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FUSION news
World university rankings 2025: 4 Canadian universities in top 100
A 2025 world university ranking released by global higher education specialists QS Quacquarelli Symonds has placed 4 Canadian universities in the top 100 and 30 in the top 500 — University of Toronto (ranked at 25), McGill University (ranked at 29), University of British Columbia (ranked at 38) and University of Alberta (ranked at 96). University of Toronto is the country’s premier university for the second consecutive year and commands an outstanding reputation among international academics for sustainability.
However, while 3 Canadian universities make it to the world’s top 10 for sustainability, none of them rank among the top 100 for QS' measure of class size and teaching resources and faculty/ student ratio.
According to QS senior vice president Ben Sowter, “Since QS piloted its sustainability indicator in the last edition, Canadian universities have emerged as global leaders for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategies
and SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) initiatives.”
He points out that, on the other hand, “In indicators related to research, employability, reputation and internationalisation, Canadian universities are increasingly losing ground to their global peers.”
The “big four” study destinations — the US, UK, Australia and Canada — are home to 355 of the 1,500 ranked universities (24 per
cent), and 169 of the top 500 (34 per cent) and host more than 3 million international students: approximately half the global total.
While Canada retains relative strength in employment outcomes, 73 per cent of Canadian institutions have recorded year-onyear declines in this metric. There is also evidence that universities in the rest of the world are improving student employability at a higher rate than Canadian institutions.
Canadian cities feature in top 10 livable cities index
Two Canadian cities — Calgary and Vancouver — have made it to the list of top 10 cities to live in the world, according to the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)’s Global Liveability Index that ranks living conditions in 173 different cities.
Four cities in western Europe — Vienna, Copenhagen, Zurich and Geneva — are among the top ten in this year’s survey, cementing the region’s strong performance. Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland and Osaka are four Asia-Pacific
cities in the top ten.
Housing affordability
While a cost-of-living crisis continues in many countries, housing costs emerge as one of the stickiest elements of inflation.
The report highlights that this is particularly worrying in Canada, where the availability of rental properties is at an all-time low and purchase prices have continued to rise despite interest rate increases, further fuelling anti-immigration
sentiment. Toronto has dropped out of the top ten (to 12th position) after two years, due to the significant shortfall in housing availability. Both Australian cities (Sydney and Melbourne) have slipped down the list for the same reason.
The rating looks at 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five broad categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure (which includes housing).
What you’ll find at the fair: Careers
• JOBS! Hiring companies and recruiters
• Career search
• interview workshops
• Resumé clinic
Education
• University and college info
• English pronunciation
• Foreign credential information
• Tuition microloans
Settlement
• Inspirational immigrant speakers
• Immigration and visa advice
• Settlement services banking information
• & more!
Calgary - August 7, 2024
Telus Convention Centre North
Vancouver - October 25, 2024
Vancouver Convention Centre
Mississauga - November 15, 2024
Living Arts Centre
1. Meeting the eligibility criteria to purchase property
In Canada, both permanent residents and non-permanent residents are permitted to purchase property under certain conditions; for instance, if they hold a work permit. However, becoming a homeowner won’t give you access to permanent residency and won’t change the terms of your visa. (Good to know!)
Here are the mandatory requirements for home ownership and mortgages in Canada:
You’ll need to prove that you’ve sufficient funds to make a down payment. It is essential that you’ve held this amount for at least three months. If the money comes from outside Canada, you must have it in your possession and be able to prove its source.
It’s also important to have a bank account and a good credit report, with a score of at least 680. A credit card can help you build your credit history and improve your score, as long as you use it responsibly. That means paying off the balance or at least the minimum payment due each month. Even if you’ve already built a credit report in your home country, you’ll still need to build one in Canada.
Don’t have a credit history in Canada? In that case, you will need to demonstrate that you have a good payment record and that you are creditworthy. You can do this by providing proof that you’ve paid your bills on time for public accounts, such as electricity, for the last 12 months.
Additional documentation may be required to assess your credit report and debt ratio, especially if you’ve debts outside the country. Also, be aware that some financial institutions require a temporary resident visa (with a work or study permit) before granting a mortgage. Make sure you understand the requirements before choosing a bank.
Please note that as of January 1, 2023, a new law imposes certain restrictions on the purchase of a residential property in Canada by a non-Canadian for a period of two years (external link). You can consult a lawyer or a notary if you’ve any questions. Introduced by the federal government, the law is intended to curb the purchase of residential property by foreign investors to stabilize the real estate market in Canada.
This new law doesn’t cover:
• Diplomatic or consular officers
• Temporary residents with a study permit who meet certain strict conditions
• Temporary residents with a work permit who meet strict conditions
• Temporary residents who have been granted a visa for refugees fleeing a conflict
• Asylum seekers, under certain conditions
• For the conditions and details of the law, consult the Government of Canada website.
We recommend that you speak with a lawyer to confirm if you’re eligible to purchase a residential property in Canada before starting your search.
2. Understanding mortgage-related terminology
The terminology associated with purchasing property can differ from one country to the next. To help you find your way around, here are commonly used terms in Canada.
Mortgage loan and down payment
A mortgage loan, or simply a mortgage, is the money you’ll need to borrow to cover the portion of the purchase price that you can’t pay in cash.
The down payment is the portion of the price that you’ll have to pay in cash. In Canada, the minimum down payment for a property of $500,000 or less is 5% of the purchase price and 10% for the portion exceeding $500,000, if the mortgage is insured. The down payment must be 20% for an uninsured loan, regardless of the purchase price. For non-permanent residents authorized to work, the minimum down payment required is 10% while it could be 5% for a temporary resident.
Amortization and term
Amortization is the number of years you need to pay off the
A guide to buying your first home in Canada
Buying your first home is an important step. If you’re new to Canada, the process can seem complex. This stepby-step guide to home ownership is a great tool to help you make your dream of settling in Canada a reality.
mortgage. At the end of this period, the property will be paid off in full. Amortization is generally 25 years for an insured loan and 30 years maximum for a conventional loan.
Your amortization period is divided into several terms of either three or five years. The term is the length of the mortgage contract that dictates the terms of your loan, such as your interest rate and the amount of your mortgage payments over a given period. When your term expires, you’ll need to renew or transfer your contract.
Interest rate
You can choose between a fixed and variable interest rate. The fixed rate will remain the same throughout the term and is usually higher than the variable rate. The variable rate, which is usually lower, will fluctuate according to certain economic indicators. Canadian mortgage rates vary from bank to bank and are influenced by the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate.
3. Determining your down payment and your budget for purchase costs
Buying a property isn’t a project you can simply throw together. The first thing you’ve to do is take stock of the cash you’ve on hand. It’s critical to take the time to determine the budget available to you to cover the down payment and fixed costs at the time of purchase. Remember that depending on your situation, you’ll have to pay a minimum of 5% of the price of the property as a down payment. As well, you’ll have to consider additional fees such as:
Inspection fees
Notary or lawyer’s fees
Real estate transfer tax (welcome tax), which is payable in some provinces, including Quebec
Taxes (GST and QST) payable on a new home
Adjustment of municipal and school taxes at the time of purchase, if applicable
Moving expenses
The purchase of furniture and appliances
To get a good idea of what these fixed costs are, excluding the down payment, you can expect to pay 2% to 3% of the property value.
4. Evaluating your borrowing capacity and getting pre-approved
To estimate the amount of mortgage you could get, you’ve two options:
Consult a mortgage advisor.
• Use an online calculator.
Before you start shopping for a property, it’s strongly recommended that you obtain a mortgage pre-approval from your financial institution. This pre-approval is proof of your ability to borrow and protects your interest rate from increasing for a specific period, usually 60 to 90 days. Preapproval indicates to the seller that you are a serious buyer and increases your bargaining power. It’s a simple way to improve your chances of acquiring the property you want. Get pre-approved and be prepared!
5. Finding your home and making an offer to purchase
To begin your search, learn about the real estate market and determine which neighbourhood and type of property is right for you.
Once you’ve found the home that meets your needs, it’s time to make an offer to purchase. You can ask a real estate agent to help prepare one for you. Essentially, this document sets out your terms of purchase, such as the inspection, which is a very important verification to evaluate the condition of the property. In the offer to purchase, you’ll also establish the amount you wish to offer for the property.
6. Obtaining a mortgage loan
Finally, if your offer to purchase is accepted, it’s time to officially obtain the mortgage loan. This is where you can negotiate the various terms of the loan, such as the term and payment
frequency. You’ll need to provide several documents at the time of application, including the official offer to purchase and proof of employment income.
Once your mortgage is approved, you can then finalize your purchase. To do this, you’ll need to hire a notary or a real estate lawyer who will take care of the necessary legal steps.
7. Bonus: Knowing the incentives and resources available to you
There are many incentives and resources for first-time homebuyers in Canada.
Mortgage loan insurance for newcomers
Mortgage insurance can make it easier for you to get a mortgage because it reduces the risk to the lending financial institution in the event you default on your payments. If your down payment is less than 20%, mortgage loan insurance is mandatory.
Many organizations offer specific loan insurance programs for newcomers. To have access to this type of insurance you must have made a down payment of at least 5%. To find out the conditions of each program, consult the following web pages: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) SAGEN
Canada Guaranty’s Maple Leaf Advantage
Note: These organizations offer other programs and services to help newcomers settle in and find housing.
The HBP
The Home Buyers’ Plan, or HBP, is a program that allows you to withdraw funds from your RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan), without being taxed, in order to finance the purchase or construction of a first home. In other words, the HBP can help you finance your down payment or construction costs with money that has not been taxed.
The maximum HBP amount is $35,000 and the funds must be deposited into your RRSP at least 90 days before the withdrawal. You then have 15 years to put the money back into your RRSP.
