Mediaplanet sat down with Feyi Mac, a newcomer from Nigeria, and Finance & Lifestyle blogger to talk about her journey migrating in 2015. Read below to see her tips and tricks for newcomers looking to build a life in Canada.
The journey from being an international student in a country with a different educational system to becoming a Canadian citizen is an extensive and fulfilling one but can go wrong in many different ways in the absence of reliable information and resources. I wanted to create easily accessible, reliable and relatable content about how I navigated my way through the process, in hopes that my story will inspire others who are looking to go down that path.
What are some of the most common challenges newcomers face when settling in Canada, and how do you believe your platform can help address these challenges?
The first one I would like to call out is implicit bias. Implicit bias shows up in hiring and employment, housing discrimination, and day-to-day microaggressions. Learning how to identify some of the popular scams that are targeted at newcomers to learning how to read a credit card statement and how mortgages work among serval other things
can be challenging. Having worked at a big 5 Canadian bank for five years, my desire is to foster financial literacy in the newcomer community. Loneliness and isolation is also prevalent among newcomers. I encourage them to actively network, find their communities, and build relationships as well as pay attention to their mental health.
What advice can you give to newcomers who are looking to purchase real estate in Canada?
Beware of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). As a potential homebuyer, you need to determine your why and it should not be to follow the bandwagon. This does not only apply to your reasons for wanting to buy a property at a particular time, it also applies to the location you are looking to buy in. Some locations are more affordable than others and it is critical to cut your coat according to your cloth to avoid unnecessary financial pressure on yourself and your family.
Get a team of relatable and reliable professionals who have your best interest at heart and can communicate in a way you understand. It is why became a Mortgage Agent myself and I highly recommend my darling husband and Real Estate Agent, Ayo Macaulay for real estate in Ontario.
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City Amenities with a Small-Town Feel: Why People are Making the Move Up to North Bay
Nestled between two beautiful lakes, North Bay is home to 53,000 residents who are welcoming and culturally diverse, with over 90 languages spoken. Only three hours from Toronto, North Bay is an idyllic place to relocate, invest, and raise a family. A recent ranking highlights the city as the second most affordable in Ontario to buy real estate and North Bay has been recognized as one of the top 20 best investment locations in Canada, with the average commute to work of just 15 minutes. With those types of accolades, it’s no wonder people are discovering North Bay.
A city with an entrepreneurial spirit
With a strong ecosystem in place to support entrepreneurship and investment, North Bay is the perfect place to start or relocate your business. Known as the Gateway to the North, the city is conveniently located at the crossroads of transcontinental highways, railways, and air and fibre-optic routes. Multinational corporations and local entrepreneurs already know how connected the region is, with easy access to global markets and its recognized fast mobile networks.
North Bay embraces collaboration and connectivity among businesses and community partners, in turn, fostering a supportive ecosystem that encourages growth and innovation. The Economic Development team is available to assist with all aspects of business development, from access to capital, location review, and site selection to grand opening and community integration. The team engages a network of community partners to help companies access services, resources, and funding programs that support innovation, capital requirements and talent recruitment, settlement, and development.
To further enhance business development in the region, the community is home to educational institutions and training facilities that support the local workforce. With a wide spectrum of customized training opportunities, programs are designed and tailored to meet the changing needs of industry, making it possible to find readily available, highly skilled, and well-educated talent.
Nature at its best
But it’s not all work in North Bay; the city provides a perfect environment for those seeking work-life balance and has the infrastructure to meet the needs of residents, including access to education and health care, reliable transportation, and diverse dining and entertainment options.
Boasting more than 100 kilometres of trails and multi-use pathways, 43 beaches and lake access points, and more than 70 parks and green spaces, the city is an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Residents and visitors embrace the region’s four distinct seasons and are spoiled for choice when it comes to activities such as kayaking, boating, hiking, and cycling, in the spring, summer, and fall, and skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing in the winter.
Along with an abundance of natural amenities, North Bay also shows off its vibrant artistic community, with festivals, events, museums, and multiple galleries.
Talent City Vaughan Unlocks Exciting Opportunities for Newcomers
The City of Vaughan
Last year, Canada welcomed a historic 437,180 new immigrants, and another record-high 460,000 are projected to arrive in 2023. These newcomers need places to set down roots — places where they can live, grow, and thrive.
One of those places is undoubtedly the city of Vaughan, one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities. Vaughan is home to a rich mosaic of residents who speak 113 languages and have origins from countries around the world. And thanks to a variety of City-run programs and services, it’s an extremely welcoming destination for talent and businesses.
