only listed a few activities that I did do personally or learned along the way looking at others like me. And, it has kept me in good shape and spirits through the changing seasons in Canada.
It is very easy to feel lost or overwhelmed. So, we need to find love (in the small things in life), and a reason to smile each day. Because, you can’t just think about making money, paying bills, buying a car, a home, etc, (even though those are vitals thorns in the shoe that we need to consider. You need to sit back, relax, and absorb every day you live through these seasons.
So, the mixed emotions are not as bad as it may sound…it’s just a phase and remember, Summer is just around the corner! ????????????
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If you have recently arrived in Canada, you likely know how important it is to stay positive when dealing with NO!
No! The word none of us like to hear. And when that happens repeatedly, it certainly isn’t the best feeling on earth. For some reason or the other you will keep hearing this word in your initial few months of arrival.
Don’t be disheartened, and stay positive. It is all part of your settlement into this wonderful country, Canada! Just imagine walking into a large hall where you do not know anybody, how would you react? Overwhelmed?! This is somewhat similar. You are walking into a new country, though as a Permanent Resident, but someone completely new and alien to the people here. They know nothing about your:
- qualities
- skills
- background
- religious beliefs
- habits
- behaviour, etc.
You need to make your presence felt, your personality needs to shine.
Now as fancy as that might sound, what we all wonder is: how am I going to do that?! It will take time to figure that out. We all did, eventually. A few examples of the NO’s you could hear in your settlement process are:
- NO! to bank loans (though you’ve never been a defaulter)
- NO! to renting a place (though you’re a good, clean & responsible person)
- NO! to buying a car or phone through financing (though you’re not a crook)
- NO! to jobs (though you might have applied with better credentials than required)
There could be a few more NO’s! but these I believe, are the most concerning. The immediate next question that comes to mind is How and What should I do to overcome these? So, through my personal experience let me guide you on how to stay positive and steps you could take to smile through this NO! challenge.
Four tips on how to stay positive when dealing with NO!
1. Build your social life
Job and money are two of the biggest pain points for most of us but what we often forget is that this is going to be our new home. You need a social life (friends) too. People you can trust, confide, party, relax, travel and do things you can’t do at work. We often leave this aspect of our new life to be dealt with later but, let me remind you it’s a very important feel good factor. We all love to have some downtime and that’s when you will crave your social circle the most. So, invest your initial few days to get to know the:
- culture
- society
- neighbourhood
- language (if you can) of the locals
Join your neighbourhood library for example. You can read up a lot from there too. Most public libraries even have regular events which have good attendance by newcomers and locals alike. Some libraries even have events happening around the city which are free to attend and those could be sweet spots to meet and interact with people. Also, look up google/local websites for events happening in different parts of the city, which you could access conveniently. Never hurts to travel a bit. You’ll get to know your city better ????.
Socialising Do’s and Don’ts to help you stay positive
- Smile, be humble and greet everyone. Sweetness always pays, besides showing your friendly approach.
- Speak with confidence. Doesn’t matter if your language/accent isn’t as polished as theirs, it’s your confidence that will grab their attention.
- Be prepared to listen. It’s a virtue that shows you respect for what others are saying.
- Have an open mind. You never know when someone could pass on something vital.
- Be prepared to learn and accept different personalities and people. Canada embraces diversity, and if you show respect, you’ll get it back.
- Social events are fun and passive networking zones, not areas where you carry your resume around. Do not go looking for work with every person you meet! Remember you are there to make friends, not colleagues. If that happens in a casual way, then super!
- Avoid political and religious topics as much as you can. They’re sensitive topics for some and you never know when you may press a pain point. Best to be neutral.
- Don’t hesitate to talk to more and more people. As they say, ‘Never put all your eggs in one basket’. You want to know the maximum number of people you can.
2. Create a Canadian Style Resume
You have tens of years of experience or just good enough, the capability of handling big teams or working in one, a master’s degree or a professional certification or a unique skill set, it all boils down to creating a CV/Resume which matches the requirements and guidelines of the Canadian Market. As we all know it is important to stand out and be seen and a good structured resume can do the trick.
Most of us follow and circulate our old (home country) resume and are often left disappointed to learn that we were not even considered for the position which was right up our alley. It is because of this very reason; not following the Canadian resume formatting styles. You do not need to completely rework your existing resume but would need to tweak and change it to match the requirements of the Canadian standards. It’s just like in any other country so don’t look at it as an added burden of work but as a means to revisit your old and maybe outdated style.
A simple do and don’t avoid blindly copying someone else’s work. Take it as an example and be unique in your own way. See how you could best maximize your experience and skills and design your resume/CV your way.
For more ideas on how to create a Canadian-style resume and helpful templates, download our free ebook:
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3. Build your network
Don’t you feel that jealousy or anger when you see someone half as skilled or experienced as you work at a good job? I did! No shame in that. But in my first few weeks, I realized that it all comes down to how well you’re connected. How many people do you know and vice-versa? And No! it’s not just on LinkedIn or other social media platforms, but in person. It’s a well-known fact, most jobs anywhere in the world are ‘hidden’ jobs.
There are plenty of organised networking events that take place throughout the city; some formal and some informal. Make sure to keep a regular tab of these and try and make it to a few each month, irrespective of having a job or not. You should always consider yourself new to the country and maximize the opportunity to meet and get to know more people. You never know where life takes you and what you may discover along the way.
An anonymous quote I read comes to mind here:
‘When it comes to networking, a single strong bond is better than a stack of business cards.’
Here are some helpful networking tips
Networking Do’s | Networking Don’ts |
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4. Find your home away from home
Immigration doesn’t guarantee you a job, a home or a car. Now the big question when you arrive is finding the right place to live and the right way to travel. For most of us, our first home is a rental unit/apartment or just a room in a shared space. A good rental is always a struggle to find and when you do, you hear the dreaded NO! Prospective landlords may say you don’t have good credit, references or a full-time job. Now you’re so new to the country that none of the above reasons can be rectified any time soon.
The concerns landlords have in an immigrant-dominant population might sound a bit harsh, but if you look at it from a landlord’s perspective it’s fair too. They could or may foresee a situation where they or their rental unit could be crooked. So, what do you do then? All is not lost here.
Now you can’t wait to settle in until you have a job. You need a home irrespective. So here working around some of the above-discussed points such as building your social life, friends/colleagues, etc. could vouch for you. There have been occasions when landlords track the social media accounts of prospective tenants to investigate the authenticity of the person, so here your local Canadian professional connections could come in handy (at least it did so in a few cases I saw).
How these activities will help you stay positive when dealing with NO!
Now what good do these activities do? They’ll help you to overcome NO! stay positive, and help you to blend into life in Canada. When you know how to stay positive, slowly but surely, you begin to realize that the initial struggle is a phase and not the end of the world. Everything starts to fall in place just like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. It has never been and never will be easy to migrate to a foreign land and expect everything to go as planned from day one. So, keep hustling, smiling, and have a positive attitude and be ready to stumble, fall and eventually rise. Learn to respect your new friends, try to embrace their culture, habits, and rules and always be ready to help.
My father told me before I left home to settle in Canada “Son, people are not bad! Circumstances make them behave differently”, so always have compassion in your heart and don’t be judgmental too soon and you will be just fine.
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