A temporary resident can contribute to an RRSP if they have earned income and filed a tax return in Canada.
The FHSA
The FHSA is a tax-free savings account for first-time homebuyers. Contributions to this account are tax-deductible and therefore reduce your taxable income. You can then use this money to purchase your first home.
To be eligible to open an FHSA, you must meet the following conditions:
You must be between 18 and 71 years of age. You must be a resident of Canada.
You and your spouse must not already own a home in Canada or anywhere else; you must be a future first-time homebuyer.
Real estate agents
The real estate agent is an expert in the purchase and sale of properties. They will help guide you in the choice of property as well as through the entire purchasing process. To make sure you choose the right person, check with the regulatory bodies in the province where you live.
Mortgage advisors
Mortgage advisors can help you find the best financing solution for your needs. They will advise you on the type of loan and terms, based on the property and your financial and personal situation. Mortgage advisors will also help you negotiate your interest rate as well as the other terms of your loan.
For more tips and information visit www.nbc.ca/immigrate
CELEBRATING IMMIGRANT SUCCESS
Presenting the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award winners of 2024
Canada’s population is booming thanks to immigration. People from all over the world choose Canada as their adopted home — making it a better place in the process. The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards have been focused on celebrating these immigrants since its launch 16 years ago.
Presented by Western Union, the Top 25 awards share the inspiring success stories of immigrants and refugees who come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, from coast to coast. This year’s program is also sponsored by COSTI Immigrant Services and Windmill Microlending.
The 2024 list includes a famed comic book author, a celebrity chef, a college president, a provincial politician, plus entrepreneurs, academics, filmmakers, poets and more! We’re also again celebrating a Youth Award winner and the COSTI Entrepreneur Award recipient.
“For 16 years, we have been amazed by the stories of our Top 25 recipients,” says Sanjay Agnihotri, publisher, Canadian Immigrant. “As newcomers come to Canada to start new lives, it’s important for them to have role models to look up to, like our Top 25. Congratulations to all of this year’s inductees, and thank you to Western Union for being our partner in the awards.”
The Top 25 Canadian Immigrants of 2024 were chosen after an extensive nomination, judging, shortlisting and public online voting process. Thank you to our esteemed panel of judges made up of past recipients: Edward Cruz, Archana Medhekar, Hanen Nanaa and Raymond Ngarboui.
In addition to the Top 25, we’re also pleased to present the second annual Windmill Microlending Empowerment Award, which recognizes an individual who works above and beyond to empower and support the successful journeys of immigrants and refugees to Canada.
Let’s discover this year’s recipients!
Ashid Bahl
Humanitarian at heart
When Ashid Bahl was 11 years old, he would give his lunch and toys to less fortunate children at his school in Kenya. “And the process of giving never stopped for me,” says Bahl, president and founder of For the Love of Children Society of Alberta.
This year marks the 44th anniversary of Bahl’s aid organization, which has fundraised more than $15 million to provide aid in Canada and around the globe to fight human trafficking, build orphanages and schools, and to deliver food, medicine, educational supplies and other essentials to disadvantaged children.
Bahl, who built a career as a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer to support his family after immigrating in 1975, started up the volunteer-run society because “there is no dream, passion or goal to be reached that is richer than being of service to others in their hour of need.”
Bahl has personally gone to help the victims of major natural disasters in countries like Haiti, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Japan, Philippines,
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Mexico, India and more. Most recently, he helped interpreters escape from Afghanistan, supported vulnerable children and their families in Ukraine, and assisted 158 injured children in Gaza to cross the border to Egypt to receive medical treatment.
“In a world that has everything — enough food, medicine or technology — to cater for the needs of everyone, it is sad to see children still living in poverty, abuse and neglect,” he says.
Bahl, who is also a prolific writer, poet and artist, turned his life’s work into a documentary called For the Love of Children, which was shot around the world during his aid visits. The film won an Angel Trophy Award at the Angel Film Awards, Monaco International Film Festival.
“I love helping underprivileged or sick children and their families because I believe that life is not about us; it is about making life happen for someone who is less fortunate than ourselves,” he says. “Seeing the smiles on the faces of children helped is what keeps me going.”
OsgoodePD offers the broadest range of programs available in Canada for internationally trained lawyers. Whether you are looking to specialize with a professional graduate degree or start the process of qualifying to practise common law in Canada, there’s a learning option to suit your needs.
Nisreen Baker
A life in film
Nisreen Baker’s films are informed by her life experiences — as an Egyptian-born woman who has lived in six countries, experienced different culture and religions, and been a witness to social and politic turmoil. Her immigration journey to Canada rounds out the influences on her work as director, producer and screenwriter at Nota Bene Films Inc., in Edmonton, Alberta.
“What I love about being a filmmaker is the creative ways this form of art affords me to give voice to underrepresented and marginalized communities, explore cultural identity and sociopolitical issues, as well as build bridges between the many cultures that make up the Canadian mosaic,” she says.
Baker’s 2023 National Film Board documentary, Arab Women Say What?!, paints a portrait of eight Arab women living in Canada, sharing their insights, cuisine and laughter. Her previous documentary, Things Arab Men Say, depicts a group of Arab men at a barbershop getting haircuts and shaves, while debating various issues with humour.
“Continuing my career as a filmmaker was my
Family man
Having dedicated nearly a decade to his legal education in Moldova — including attaining a bachelor’s in civil law, a master’s in law and PhD studies in criminology — Lilian Cazacu faced a stark reality upon immigrating to Canada with his young family in 2005 — his legal credentials weren't recognized here. What came next was a difficult five-year journey.
He started intensively studying English during the day, while toiling as a labourer in a manufacturing plant by night. “I was ready to redo my entire legal education from scratch by applying to both B.C. law schools, but I was rejected by both of them,” he says.
So, on to plan B — obtaining a Certificate in Legal Administrative Studies from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) allowed him to secure a paralegal position. He then completed a master of arts in applied legal studies at Simon Fraser University, which set him up to practise as a notary public.
“I was determined not to give up, so I did what I could to support my family,” Cazacu says.
biggest challenge in my immigration journey. So, I decided to create my own opportunities,” Baker says. “I made a plan to apply for administrative jobs, save money to hire a crew to make my first project in Canada, which I would then find a broadcaster to license.”
She ended up working odd retail jobs, but persevered. “After saving enough money, I finished my first production — a 20-minute documentary with the help of a wonderful crew,” says Baker, who also started a master’s degree in media studies. “I was encouraged by a professor to find a broadcaster to license it. I was introduced to a local TV station manager who licensed the documentary!”
A year to the date Baker immigrated, her first Canadian-made film, A Day in My Shoes, aired on television.
“Making the decision to leave everything we have ever known behind is one of the most courageous decisions we could possibly make,” she says. “Determination, tenacity, resilience as well as a passion to tell the stories of the extraordinary lives of ordinary people is what has kept me going.”
His relentless efforts paid off with his launch of LC Notary Corporation in Langley, B.C. The business flourished, and Cazacu quickly became a fixture in the community.
“I’m very passionate about giving back to my community by serving on multiple boards and volunteering with many local non-profit organizations and the local Rotary chapter,” he says.
For his professional and community impact, Cazacu has been recognized with many awards, such as the Under 40 Person of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and George Preston Memorial Business Person of the Year by the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce; the Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year by Small Business BC; Distinguished Alumni of the Year by KPU; and the Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Notary Public by Langley Advance Times.
“The best way to make a difference here in Canada is to strive to be the best you can be within your family, your neighbourhood and your city,” he says. “This way, we can leave behind a better country than how we found it.”
Lilian Cazacu
Chris Chukwunta
Green business
As the CEO of International Renewable Energy Systems (IRES) Inc., in Edmonton, Alberta, Chris Chukwunta wants to transition a million homes and businesses to clean energy by 2050.
“I have the privilege of working with Canadians to transition their homes, businesses and communities to clean energy. It is so fulfilling to be able to see the tangible social, economic and environmental impact of my work,” he says.
The most exciting part of his job? The positive responses. “Last week, a homeowner was so happy about the performance of our clean energy solution, she sent us the data and chart of the design versus operational performance. It was so nice to see that all the key performance indicators were either met or exceeded!”
IRES is now in a growth phase, eyeing a move into international markets by late 2025. Nigerianborn Chukwunta has a wealth of international experience to build upon for this expansion. After earning a bachelor’s in civil engineering in Nigeria and a master’s in systems engineering and innovation from Imperial College London, he worked for two multinational companies and several intergovernmental organizations,
travelling between countries in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and North and South America.
Yet, when he arrived with his family in Canada in 2018, Chukwunta says, “I was genuinely surprised at how much I struggled to integrate into the Canadian culture. It’s a beautiful and interesting culture where people are so kind and welcoming, but one where immigrants can very easily miss communication cues.”
His bumpy start couldn’t deter Chukwunta from his environmental advocacy goals, however. Six years later, he is recognized in Canada and internationally for his climate contributions, engaging with policymakers and world leaders.
Chukwunta serves as a United Nations (UN) affiliated technical reviewer, Canada’s national delegate to the G20 and UN, and a member of Canada’s Sustainable Development Advisory Council, Commonwealth Engineers’ Council and Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative, among others.
“What drives me is the urgent need to act to avert the climate crisis,” he says. “We are at a time where every action could count toward our continued existence on this planet.”
Noel Cunningham
Yes, chef!
Chef Noel Cunningham came to Canada in 2013 with the intention of working for a couple of years to gain international experience and then returning to Jamaica. But, after making an impact on the Manitoba culinary scene with his Caribbean-inspired cuisine, Cunningham relocated to Toronto in 2019 instead.