Empowering local talent
“The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that foster an inclusive and vibrant community,” says Mayor Steven Del Duca, City of Vaughan. “We believe that a prosperous city is one where there is equal access to opportunity, and that’s why the City’s Economic Development depart-
ment provides programs and services to support local talent and entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and at all stages in a business’ life cycle.”
One of these programs is Talent City Vaughan, a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative to be implemented by a municipality. “Talent City Vaughan aims to strengthen the city’s workforce by encouraging organizations and employers to invest in local talent,” says Raphael Costa, Director, Economic Development for the City of Vaughan. “The program provides micro-grants of up to $10,000 to eligible non-profit organizations to host workforce development training for Vaughan residents or employees of Vaughan-based businesses.”
Creating career opportunities
Talent City Vaughan aims to strengthen the city’s workforce by encouraging organizations and employers to invest in local
The initiative was launched to address labour challenges faced by businesses, but also had Council
directive to support those most marginalized in the workforce, including immigrants and racialized communities, women, workers in low-wage jobs, and youth. Participants have completed a variety of training programs building skills related to film production, elderly care, skilled trades, language interpretation, and general workplace skills training.
“Talent City Vaughan helps participants build new skills, learn about the Canadian work environment, improve confidence, and network,” says Noor Din, founder and CEO of Human Endeavour, a Vaughan-based charity.
Talent City Vaughan is building an ecosystem where the City, non-profit organizations, and the business community can come together, providing opportunities for newcomers and residents to develop new skills and unlock new career opportunities so that they can thrive in Vaughan.
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Whether you’re new to the job market, a seasoned professional looking for a beautiful, cost-effective place to call home, or just need a change from the urban grind — in Cornwall, you can have it all. The picturesque city along the St. Lawrence River is easily one of Ontario’s best kept secrets for affordable lifestyles without compromise. Between its vibrant cultural scene, serene natural landscapes, advanced connectivity and facilities for remote work, and tight-knit community, Cornwall is effectively a full-service city with the charm of a small town.
And best of all, Cornwall’s community isn’t just tight-knit — it’s warm, open, and welcoming to newcomers. Whether you’re new to the city or the country altogether, you’ll find friendly faces and opportunity here.
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sectors—health care, logistics, manufacturing, food processing, and education, to name a few — currently has more than 500 listings. Dozens of world-class companies large and small operate in Cornwall (and counting). It’s never been a better time to find a job in the city or surrounding region.
Besides numerous opportunities for local employment, Cornwall is ideally placed for remote workers — especially those with offices in nearby Ottawa and Montreal who may need to commute occasionally. With robust fiber-optic infrastructure, connectivity is no problem — and multiple coworking spaces in the city make it easy to find the perfect space to work.
Affordability without compromise
Cornwall is home to some of Canada’s most affordable housing prices across the board, from condos overlooking the river to family homes on sizeable lots near schools and parks. The average cost of a home in Cornwall is well below $500,000 — well below what you would find in a large urban centre.
In Cornwall, first-time buyers are apt to find homes they can afford without breaking the bank, and the same is true for apartment hunters. Those relocating from bigger cities can upgrade their living situation while making room in the budget to spend more time on cultural and recreational activities.
Room to explore
Among the city’s crown jewels is the gorgeous Riverside Trail, which stretches over more than 20 kilometers along the St. Lawrence River. Cyclists from far and wide love to traverse the scenic trail. Water sports enthusiasts will also find ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and other aquatic pastimes along the river.
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A booming economy for job-seekers
The Choose Cornwall Job Board, which collects and collates employment opportunity listings from across the city’s myriad local
And if sports are your thing, you’ll want to visit the Benson Centre — a state-of-the-art sports facility that features three NHL-sized rinks, a tennis court, pickle ball courts and an indoor field house with soccer pitch and walking track. That’s in addition to the many other gyms, hockey arenas, and other rec facilities that pepper the city. A Growing City Cornwall is in the midst of a mini-population boom as people are attracted to the job opportunities, — and stay for the lifestyle, great restaurants, shopping and community spirit. It’s a city where you can succeed — whatever your passion might be.
New to Canada? Join This Group of Welcoming Professionals
Empowered by immigrant resiliency, The O Six is dedicated to uplifting and supporting female newcomers in entrepreneurship and business.
Starting over in a new country is no easy feat, as Dr. Cathy Zhao can attest. When she arrived in Canada with her parents, she watched them transition from “one to zero, sacrificing established careers for family, before embarking on the journey from zero to one again here.”
Experiencing roadblocks similar to most immigrants (such as language barriers and feeling out of place), Dr. Zhao took inspiration from her parents’ courage and strength. “Personal retellings like mine underscore that every immigrant story is layered, encompassing both relinquishments and aspirations,” she says.
