Canada aims to welcome over 460,000 immigrants every year till 2025. Upon arrival, newcomers should settle into their new homes & might experience some issues adjusting in Canada. Today, we will discuss how to deal with the challenges newcomers face in Canada. 

So, without further ado, let us begin!

Language Barrier

English & French are the official languages in Canada. Many newcomers might have trouble communicating in one of these languages. Moreover, many jobs in Canada need English/ French, and either of these languages can be one of the primary requirements in a job description. 

Also, in order to improve their language ability in English/ French, newcomers need to take advantage of the language training services available to them. These services aim to address all newcomers’ types of language needs, like general language training, study assistance for language assessments, job-specific language training, etc. 

If you are a PR/ protected person, you can take language classes funded by the Canadian government. These classes are:

  • LINC – Language Instruction For Newcomers To Canada
  • CLIC – Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada 

Finding Affordable Housing 

One of the many challenges newcomers face in Canada is finding affordable housing. 

As a newcomer to Canada, one of the first things you need to do is find a place for you & your family to call home. According to a 2018 Statistics Canada study, most newcomers look to rent a home upon moving to Canada. Many newcomers might struggle to find suitable housing in Canada, as rental properties are in high demand across the nation. 

However, there are many websites as well as resources to look for housing options, including: 

  • Websites such as PadMapper, Zumper, & Realtor.ca
  • Bulletin boards in libraries, grocery stores, community centers, etc. 
  • The classified section of the local newspaper 

Along with this, newcomers should also contact their local immigrant settlement agency. Many immigrant settlement agencies offer housing-related services, like help finding a place to live & understanding your rights & responsibilities as a tenant. 

A quick web search of the services offered in the city, district, or province can help you find what services are available to you. Government-funded websites like Compass to Connect are also useful for their ability to amalgamate & search settlement services across Canada. 

Isolation 

Being in a new culture, far from home, family, & friends, can lead to isolation & loneliness. It will take time to adjust to a new environment & feel at ease. 

However, Canada has a very diverse population & most large cities are home to communities from other nations. These communities are great for newcomers as they help to deal with isolation & support the newcomer’s adjustment to their new home. 

There are settlement services that can connect immigrants/ newcomers to communities in their area. 

In 2021, IRCC conducted the first study into immigrant/ newcomer outcomes via settlement programs. They found that over 61% of newcomers who availed of community connection settlement services felt that those services helped them meet individuals they now consider to be close friends. Furthermore, over 92% of newcomers agreed that their community welcomed newcomers, with 90% of them having a strong sense of belonging to Canada. 

Finding Employment 

Another one of the many challenges newcomers face in Canada is finding employment. Finding a job in Canada as a newcomer can be challenging, as they might encounter obstacles to having their credentials recognized & finding meaningful Canadian work. 

However, Canada’s labor market force has around 20 million individuals. Moreover, newcomers account for a growing share of the labor force. In fact, landed immigrants make up around 25% of workers in Canada. One helpful tool is having a strong network in Canada to gain access to employment opportunities that might not be advertised publicly.

Newcomers should consider creating an online professional profile, like on LinkedIn, which is widely used in Canada. This enables the user to showcase their work experience & skills, facilitate connection with new contacts, & access job opportunities. 

When searching for a job, reaching out to professionals in your field with questions & discussion points can provide ideal entry points for careers & tips for success in the industry. Many Canadian settlement programs offer employment-related services, like help finding a job, resume preparation, networking events, mock interviews, etc.

In particular, among those who obtained employment-related services, over 78% credited settlement services for equipping them with the skills, knowledge, & connections integral to success in the Canadian labor market. 

Adapting To Cold, Ice, & Snow 

When compared to many other nations, Canada’s climate can be quite diverse. During the winter, Canada’s climate can be extremely cold, with heavy snowfall in some parts of the nation. 

A crucial tip which would benefit many newcomers to Canada is purchasing appropriately warm clothing for winters. This includes hats, gloves, scarves, insulated jackets, waterproof boots, etc. 

Moreover, during winter months, the cold & short days imply that it is hard to get out & stay fit. It also means cold & flu season. So, in order to avoid getting sick, you can take a few proactive measures, including getting a flu shot. The flu shot is the best defense against the flu & is recommended for almost everyone over six months of age.