Today, as executive chef at Cuisine by Noel, a private chef and catering business, he has become one of the city’s most sought-after chefs, working with high-profile brands such as Appleton Estate Canada, Guinness and Sunwing Vacations.
The recipe for his success? “My will, drive and determination to succeed has propelled me to work hard and to keep moving forward,” he says. “I believe that good things come to those who work for it, not those who wait for it.”
His delicious, elevated take on Jamaican food helps, too. And Cunningham happily shares his culinary expertise through his What’s Cooking with Chef Noel podcast and frequent appearances on television shows, including CP24, Your Morning Live, Breakfast Television and Global News
“As a Caribbean food expert on national television shows, it gives me the opportunity to share my food and culture with Canada,” he says.
So does his cookbook! Cuisine by Noel: A Culinary Journey through Recipes and Stories offers up more than 100 recipes, as well as personal stories about his journey.
Cunningham, who was voted Best Black Chef in Canada in 2019 and 2020, recognizes that food, above all else, is about nourishment. He is the face of Sherbourne Health’s Food for Good campaign, which improves food-related skills and knowledge, as well as access to healthy food for vulnerable populations facing food insecurity.
“I always believe in helping others. Partnering with Sherbourne Health helps me to lend my voice to increasing access to food and connecting people to community,” says Cunningham, named one of the 60 most impactful leaders of Jamaican descent in the Toronto and Hamilton area in 2022.
Next up? “I am working on my second cookbook and making my television debut as a judge on a popular Caribbean cooking show!”
Ayurveda
&
THE BITTS ADVANTAGE
Delasi Essien
Nursing champion
Gervan Fearon
Leading with education
Nurses are in high demand, and Delasi (Del) Essien has dedicated a great portion of her life to nurturing future nurses in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with a focus on making learning environments safe and welcoming for BIPOC students.
“As a nurse educator currently working within the apprenticeship space, I work with amazing people every day and get to connect with stakeholders who are equally vested in finding innovative solutions to increasing the participation and success of members of equitydeserving groups in the trades in Canada,” says Essien, director of innovation and inclusion with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
Born in Ghana, Essien’s own nursing journey started after immigrating to Canada at 18 years old. Although she had arrived as a student with a dream of pursuing medicine, she says that “nursing chose me” instead. After an unfortunate tragedy left a family member hospitalized, Essien watched the dedication of the nursing staff with admiration.
Essien went on to complete her bachelor of nursing from the University of Manitoba
The conversation around the challenges immigrants face is all-too common, but Gervan Fearon, PhD, CPA, CGA, ICD.D, president of George Brown College in Toronto, takes a new angle to the narrative. “My biggest challenges have become my greatest strengths,” says Fearon who was born in England to Jamaican parents.
“At age six, we moved back to Jamaica and then, at nine, to Canada. So, in under a decade, I had already lived in three different countries. This meant for much of my youth, I felt that I did not fit in anywhere.”
Feeling like an outsider was his challenge to overcome, but as Fearon grew in age and confidence, he realized that he was all he had to be.
“I came to understand that I had a Canadian way of seeing the world, combined with Jamaican cultural roots and an English sense of formality. I was all these backgrounds, and it was okay to simply be myself,” he says.
This understanding gave him the ability to then “fully embrace others with respect to who and where they are, while never limiting my views of their future potential.”
and a master of nursing from the University of Saskatchewan. More recently, as a doctoral student at the University of Regina, she further found her niche in academia, expanding the dialogue around equity, diversity and inclusion, through Indigenization and decolonization within the nursing profession.
Essien also advocates for fair and equitable practices in nursing education, specifically in the assessment processes of internationally educated nurses (IENs) seeking to transition to the Canadian workforce. Her dedication to IENs was recognized in 2023 with a nomination for the YWCA Regina’s Nutrien Women of Distinction Award where she was selected as a finalist in the Community Champion category.
She also serves on several boards and committees in Regina and gives back to her community, including through the administration of a food pantry and an initiative to supply backpacks with essentials to the homeless in her city.
“I want to live a life of purpose,” Essien says. “So, I put thought and effort into everything I do and into every encounter I have to make sure it all counts!”
As an economist, scholar, teacher and leader, that’s an important quality. And, to him, education is the mechanism that empowers that potential.
“Education is a pathway, a lever of equality, for social harmony, economic mobility and for a future shared prosperity,” he says.
Building on a progressive career in government and higher education, Fearon is today bringing his vision for the transformative impacts of education to one of Canada’s most culturally diverse, urban post-secondary institutions.
Fearon, who also commits his talents to several prominent boards, says he had to learn how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable to stay true to himself.
“When I was establishing my career, I was often the only Black person in the room,” Fearon says. “It was important to not become distracted by how others may judge me, but rather to focus on excellence, and how I could enhance my capacity to improve the outcomes and positive impacts of my teams, organization and society.”
Andrea Gomez
Beautiful business
Crystal Hung
Iconic moves
When Andrea Gomez first came to Quebec as a 16-year-old from Colombia, she didn’t speak any French.
“I often say that my smile is my secret weapon, because despite not being able to communicate properly, I smiled and used gestures to seek kindness and support from people,” she says. “I learned to love constructive criticism, to say ‘I need help’ without shame and to dare to communicate despite the language barrier.”
This was a huge learning experience for Gomez, shaping her journey not only as a newcomer, but also as an entrepreneur, as the CEO of skincare company Omy Laboratories in Quebec City. “In entrepreneurship, you need to surround yourself with good people to go further. It’s only by asking for help and being humble that I have managed to find extraordinary mentors,” she says.
Today, Omy Laboratories is transforming the custom dermocosmetics sector through its innovative artificial intelligence tool. Developed with dermatologists, the tool analyzes a customer’s skin, resulting in a personalized formula. Omy has provided more than 70,000 consumers across Canada and the
Atop realtor, marketing professional and housing advocate in Vancouver, Crystal Hung was just 12 years old when she came to Canada with her older sister and younger brother, supported by their father back in Taiwan.
“But my hopes and dreams were shattered when my dad’s business went bankrupt in Taiwan, leaving us to fend for ourselves,” she says. “Every day was a struggle, financially, emotionally, physically — all while in a country whose language, culture, social norms and expectations were foreign to us. Looking back, I’m not sure how we survived.”
While there were people who helped the young trio along the way, Hung’s drive to not only survive but thrive, kicked in, eventually shaping her career’s phenomenal success as well as her philanthropy. Being a woman in the historically male-dominated real estate field further defined it, too.
“As a woman in the real estate industry, there has been no shortage of hurdles to climb. But a female perspective, creativity and determination bring fresh and innovative solutions to housing problems,” she says.
Hung is currently collaborating on a proposed
United States with products tailored to their unique needs.
“Our ambition is to revolutionize the skincare industry with a personalized, ecofriendly and innovative approach,” says Gomez. “We believe that everyone deserves quality skincare tailored to their individual needs and are committed to providing these treatments to all who seek them.”
Gomez and her team of 39 employees are also working on a reusable jar system with a refill system to reduce the use of single-use jars and non-recyclable plastic in the environment. “Currently, 100 per cent of our shipments across Canada and the United States are carbon neutral and 100 per cent of the operations in our production laboratory are zero waste, which makes us very proud,” says Gomez, who also volunteers to support women in need through YWCA of Quebec.
Crowned Start-Up of the Year by the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards in 2022, Omy is set for growth. “We are ready to face any challenges that come our way and continue to innovate in the skincare industry.”
joint venture with a community-minded real estate landowner and a women-led social housing development organization to bring much-needed housing for single mothers.
“Our city lacks creative housing solutions that blend diverse backgrounds and income levels. I like initiatives that can make a difference and are scalable,” Hung says.
The Business in Vancouver Forty under 40 winner has also spearheaded innovative marketing practices in the industry such as the creation of Canada’s first “Condo Truck” — a mobile condo buying experience.
Hung has put her creative marketing prowess to use for charitable endeavours as well. She led a fundraiser for St. Paul’s Foundation through an augmented-reality public art mural in Vancouver, with donors being encouraged to make $5 micro-donations to “purchase” individual pixels. They raised $300,000!
She also kicked off a $300 million campaign for the UBC Sauder School of Business Powerhouse Project by personally donating $1 million.
“As an entrepreneur, we love solving problems. But what truly inspires me is to keep giving back and bringing change,” Hung says.
Jaideep Johar
Navigating success
Jaideep Johar joined the merchant navy when he was just 18 years old and built a career navigating seas worldwide as a ship captain.
“Despite my extensive experience and credentials in the maritime industry, it took nearly a year to find a full-time job after immigrating to Canada in 2005. This period was both stressful and humbling,” he says.
“This experience taught me the importance of persistence,” adds Johar, who went on to secure a job with BC Ferries and earn a bachelor’s in maritime studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Today, with more than 30 years of experience in the marine field, he is a senior advisor with Transport Canada's Prairie and Northern Region’s Marine Safety and Security Services, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“In this role, I am deeply involved in promoting safe, secure and environmentally friendly transportation,” says Johar, who is now pursuing a master’s degree in marine management. “I am particularly passionate about my work in the Canadian Arctic, where I contribute to marine conservation targets and oversight of the vessels
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and collaborate with Indigenous communities to resolve shipping-related issues.”
Despite his demanding job and the responsibilities of a young family, Johar is propelled to make an impact not only in his work, but also in his community.
As chairperson of the Winnipeg Public Library Board, he led efforts to promote cultural diversity, enhance community safety and advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
The list of other community organizations and initiatives he supports with his time and talents is frankly too long to list here. Whether he’s at the Winnipeg Pride Parade or supporting newcomers with their settlement needs, Johar’s volunteerism is guided by his dedication to making a difference. He was recently selected by the United Nations Volunteers program to support the Association for Community Awareness in Cameroon in developing a five-year plan to address marine debris and plastic pollution.