Dr. Zhao went on to become an accomplished dentist, owning and operating two offices. Reflecting on her life in comparison to that of her parents, she realized that the massive initial sacrifices made by newcomers don’t diminish the achievements that can follow.
Sharing and educating each other
In contrast, Dr. Zhao believes these sacrifices “enrich the narrative with resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering spirit to create anew,” she says. “This realization became the bedrock of my inspiration to launch The O Six.”
Dr. Zhao wanted to create a space where businesspeople could commune, offer practical resources and tools, share different perspectives, and learn from one another. Along with Annie Raines Wang and Lin Qian, Dr. Zhao launched The O Six in 2020, during the pandemic, and built it into a women-centered mentorship and community platform that connects businesswomen and entrepreneurs who are new to Canada.
“We share stories of redefining success, overcoming obstacles, and forging paths in the business world,” Dr. Zhao explains.
“It acknowledges the tremendous input women entrepreneurs invest before substantial results emerge.” The O Six’s goal is to support female newcomers in business through a series of in-depth online interviews, offline connections, monthly live events, think tank advisory meetings, a new O Six Roundtable, and much more.
from Henan University of TCM in China, reflecting her commitment to holistic well-being and her connection to her roots.
At RE/MAX Atrium Home, Melinda's approach goes beyond mere transactions. She's built a legacy on lasting relationships, always prioritizing her clients' best interests. This client-centric philosophy has solidified her reputation as a trusted advisor, guiding many to their dream homes.
Her influence in the community is profound. Through her connections, Melinda provides invaluable mentorship to newcomers in the real estate sector. “Understand your clientele, research the local market trends, and don't be afraid to seek out communities or organizations that can support you,” she advises. “Your unique perspective is a strength — embrace it and let it guide your journey."
Outside of her professional realm, Melinda is a fervent advocate for community development and often engages in philanthropic endeavors. She believes that a strong community is the foundation of a thriving real estate market and is dedicated to giving back in any way she can.
Anne Li, CFA & CFP, Wealth Advisor In 2004, Anne Li arrived in Canada as an international student attaining her Master’s in Economics at the University of Ottawa. Post-graduation, she struggled to find her first full-time job without having local experience or a network.
Countless stories from The O Six stand as testaments to the intricate mosaic of immigrant life — one that's characterized by both poignant sacrifices and the triumph of building anew.
Melinda Wu: A Legacy of Excellence in Real Estate In the bustling world of real estate, Melinda Wu stands out as a beacon of trust and authority. As the distinguished Broker of Record of RE/MAX Atrium Home, Melinda has carved a niche for herself in the industry, setting benchmarks that many aspire to achieve. Immigrating to Canada in 1998, she drew inspiration from her father's unwavering dedication. "His resilience inspired me,” Wu says, “leading me to carve my own path and establish my business."
In 2020, she marked a significant milestone by opening her own brokerage, becoming the youngest female owner of a RE/MAX Franchise. Melinda now has 4 offices and represents nearly 100 real estate professionals. Her achievements soared further when she was ranked as Top 20 Agents on the prestigious Hurun Realtor List in 2022.
But Melinda's accomplishments aren't limited to real estate. She also holds a PhD degree in Chinese Medicine
After 13 years of experience in the Financial Services industry through various roles and being nominated as Best of Best Branch Manager in 2019, Anne decided to challenge herself and switch to wealth advisory at Scotia Wealth Management in 2020. But this time, she networked through The O Six. “In the early stages of my career change, I was able to connect with many women entrepreneurs,” says Anne. “Some of them are still my valued clients.” Anne went on to break national asset growth records and helped her clients achieve their unique life goals through a proven, integrated, and team-based wealth management planning process. Anne was recognized as a 2022 President’s Council Trip and 2023 Growth Council Trip qualifier.
Anne emphasizes the importance of being a member of a community that provides professional and personal development. “I feel energized and empowered after participating in any activity with The O Six,” she says. For newcomers setting yourself up for success, she suggests creating a financial plan with a long-term focus, diversifying assets classes, staying invested, and consulting with qualified experts.
Be better together
Dr. Zhao, Wu, and Li encourage newcomers to take chances, find a community that can help them, and be persistent. “Countless stories from The O Six stand as testaments to the intricate mosaic of immigrant life — one that's characterized by both poignant sacrifices and the triumph of building anew,” says Dr. Zhao.
For women or men seeking a safe, inclusive space to grow, learn from peers, and break down barriers, get in touch with The O Six. Members form diverse friendships and have engaging conversations that boost success in work and life.