“I am driven by the desire to create safer, more inclusive and sustainable environments for everyone,” says Johar, who has joined the Naval Reserve to further serve his adopted country.
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Author Kelly Kaur’s words are out of this world! Kaur’s poem, “A Singaporean’s Love Affair,” landed on the moon on February 22, 2024, as part of the Lunar Codex — the first historic library of its kind, declared an Artemis Accords Heritage Site. Her novel, Letters to Singapore, which chronicles the experiences of a newcomer to Canada, will also be going to the moon on the Astrobotic Griffin/ NASA VIPER mission in February 2025.
Originally from Singapore, Kaur has been sharing her writing with the galaxy from Canada since arriving here as a student in 1985.
“I wanted to carve my own destiny, and Canada gave me the literal, symbolic and philosophical landscape to achieve this journey of possibilities,” says Kaur. “Then I found my voice.”
Today, Kaur’s writing centres on issues of immigration, displacement, race, colour and women’s experiences.
“As a writer, I delve into and craft words to create poems, fiction and nonfiction pieces that explore the challenges and joys of being a woman, an immigrant, an outsider, an insider, a human being — all are separate yet inextricably
linked,” says Kaur, who is also a lecturer at Mount Royal University, in Calgary, Alberta.
Over the years, her work has been published, honoured, exhibited and even danced to — the Voices Dance Project in Ottawa set her poetry to choreography. With a passion for human rights, Kaur has also been invited to be an editor for International Human Rights Art Movement, New York, most recently for IHRAM Publishes and its Indigenous Voices of Canada: Heart, Hope and Land and Her Rights, Our Stories: An African Women’s Anthology.
Kaur’s talents not only travel to soaring heights, but across genres, too — she has an upcoming children’s book, Howdy, I’m Singh Hari, the story of a pioneer Sikh rancher in Alberta, being published this winter.
And her voice isn’t confined to paper. Kaur is a Calgarian toastmaster, who represented District 42 at the Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking.
This spring, she travelled to literary events in Singapore and Vietnam. “I am constantly learning and growing as a writer, and it is exhilarating.”
Kelly Kaur
Soaring talent
Photo by Cheryl Dust Video
W. Andy Knight
Black excellence
When W. Andy Knight immigrated to Canada, he was surprised to see few people who looked like him in positions of leadership.
“In Barbados, I saw people in authority who were Black and never considered having to struggle to succeed in life in that country. However, in Canada, there were few Black individuals in positions of authority,” he says. “I had to overcome systemic bias and ethnic discrimination to succeed professionally and socially.”
After receiving his bachelor’s from McMaster, his master’s from Dalhousie and his PhD in political science from York University, Knight excelled in his first job at Bishop’s University in Quebec, receiving the Chancellor’s Award for most outstanding teacher. Moving to the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 1998, Knight quickly rose to the rank of full professor in the political science department and served as department chair.
Today, Knight is not only a University of Alberta distinguished professor, but he’s also helping address inequities for Black Canadians as the inaugural provost fellow in Black excellence and leadership.
AAdding to that, he is a Fulbright distinguished chair in international and area studies at Yale, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a visiting professor around the globe, the author of 16 books, 80 chapters in edited volumes and 68 peer-reviewed journal articles, and a researcher whose grants amount to more than $8.5 million!
His most recent triumph? “I was recently co-recipient of a $2.5 million Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) partnership grant and awarded $1.5 million from the Department of National Security MINDS and SSHRC partnership grant to fund activities of the Canadian Defence and Security Network.”
Knight also gives back to the region where he was born, leading academic and social justice efforts, including establishing the hub of the Caribbean Child Rights Observatory Network under UNICEF.
“I love being in the classroom, imparting knowledge to my students,” says Knight, who was named among Alberta’s top 50 most influential people by Venture Magazine. “I am also passionate about my research and strive to find ways to bring about fairness, equity and justice in our world.”
bel Maxwell is more than just an awardwinning musician; he has a message of hope and empowerment. The Torontobased singer-songwriter and entrepreneur (who has released five albums!) performs globally, captivating audiences with his unique blend of Afrobeats music and inspirational lyrics — in French and English — about youth empowerment, leadership and intercultural understanding.
“As an artist-educator, I hope to inspire youth with more creativity, flexibility and problemsolving skills through music and dance,” Maxwell says. “Helping the next generation find their voice and transform their lives is the most exciting aspect of what I do.”
Born in Senegal, Maxwell points to statistics that say, by 2030, young Africans are expected to make up 42 per cent of the world’s youth. “With this in mind, I plan to tour various African countries to empower and inspire young people to excel through my shows, conferences and coaching sessions,” he says.
Maxwell, who came to Canada in 2007 with an MBA and background in corporate finance, is also co-founder of BODB Entertainment
record label and studio in Ottawa, which helps other artists elevate and promote their music. He also heads AM International, a consulting firm providing marketing and communications mentorship, business consultancy and event management services.
He's come a long way since arriving in Canada with no money, resources or job. “I had to start from scratch and needed Canadian experience to get started, making it challenging to find opportunities. Additionally, I had to adapt to a new culture while overcoming social barriers and discrimination,” he says. “But I committed to never giving up, believing that I could make a positive contribution to my community.”
Maxwell's impactful work over the years has garnered several accolades, including most recently the prestigious Order of La Pléiade for people who have contributed to the development of the French language. He was awarded this honour by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Edith Dumont in March.
“Giving back to my community is paramount because it will empower other young men and women to strive for excellence and achieve even greater success.”
Abel Maxwell Musician with a message
Photo by John Ulan
Shaheen Nanji
World of experience
When Shaheen Nanji first came to Canada as a travel and tourism professional from Kenya, she was told she would have to start her career at the bottom because of her lack of Canadian experience. Fast forward to today, Nanji’s role as executive director of SFU International at Simon Fraser University (SFU) is the beneficiary of that previously underappreciated international experience.
“It was so difficult to find work commensurate with my skills. I remember being told that, as an immigrant woman of colour, I was in for a tough ride. I didn’t let that deter me, however, and persevered in every job and against every barrier I came up against,” says Nanji, who cofounded a travel agency soon after immigrating.
Driven by a desire to effect social change inspired by her experiences, Nanji transitioned from a career in business to academia, while earning a master’s in international studies from SFU.
“Today, my international experience and proficiency is a tremendous asset as the lead of the international relations unit at SFU. I get to shape the relationships and the ways
that the university engages in the world, developing partnerships grounded in equity and reciprocity,” she says.
Nanji plays a pivotal role in shaping the university’s international diplomacy. As an ambassador of Canada and SFU on the global stage, she promotes educational collaborations and speaks across sectors, cultures and disciplines.
Her academic journey has also heightened her passion for social justice and community engagement. Nanji convenes conversations on pressing topics such as global issues, immigration, equity and inclusion. She is also an associate at the SFU Centre for Dialogue and serves on various boards of directors, including Proteknôn (chair), Academics Without Borders and Burnaby Family Life (past chair).
Informed by her world of experience, Nanji says her life’s work can be best described as “creating more expansive and inclusive spaces,” adding, “The ability to be at home in more than one place is an exciting and fulfilling aspect of my life and being able to bring that to my work is a great honour.”
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Chukwunonso Nwabufo
Health care innovator
Chukwunonso Nwabufo wants to make an impact on the future of health care. He is a multiple award-winning translational pharmacologist, a PhD candidate in pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Toronto and the founder and CEO of OneDrug Inc., which has been named one of the top players in pharmacogenomics by World Research Reports.
“In these roles, I am developing smart pointof-care technologies and methodologies that will empower health care providers to personalize patient treatments based on their genetic profile and disease-specific characteristics. This is called pharmacogenomics and it will help patients get well sooner, minimize adverse drug effects and save on health care costs,” he explains.
In 2022, Nigerian-born Nwabufo was awarded a Canadian Institutes of Health Research doctoral award valued at $105,000 to support his research work on the clinical efficacy and safety profile of promising COVID-19 drugs. He has, in fact, received more than 20 awards worth $400,000 in total funding. He has also contributed to the development of two lifesaving medicines for COVID-19 and HIV with
Gilead Sciences. In 2023, he was named chair of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and drug metabolism community of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
Nwabufo credits his long list of achievements since coming to Canada as a student in 2017 to persistence and excellence. “I learned to pursue my ambitions despite prevailing beliefs about immigrants such as the notion that Canadian work experience is essential for professional jobs. Interestingly, I secured my first industry role before completing my master of science in pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan, with the employer even funding my move to Alberta,” he says. “This experience taught me to trust my decisions and not let others' experiences or opinions sway my aspirations and life choices.”
With 17 peer-reviewed scientific publications and seats on the editorial boards of Drug Metabolism Reviews and Journal of Applied Bioanalysis, Nwabufo is excited to make a difference in health care. “I aim to make a significant impact by ensuring that personalized health care, based on each patient's unique blueprint, becomes the foundation of medical treatment across the globe.”
Gordana Radan Top executive
From client to chief executive officer, Gordana Radan’s association with Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) is a 25+ year odyssey that began after fleeing her war-torn home in the former Yugoslavia. It was 1995 when Radan came to Canada as a government assisted refugee, and her first home was CCIS’s refugee reception house, the Margaret Chisholm Resettlement Centre (MCRC) in Calgary.
“During my time there, it was incredible to see staff and clients bridging religious, cultural and language barriers to communicate and support each other,” she recalls.
These early experiences as a newcomer set Radan on the path to leadership within the immigrant and refugee services sector. “Resettling in a new country is very challenging, and it’s nearly impossible to do it alone. One thing that helped me when I first arrived in Canada was my willingness to accept help,” she says. “I still remember how CCIS staff made me feel welcomed, safe and respected.”
As she moved from client to staff, her approach to helping other newcomers was grounded in empathy and understanding. “Once
I joined the CCIS team, I had the opportunity to witness thousands of newcomers progressing on their settlement journeys and achieving incredible things,” she says. “I truly believe in the work that we do.”
Radan became the director of CCIS’s business, employment and training services for 16 years, leading the design and implementation of more than 40 innovative employment and training initiatives that advanced the labour market integration of newcomers to Alberta. Her efforts quadrupled the unit’s funding, establishing CCIS as a preeminent agency in Alberta for newcomer employability and training services.
So, when the top job of CEO became available in 2023, Radan was a natural successor.
“Obviously, it’s very exciting to be in the position to lead one of the largest settlement organizations in Canada,” says Radan, who also serves as vice-chair of the Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies. “It’s even more meaningful for me because I started as a client and experienced firsthand the powerful impact that CCIS’s programs and services have on newcomers’ lives.”
From the smallest province in Canada, Prince Edward Island, Iranian-born Farahnaz Rezaei shows you can make a big impact as a new Canadian. As a policy, research and evaluation analyst with the Office of Immigration in P.E.I., she facilitates research and policy frameworks to assist newcomers’ engagement and integration in the province. With just 12 years in Canada herself, she knows firsthand what the immigration journey is like.
“My immigration journey to Canada presented profound challenges,” Rezaei recalls. “Despite arriving as a skilled immigrant with extensive experience and fluency in multiple languages, I encountered obstacles in gaining Canadian work experience. Repeatedly being considered ‘overqualified’ was disheartening and navigating cultural differences made networking and finding employment opportunities challenging. However, I remained undeterred, engaging in volunteer work, pursuing training and leveraging available services for newcomers.”
With the support of these resources, the determined Rezaei eventually found her footing. “I now reflect on my journey with gratitude, aiming to inspire other immigrants with hope and resilience in their own paths,” she says.
In her role with the Office of Immigration,
she is primarily engaged in designing and implementing policy frameworks and research studies to support organizational programs and initiatives. “I am passionate about fostering collaborative and evidence-based approaches to policy, ensuring effective information sharing and knowledge exchange,” she explains.
Beyond her work, Rezaei is also deeply committed to volunteering in the community, supporting dozens of initiatives, committees and events promoting cultural diversity, gender equality, intercultural dialogue and interfaith inclusion.
In just two of many examples, she chairs the Diversity and Inclusion Committee at the Town of Stratford, where she lives, and the World Religion Day Interfaith Committee, which plans an annual celebration for World Religion Day. For her dedication toward interfaith dialogue and promoting cultural understanding and inclusion, she was honoured with the P.E.I. Human Rights Award 2023 and the Neil and Gail MacDonald Volunteer of the Year 2023 from the Town of Stratford.
“My dual commitment to my work and volunteering reflects my dedication to enhancing community wellbeing and fostering inclusive environments across Prince Edward Island,” she says.
Dacious Richardson Youth leader
Dacious Richardson is just 26 years old, which makes the impact he has made in the community since coming to Canada in 2011 that much more impressive.
Today, you can find Richardson at Frank Hurt Secondary, where he works as a safe school liaison for the Surrey School District, providing mentorship and safety for the school’s diverse high school students. It is a fitting job for Richardson, who has been empowering youth since he was a teenager himself.
“When I came to Canada at 13, I struggled because I was dealing with trauma and anxiety from all the terrible things I had witnessed during the civil war in Liberia,” he says. “My ability to stay focused and persistent, even in the face of setbacks, was crucial.”
Richardson started sharing this lesson with other immigrant youth in the community. He joined the Surrey Newcomer Youth Council, the Canadian Council for Refugee Youth Network and the Yo Bro Yo Girl Youth Initiative as a mentor and volunteer.
Sports also plays an important part in his story; he got involved in track and field, soccer and
wrestling, both as an athlete and coach to others.
In 2016, at just 18 years old, Richardson founded his own initiative, Rise Above Reality Expectation, which empowers youth through mentorship, skill-building, cultural connection and community events, like the YOUth Say No to Hate and Racism Soccer and Basketball Tournament this August.
“What I love most about my work is the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people and others, particularly Black people, refugees and newcomers to Canada. It’s exciting to see their transformation as they overcome challenges and thrive in their new environment,” says Richardson, who is also the youth coordinator of the Liberian-Canadian Association of Greater Vancouver.
His award-winning influence has also gone global, with participation in various United Nations-supported initiatives, including as a Canadian delegate to the Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways in Geneva, Switzerland, this June.
“Witnessing the positive impact of my work inspires me to continue striving for positive change.”
Sheref Sabawy
Pressing for progress
Sheref Sabawy, a two-term member of Ontario’s Provincial Parliament representing Mississauga-Erin Mills, is passionately committed to empowering immigrants to thrive in Canada. “I want to ensure that future generations of newcomers have a smoother integration period,” says Sabawy, who also serves as Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturism.
Reflecting on his own journey as a professional engineer from Egypt trying to re-establish himself in Canada, he says, “Navigating Canadian accreditation for me to become an engineer and my wife, Mary, to become a doctor was our biggest struggle. Even though we were both licensed and had worked for many years, we had to sign an affidavit to say we won’t practise as we didn’t have ‘Canadian experience.’”
Sabawy attributes “perseverance and determination” as the two most important personal attributes that helped him overcome this initial setback in Canada. Fortunately, he went on to build a successful career in computer networking and IT, working for some of Canada’s largest companies and major financial institutions.
But he didn’t forget about his early struggles dealing with credential recognition, inspiring him
to get involved in various community committees and taskforces. He eventually entered politics to advocate for immigrant rights.
In 2018, he made history as the first Canadian of Egyptian-Coptic descent elected to Ontario's legislature. His early legislative accomplishments include establishing July as Egyptian Heritage Month in the province.
“I was proud to have introduced the Egyptian Heritage Month Act, which became law in 2019,” as it “embrac[es] the multicultural fabric of our Canadian identity and acknowledg[es] the “great contributions of Egyptian-Canadians.”
Sabawy’s advocacy as an elected official has also resulted in eliminating the discriminatory “Canadian experience” requirements for new immigrants in multiple professional fields, licences and credentials in the province.
Over the years, he has also pressed for progress in everything from health care to transportation in his constituency, such as enhancing the Mississauga Hospital emergency department and advancing the Hazel McCallion Line, a light-rail, carbon-neutral transit project.
Looking ahead, Sabawy shares that he has a new “private motion bill coming very soon.”
Sevtap Savas Advocate for life
Sevtap Savas’ life work is making cancer — the leading cause of death in Canada — a public conversation topic. “It’s important to raise awareness so that we all can be informed about cancer, cancer risk factors, early detection and screening programs, and support programs available during and after treatment,” says Savas, a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s.
Named one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada in 2024, Türkiye-born Savas is dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients and families through community engagement, advocacy and research.
“I love being an academician and everything that comes with it,” she says. “It includes teaching, training new scientists, doing research, working with community partners, doing community outreach, advocating for the patients and families affected by cancer, and helping addressing cancer and its effects in various ways.”
When she sees the impact of her work on people affected by this disease, it is “extra rewarding” to her, especially given how hard she had to fight to have her abilities recognized in Canada.
“There was a need to overprove myself, my skills, my abilities and my value as an immigrant and internationally trained scientist,” says Savas, whose expertise is focused on understanding the influence of genetic makeup on the survival of cancer patients.
“There were many times that I thought my efforts to find a decent job and build a decent life in Canada were not worth it. But coming from a background where overcoming hurdles is a natural habit, I insisted that I would achieve these goals.”
She was focused and resilient — or what she jokingly calls “strong-headed.”
Today, Savas is leading the province’s Public Interest Group on Cancer Research, a patientscientist partnership that promotes public knowledge on cancer, helps create research studies and advocates for cancer patients. She’s now expanding this concept across Atlantic Canada.
“When I was young, personal achievements were important. After I achieved many things, then my priorities shifted to ‘How can I better support others? My community?’” she reflects. “There is always a bigger vision waiting for you.”
Sahib Singh Rana
Sizzling success
In a little more than a decade, Sahib Singh Rana has built a Middle Eastern restaurant empire in Canada, with a network of more than 60 Lazeez Shawarma restaurants.
“I am involved in franchise management, operations, new business development and community engagement. My partner, Nada Nasir, wears the chef’s hat when it comes to cuisine,” Rana says.
“What I love most about my work is the opportunity to bring people together over delicious food. Seeing the smiles on our customers' faces and knowing that we are a part of their daily lives is incredibly rewarding.”
The success of the business can be attributed to its focus on authenticity and quality, as well as treating franchisees like family, fostering a sense of unity among the Lazeez Shawarma community.
This heartfelt approach to entrepreneurship reflects Rana’s belief in staying true to oneself.
“When I first arrived in Canada, I remember applying for jobs and encountering situations where I was asked to remove my turban to fit
in. I replied that if taking off my turban was a requirement, I would leave the country,” he says.
“However, a turning point came when I met an employer who didn't care about my appearance or my turban. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and staying true to my identity while adapting to new environments. This resilience transformed into a deep commitment to my business and community, enabling me to build Lazeez Shawarma from the ground up.”
It has also shaped his philanthropic efforts, contributing to initiatives that promote inclusivity and social cohesion, including giving away Canadian flags on Canada Day at all his restaurant locations.
Additionally, Lazeez is a proud sponsor of Team Canada’s women’s and men’s basketball teams at the FIBA World Cup and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“We believe in giving back to the community that has given us so much,” Rana says. “We are excited to work with Canada Basketball for both the women’s and men’s teams, and we can’t wait to celebrate their hard work and success.”
Andre Smith
Knowledge is power, as the saying goes, and Andre Smith, founder and CEO of Flip & Floss, wants to empower the next generation with financial literacy education through his innovative Flip Academy. It’s a digital app that uses tools such as animation, simulation and gamification to teach young minds essential money management skills.
“We are driven by a mission to help at least one million children save, invest and break generational financial cycles,” Smith says. “I envision a world where every child has enough money saved to purchase their first home or pay for a debt-free university education.”
Smith knows what it’s like not having money in the bank. When he first came to Canada from Jamaica in 2011 at age 21, he had trouble securing proper housing. “I had to sleep on my friend’s couch for the first three months,” he shares. “When I finally found another place, it was my own room in a two-bedroom apartment shared with a housemate, but he asked me to leave after three months!”
Smith finally found a place he could call home in Brampton, Ontario, and built the
foundation for his future by completing a bachelor's in accounting from York University. His independent spirit and desire to make a difference then led him down the path of entrepreneurship.
Since launching Flip Academy in 2020, Smith has positively impacted the financial wellbeing of more than 20,000 individuals. He also volunteers with community organizations to empower youth and newcomers, including with YESS Global and the Global Diaspora Youth Academy in Jamaica.
In recognition of his commitment to promoting financial literacy and volunteering in the community, Smith was honoured with the prestigious CBC Toronto Community Champions award in 2020. More recently, he was named BMO Black Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Technology Industry, which is part of the Obsidi Awards, an initiative from the Black Professionals in Tech Network.
“The people I help every day get me excited and motivate me to continue,” Smith says. “I am committed to helping people make smarter financial decisions.”
Financial champion
Florentine Strzelczyk
Academic powerhouse
From international student to university leader, Florentine Strzelczyk’s Canadian journey is one for the books.
The German-born scholar, who is the provost and vice-president (academic) at Western University in London, Ontario, says she fell in love with the country immediately in 1990. After completing her studies at the University of British Columbia, she stayed in Canada, teaching at the University of Calgary in 1997, eventually becoming deputy provost in 2018.
“I passionately believe in the transformative power of education. My parents were refugees from Eastern Europe at the end of the Second World War. Education enabled them to build lives and careers,” Strzelczyk says.
Strzelczyk followed their lead, dedicating her life to education. As a researcher, she has received prestigious national and international awards that solidified her reputation as an innovator whose work contributes to our collective understanding of fascism, racism and discrimination in culture and society.
As an academic leader, the accolades continued. As provost in Calgary, she received
the Provost Award for her work on campus community wellbeing during the pandemic. She was then named provost at Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2021, where she facilitated the creation of a campus in Labrador, expanding opportunities for Indigenous students. Now at Western, Strzelczyk has improved access to university for students with diverse backgrounds.
She credits persistence for her success. “I do what it takes to head where I want to go. I know that setbacks are part of the journey, that feedback is a gift that enables us to get and become better, and that successes rarely last and failure is rarely fatal,” she says.
Strzelczyk is also a member of provincial and national committees that drive excellence in higher education and serves on local boards that foster an ecosystem where education, business and culture can thrive.
“As Canada evolves from a resource economy to a knowledge economy, universities will play an even more important role to educate new generations of Canadians and international students. Our education today prepares them to become the leaders, thinkers, artists, inventors, problem solvers and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
J. Torres
After J. Torres came to Canada as a four-year-old with his family from the Philippines, he learned to read from newspaper comic strips like Peanuts and Family Circus. By the third grade, he was writing and drawing his own comic strip for the school paper in Montreal. Today, Torres is an awardwinning writer of comics and graphic novels for younger readers.
“When I was growing up, I was a big reader. If my books can simply entertain a child, get them to read, then mission accomplished,” says Torres, who lives in Whitby, Ontario, with his wife and two sons.
“If what I write inspires them to also write, draw or want to tell their story in some way — the same way the writers and artists I enjoyed as a kid did — then that’s icing on the cake. And I love cake.”
Torres knew he wanted to be a writer by the time he graduated high school, aspiring to work for the publishers of his favourite superhero comics. That dream came true in the early 2000s when he wrote some X-Men stories for Marvel and was recruited to helm the original Teen
Titans Go! series for DC Comics.
Since then, Torres has worked for all the major North American comic book publishers as well as some of Canada’s biggest children’s book publishers. He has written stories for popular characters and titles such as Archie, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Batman, Black Panther, Degrassi: Extra Credit, The Simpsons, Wonder Woman and more.
“Family has been the most important thing to me in achieving my goals,” says Torres, who also volunteers as an ESL instructor.
His writing is not only prolific, but also celebrated. Torres is a recipient of the Joe Shuster Award for Outstanding Writer. His graphic novel Brobots was a Kids Read Comics and Parents’ Choice award winner. Other awardwinning titles include How to Spot a Sasquatch (Junior Library Guild selection), Planet Hockey (Forest of Reading Honour Book) and Stealing Home (Children’s Choice Book Award), among others.
What’s next for Torres? “More comic books and graphic novels are on their way!”
Superhero writer
Nadine Williams
Power
of
the pen
Jamaican-born poet, author and arts educator Nadine Williams has shared her words on many stages, opening for important events and even more important people. We’re talking world leaders from former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and Jamaica’s former prime minister Portia Simpson Miller to Canada’s former governor general Michaëlle Jean and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau!
Such distinguished invitations are a direct reflection of Williams’ outstanding body of work. She has published four collections of poetry, two children’s books and more than 16 volumes of literature for Black History Month, which are a staple in the curricula of several schools in Canada.
The storyteller describes her passion for the written word as “borne out of early childhood days of reading under the kerosene oil lamp as a child to my family in Jamaica.”
Once she immigrated to Canada, that storytelling flame ignited. “Being in Canada for more than 39 years has been a dream for me,” she says. “I understand the huge privilege it is to call Canada home, making the most of my grandparents’ dreams for me, while pursuing a
For the second year, our Windmill Microlending Empowerment Award honours a Canadian working above and beyond to empower and support the successful journeys of immigrants and refugees to Canada. After a round of nominations, sponsor Windmill Microlending has selected Uzma Bhutto as the 2024 recipient.
Bhutto, director of development and training at Coalition of Muslim Women in KitchenerWaterloo, Ontario, has been volunteering and working in the non-profit sector for nearly two decades, championing the rights of newcomers and marginalized communities, particularly Muslim women.
“I have dedicated myself to empowering newcomers in Canada,” Bhutto says. “My work has been concentrated on immigrant integration, women’s mental health and social justice.”
As an international medical doctor from Pakistan who faced insurmountable barriers to practise in Canada, Bhutto understands the difficulties immigrants face. “My personal journey fuels my empathy and drives me to provide the support that I once needed, ensuring others do not feel alone or unsupported in their transition,” she explains.
Bhutto has helped thousands of newcomers succeed in Canada by helping them acquire
career in the literary arts.”
Today, Williams puts pen to paper from her home in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Like the powerful force of the waterfalls in her backyard, Williams’ words flow fervidly on diverse projects and platforms, including as resident poet for the Caribbean Consular Corps and a regular presenter at schools.
More than a wordsmith, Williams is also a visual artist. She is currently bringing awareness to the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent through her art installation project, “The Fabric of Our Being.”
For her artistic achievements as well as her dedication to supporting the next generation of writers, Williams was named among the 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women in 2022 and received the 2024 Women Who Inspire Change Award from the Jamaican Canadian Association.
“I am delighted to be a Canadian. It means living in a space that is peaceful and welcoming — a place where diversity is our strength, and I am able to contribute to the ‘fabric of our being.’”
job skills and training, creating opportunities for them to network, educating them on their rights against discrimination and gender-based violence, and more.
“I believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their background,” says Bhutto, who has a master of public health from the University of Waterloo. “By fostering a sense of belonging and offering practical support, I aim to build a community where immigrants feel welcomed, valued and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.”
In addition to her work with Coalition of Muslim Women, Bhutto has contributed her talents to various organizations, including Canadian Diabetes Association, Rotary Kitchener, Sexual Assault Support Centre, KidsAbility and the Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre.
Bhutto’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been honoured with the Leading Women Building Communities award and the Rogers Women of the Year Award 2024 (Community Service) in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Her biggest reward, however, is seeing the difference she makes to newcomers’ lives. “Seeing the tangible positive changes in the lives of those I help is incredibly motivating. Their successes reaffirm my commitment and inspire me to continue my efforts.”
Uzma Bhutto Newcomer champion
In 2010, Dave Brailsford, general manager and performance director for Team Sky (Great Britain’s professional cycling team), faced a tough job. No British cyclist had ever won the Tour de France and he was asked to change that.
Brailsford’s approach was simple. He believed in a concept that he referred to as “the one percent margin for improvement in everything you do.” He searched for one percent improvements in tiny areas that were overlooked by almost everyone else: discovering the pillow that offered the best sleep and taking it with them to hotels, testing for the most effective type of massage gel, and teaching riders the best way to wash their hands to avoid infection. They searched for one percent improvements everywhere.
In 2012, Team Sky rider Sir Bradley Wiggins became the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France and the team dominated the Olympic Games, winning 70 percent of the gold medals available. In 2013, Team Sky’s rider Chris Froome won the Tour de France again.
So, what can we learn from Brailsford’s approach?
There is no such thing as overnight success. Look at any successful professional or business and you will learn that big achievements do not happen overnight. Each of them has taken small, consistent steps every day to reach their destination. This is why it is important to celebrate every small win. And take every small victory as a positive sign of progress be it in your personal life or professional capacity. It also helps you acknowledge all your hard work and affirm that you can only get better from here.
Celebrating small wins can unlock the power in you to do more and achieve more by boosting your
CAREER COACH
The power of small wins
Celebrate your daily victories
confidence, keeping you motivated and happy, helping you track your progress and developing a sense of appreciation, no matter how small the triumph.
Ready to experience the magic of small acts and big impact? Here are some effective ways to get started.
1 Break larger goals into smaller goals
There’s a famous joke, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Similarly, as a first step, break the big rock into smaller pieces. When you only eye the big goal, you may end up neglecting the smaller ones. Break the huge goal into bite-sized activities and you can instantly measure and monitor the progress, achieved through small wins.
2 Change your perspective
Notice your achievements, even small ones. Unwittingly, and often, we forget to rejoice in small victories because we no longer think of them as significant. If yes, it’s time to change your perspective and acknowledge how much that tiny win has helped you grow and advance in life.
3 Go with the flow
It’s important to go with the flow and not unnecessarily put pressure on yourself. Change your mindset from worrying about what others think, and celebrate every small win in your own way.
4 Share your wins
You can start to celebrate your small victories with your close circle of friends and family members. When you share your triumphs with people who are involved and who care, the compounding effect of the appreciation will spread.
5 Remain consistent
Though perfection is the goal, repetition is more important. Be it dropping a few pounds or adding to your investment portfolio, the tiny gains will soon add up to big results. So, make the power of consistency work for you. In fact, consistency is essential in every endeavour big or small. You just can’t escape the truism that mastery in any subject will demand a lot of consistency and hard work.
6 Reward yourself
Once in a while, or consistently (as mentioned earlier), make it a habit to appreciate and reward yourself. Be it going to your favourite restaurant or buying the dress that you always wanted, its okay to indulge yourself. Remember, what gets rewarded gets repeated.
7 Be kind to yourself
This will help you in the long run. Be compassionate with yourself, practice some self-love and trust yourself. If you are facing setbacks, treat yourself with compassion until you bounce back.
According to American entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jim Rohn, success is nothing but a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.
Never underestimate the power of slow gains. Make every dream come true with daily discipline and your consistency in accomplishing small wins..
Murali Murthy is an acclaimed public speaker, life coach and best-selling author of The ACE Principle, The ACE Awakening, The ACE Abundance and You Are HIRED! He is also chairperson of CAMP Networking Canada. Learn how he can help unlock your magic at unleashyourwow.com.
BUILDING LANGUAGE SKILLS FOR CAREER SUCCESS
Investing in developing language skills opens up more job opportunities and facilitates successful socialization and integration for newcomers in Canada.
By Baisakhi Roy
When Liliia Shvets immigrated to Canada from Ukraine in 2022, she quickly realized that improving her language skills was crucial for establishing her career in Canada. She enrolled in the government-funded Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program offered by the settlement agency Newcomer Women’s Services (NEW) Toronto.
“My course provided a lot of useful information, and the teachers understood that most newcomers are already under stress, so there was no additional pressure,” she recalls. “During each session, we covered various topics, including participating in mock job interviews. We learned how to effectively showcase our skills to potential employers and gained valuable insights into Canadian culture, resume writing, and interview techniques, among other topics.”
Shvets believes this knowledge is indispensable for job seekers. “I consider this essential knowledge that significantly eases the job search process for newcomers,” says Shvets, who now works as a retail business manager in the postal industry.
Newcomers like Shvets typically use the CLB Online Self-Assessment (CLBOSA), a free tool that helps assess English proficiency based on the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Those who have taken the IELTS or CELPIP tests as part of their immigration application can convert their scores to CLB levels to determine their proficiency and then enroll in LINC or English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to improve their language skills. Eligibility criteria include being a permanent resident, convention refugee or a person with a pending PR status application. Settlement agencies can assist newcomers with the enrollment process.
above Liliia Shvets
“Learning a language goes beyond being part of the settlement process,” says Effat Ghassemi, executive director at Newcomer Centre of Peel (NCP), a settlement agency whose Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program helps newcomers to acquire and sustain employment in Canada.
“I think it’s more about integrating into the Canadian fabric. You learn how to talk, [how] to walk because mastery in a language gives you confidence: you learn how to ask questions, how to present yourself, how to treat people, how to solve problems – all these nuances of life are what our students learn, and it is a big leap for them,” says Ghassemi.
The settlement agency's ELT program specifically supports newcomers in acquiring and maintaining employment in Canada. The program includes coaching in job search techniques, networking, business communication, interview preparation and Canadian workplace culture, culminating in placement opportunities for program graduates.
The bilingual advantage
Being bilingual offers significant advantages in government positions, trades, regulated industries and the private sector. While English is widely spoken across most provinces and territories in Canada, proficiency in French is particularly beneficial in Quebec, as well as in parts of Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba where French is also prevalent.
Before immigrating to Canada, Gautam Viswanathan, originally from India and a former media professional in Oman, recognized the value of French language proficiency in enhancing his career prospects. “I chose to learn French for several reasons: my love for languages, its potential impact on integration and the career opportunities it would unlock,” he explains.
Viswanathan enrolled in free French language courses through CLIC (Cours de Langue pour les Immigrants au Canada), the French equivalent of LINC. He completed Level 7 with the Toronto Catholic School Board and is currently pursuing Level 8 classes online with La Cité Collégiale in Ottawa.
“I can already see how learning French has been an advantage. I write articles in both English and French and have the edge in job interviews when it comes to being bilingual,” says Viswanathan, who now works as a bilingual content manager at a media company in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Facilitating integration
Investing in language skills and actively engaging with language learning opportunities
and communities can help newcomers enhance their career prospects and integrate more effectively into Canadian society.
Shvets credits her language classes not only with improving her English but also with providing a supportive community during her transition to life in Canada. Faced with all the challenges of newcomer life, Shvets felt her mental health was deteriorating.
“I got out of it with the help of language courses, because I found people who gave me the necessary support and knowledge about the new country, how everything works here, and of course with their help, I improved my English,” she shares.
Viswanathan encourages newcomers to actively network and practice language skills whenever possible. “I make it a point to regularly read books and watch films in French I am a big fan of both Tintin and Asterix and have made it a point to read both of them in their original French,” he says. “On Netflix, there are many, many French-Canadian language shows that I watch. I recently finished watching a show called 19-2, which covers Montreal’s metropolitan police.”
He advises immigrants to seize every opportunity to practice the language and build connections, even in everyday scenarios. “Where possible, I try to communicate with my bilingual colleagues in French — it helps both of us, because it’s not always easy to practice French in a mainly English-speaking city like Toronto. When I go to a supermarket, I make it a point to use the self-checkout counter in French. It is a small step, but that is how I test my real-world applications of learning French.” he adds.
above Effat Ghassemi
above Gautam Viswanathan
The sandwich generation
Tips for coping with elderly parents and growing children
Have you heard of the “sandwich generation”? This term is used to describe a unique group — those who are simultaneously caring for their aging parents and growing children. Alongside navigating the complexities of the Canadian healthcare, childcare and senior care systems, these parents face challenges such as limited availability and high costs of childcare or caregiving services for their elderly parents.
For new immigrant parents, sandwich generation parenting can be particularly daunting. They may be unfamiliar with the Canadian system, lack extended family support and face language and cultural differences.
Balancing these responsibilities might lead to caregiver burnout, impacting their relationships, work and overall health and wellbeing. Therefore, having a strong support system is crucial for the sandwich generation as they manage the stressors of supporting parents and children financially, physically and emotionally.
Family finance
The high cost of caring for seniors and growing children can be a struggle, especially when parents have to take time off work to provide care. Look into eligibility and benefits such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, Canada Caregiver Credit, childcare subsidies and caregiving benefits and leave. Don't forget about family insurance, as well as wills and estate planning.
Healthy ways to manage stress
Recognizing your stressors and finding ways to manage stress is equally
important. Whether it's seeking professional help or talking to a friend, exercising or meditating, find healthy ways to reduce stress. Identify ways to reduce or delegate tasks, such as asking for outside help, prioritizing tasks and saying no to less urgent tasks.
Network of support systems
The complexities of caring for elders and growing children require access to various community groups and support services. Whether it's parenting courses, family caregivers support groups, helplines, childcare, senior care, healthcare or respite care, there are many excellent resources available in your community that can help lighten parents’ responsibilities. Remember to also reach out to family and friends for support.
Self-care
Prioritize your well-being by integrating self-care steps into daily life. Set healthy boundaries and take time to recharge. Be kind and compassionate to yourself. Moreover, take care of your physical and mental health by eating right, getting enough sleep and having regular checkups.
Intergenerational bonding
Integrating opportunities for intergenerational bonding and learning is vital for sandwich generation families. While young children and grandparents have different needs, they have much to offer each other. Bringing different generations together can foster stronger family bonds, facilitate the sharing of skills and family history and improve the family’s overall wellbeing.
Sandwich generation parents play a crucial and challenging role within their families, addressing the evolving needs of both aging parents and growing children. As primary caregivers, they serve as essential role models for their families. Model healthy self-care practices, delegation, prioritization and the establishment of a strong support network for your family. Lastly, recognize that you are already doing your best by consistently showing up, caring for and loving your multigenerational family. Keep up the good work!
Cheryl Song, an immigrant from Malaysia, has more than 20 years’ experience of working in early learning and family programs. Contact her at cheryl@learnwithsong.com or visit her website at learnwithsong.com.
Canada ends the ‘flagpoling’ post graduation work permit practice A new online era
In a significant policy shift, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at a port of entry when entering Canada. This shift targets "flagpoling", a practice where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada within 24 hours to receive immediate immigration services. IRCC and CBSA aim to “increase fairness” among applicants and reduce the overall volume of flagpoling, in line with the recent decision to limit flagpoling hours at 12 ports of entry across Canada.
Understanding flagpoling
Flagpoling for a work permit may be permitted under law if an applicant meets certain eligibility criteria. The main benefit of flagpoling is that it allows applicants to avoid long processing times associated with online or paper applications. It also gives applicants an opportunity to meet officers face-to-face, which can be useful for addressing issues or providing explanation. However, flagpoling also carries risks, such as refusals or, in extreme cases, applicants who have fallen out of status risking deportation.
From CBSA’s perspective, flagpoling is a major drain on border resources, diverting officers from essential enforcement duties, causing delays for travellers and slowing the movement of goods. In announcing the change, Minister Miller stated, "[t] he time and effort required to process applications from ‘flagpolers’ takes officers on both sides of the border away from their crucial role in protecting the safety, security, and prosperity of Canadians and Americans. This measure will help prevent this practice while maintaining the integrity of our immigration system."
Why is IRCC making the change?
PGWPs provide valuable opportunities for recent graduates to advance their careers and gain Canadian work experience. Until now, flagpoling was a convenient option for PGWP applicants, allowing them to obtain work permits immediately and avoid waiting for online processing. Given these benefits, many students preferred this option, in turn leading to a disproportionate burden on port of entry processing. In fact, statistics reveal that from March 2023 to February 2024, PGWP applicants constituted about 20 per cent of the total foreign nationals engaging in flagpoling.
Tips for applying for a PGWP online
This policy shift aims to close the loophole
through which students have attempted to circumvent online processing wait times by accessing same-day immigration services at the border. As a result of the change, recent graduates now must apply online for PGWPs, either from inside or outside Canada. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth application process when applying online for a PGWP:
• Check your PGWP eligibility before applying: not all designated learning institutions and not all programs of study make you eligible for a PGWP so ensure to check IRCC’s upto-date list. You also may not be eligible if you did not maintain full-time status as a student, took an unauthorized leave from your study program or spent too much time remote learning while outside Canada, among other eligibility criteria.
• Submit your application on time: you have up to 180 days after you receive confirmation (such as a transcript or official completion letter) that you have completed all study requirements to apply for a PGWP. However, it’s important to note that a study permit is only valid until either its expiry date or 90 days after completion of your studies, whichever comes first. Ensure to apply for a PGWP while your study permit is still valid, otherwise you must apply to restore your status to apply for your PGWP.
• Submit a complete application: it goes without
saying that failing to provide all required documents or application forms can lead to delays or refusals. But a complete application also means providing explanation where necessary, for example, explaining any gaps in your studies, as well as truthfully answering all questions, including disclosing any past visa refusals.
• Keep a record of your application and follow-up: before submitting your online application save a complete copy of the application for your personal records, along with proof of submission and the fee receipt. After submission, check your IRCC account frequently for any updates or requests. Respond quickly to any of IRCC’s requests to prevent delays.
• Prepare for interim work: most in-Canada students may begin working full-time immediately after submission and should receive an interim proof of work letter from IRCC upon submission of their PGWP. Before starting to work, carefully check that you meet all eligibility criteria. If eligible, provide your employer with the interim proof of work letter, acknowledgement of receipt from IRCC, proof of program completion and a copy of your study permit.
Maxine Blennerhassett is with Canadian immigration law firm Larlee Rosenberg.
The fine art of disclosure When and how to talk about your disability
Disclosing personal information about your disability to an employer can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when you don’t know your rights. When framed in a positive and informed way, it can be turned into a positive and empowering experience.
Many years ago, while working at an employment center in Toronto, I was approached by a job seeker who asked me to review her cover letter and resume.
All was fine until I came across the following phrase: “Although I’ve not worked for the past nine years due to a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, I am sure I’d be able to make a significant contribution to your team.”
Although moved by her willingness to disclose such personal information, I informed her that she didn’t need to share her medical history in her application. By the time her resume was finished, the only reference to mental health was a volunteer position she held at Ontario Friends of Schizophrenics.
I’ve literally seen hundreds, perhaps thousands, of resumes over the years and many of these have been written by new Canadians, unfamiliar with Canadian human rights laws and the potential impact of oversharing personal information.
Let’s get one thing straight: Nobody needs to know your religion, your marital status, how many children you have or any other personal data that isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for. In fact, sharing this information on a resume or during a job interview could actually hurt your chances of being hired.
The number one reason people disclose personal information is to receive job accommodations. Accommodations are legally required modifications to either the job description or the work
environment that enables an employee to perform the essential duties of the job. In each province, employers are legally bound by a Duty to Accommodate. Accommodations are designed to increase productivity and help meet performance standards and will vary according to the person’s unique needs.
However, employers can legally decline an accommodation request if it is perceived to be unreasonable. Examples of “unreasonable accommodations” could include, eliminating a primary job responsibility, lowering production standards applied to other workers or changing a worker’s supervisor.
What you disclose is almost as important as to whom and when and will vary depending upon your own comfort levels, relevance to the job, if the workplace is unionized, cultural constraints and a host of other variables. It’s important to get to know the workplace culture, develop some relationships with key allies, familiarize yourself with
policy around accommodations and learn some basic information about your human rights.
There is likely no ideal time to disclose personal information. Try to frame your situation as positively as possible; offer solutions in terms of what accommodations have worked in the past and focus on how accommodations have increased productivity. Wherever possible, state your needs in writing.
There’s no doubt that disclosing personal information can be nerve wracking to say the least, and you have no idea how your employer is going to respond. On the other hand, an employer can’t possibly accommodate what they don’t know about and it’s generally a good idea to be as proactive as possible. When framed through an informed lens with solution-based responses disclosure can bring about peace of mind and confidence that you have a
lot to contribute to an organization.
Resources and tools
The good folks over at Realize Canada have created a helpful tool for workers living with episodic conditions (i.e., epilepsy, mental health, arthritis, etc.) in the Workplace Disclosure Decision Guide, on their website at disclosureguide.realizecanada.org.
JDAPT is a tool for workers with an episodic condition that can help you identify the support you may need to continue working comfortably, safely and productively in your job. Check it out at aced. iwh.on.ca/jdapt/worker-en/access.
A handy primer exists at Settlement.org and provides all kinds of useful information for those planning to request accommodation. Access it at settlement.org/Ontario/ health/disability/disability-servicesand-supports.
Carter Hammett is a freelance writer with two decades of experience in social work, employment counselling and adult education.
Navigating finances in relationships Love and money
Did you know financial problems are the number one reason for divorce or relationship breakup?
Money is often considered a taboo topic in many relationships, but it plays a significant role in the health and longevity of a partnership. When the topic of money comes up in a relationship, it can either strengthen the bond between partners or create tension and conflict.
Having open and honest conversations about money is hard for most people. It may bring up childhood trauma around finances, it may bring up self judgement about your own abilities with finances and sometimes we just have different beliefs about finances. Your money story is the set of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors regarding money that you bring into the relationship. These stories are often shaped by our upbringing, past experiences and cultural influences. To better understand your own money story, first consider the following questions:
1. Do you feel confident with money?
2. What are your earliest memories of money?
3. How did the grown-ups around you handle money?
4. How do you feel about saving, spending, and investing?
5. What role did money play in your family dynamics growing up?
6. What are your financial goals and aspirations for the future?
Once you have a better understanding of your own beliefs, you can share them with your partner and understand where you are aligned or, more importantly, misaligned. By understanding your money story, you can have more productive conversations with your partner and work towards aligning your financial goals.
It’s also essential to establish a safe space where both partners feel comfortable discussing their financial goals, fears and expectations. Communication is key when it comes to finances, as misunderstandings and miscommunication can lead to resentment and conflict. It also needs to be a judgement free zone.
To have healthy conversations about money, consider the following tips:
1. Set aside dedicated time. Schedule regular money talks with your partner to discuss your financial situation, goals and concerns. Having a designated time for
these conversations can help prevent moneyrelated stress from building up.
2. Practise active listening. When discussing money matters, make sure to listen attentively to your partner’s perspective without judgment. Understanding each other’s values and beliefs around money is essential for effective communication.
3. Be transparent. Share information about your financial situation openly and honestly. Avoid keeping financial secrets from your partner, as this can erode trust in the relationship.
4. Focus on solutions. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or financial disagreements, focus on finding solutions and developing a financial plan that works for both partners.
Incorporating money talks into your relationship routine can help strengthen your financial partnership and deepen your connection. Set aside some time to discuss your finances, set goals and track your progress together.
Here are some tips for successful conversations (a “money date”):
1. Choose a relaxed setting. Pick a comfortable and quiet environment for your money dates where you can focus on the conversation
without distractions.
2. Set an agenda. Outline the topics you want to discuss during your money date, such as budgeting, saving goals or investment strategies.
3. Celebrate wins. Acknowledge and celebrate your financial milestones and achievements together. This can help motivate you to continue working towards your goals.
4. Make plans for the future. Use your money dates to create a financial roadmap for your future together. Set short-term and longterm goals that align with your shared values and priorities. You need to learn to balance both partners’ needs as well. Compromise is key in any relationship.
By incorporating money dates into your relationship routine, you can foster open communication, strengthen your financial partnership and build a solid foundation for a healthy financial future together. Remember that love and money are intertwined in any relationship, and by approaching financial conversations with honesty, empathy and respect, you can create a more harmonious and fulfilling partnership.
Shalini Dharna is a CPA and Investment/Insurance Advisor at Dharna CPA Professional Corporation.
Mommy, when will you be a doctor again?
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