Hola. Bonjour. Hallo. Ciao. Konnichiwa. 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) and 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)!
Don’t be afraid, I’m just refreshing my knowledge of “hello/ welcome” in as many languages as I can.
But really, welcome Locals, and to our new subs, I think I can speak for everyone when I say we’re super glad to have you join the community! I know we’ll do amazing things together!
Here’s what’s inside today’s letter:
Four strategies to make your foreign work experience shine in a local job market.
Ten lessons from immigrants and experts on buying a home in Canada.
Why home-sharing could be your short-term antidote to high rents.
The Ontario government’s big push to return civil servants to the office and the union response.
This week’s standout jobs.
If you enjoy this newsletter, Abraham and I would love it if you encouraged two friends, fellow immigrants, or colleagues to subscribe. In return, you’ll be getting a copy of our Canadian resume and cover letter pack, a warm virtual hug (or handshake, if you prefer), and, if I can track it, a personal thank-you note.
💼 Jobs worth a look this week
We’ve got the full list in the job board spreadsheet, but here are three standout roles:
Wheelchair Attendant – Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
Help passengers with mobility needs at Canada’s busiest airport. A people-first role with purpose. Apply here →
Customer Service Rep (Remote)
Work-from-home role responding to social media comments for brands. Great for those who want flexibility and online engagement. Apply here →
Data Entry Clerk – Toronto, ON – Mentifi Digital Services
A foot in the door for anyone eyeing tech or admin roles. One year of experience (including internships) is enough. A straightforward way to start building your local CV. Apply here →
🏡 Ten lessons on buying a home in Canada
For many immigrants, buying a home is part of the “Canadian dream.” But the path is confusing, intimidating, and full of misconceptions. A recent community discussion led by finance advisor Dipo Salvador, realtor Kristen Davis, and dozens of immigrant homeowners revealed practical lessons. Here are ten of them:
Conventional vs. Insured mortgages: 20% down saves you thousands on insurance; 5% down gets you into the market sooner but costs more long term.
Start small, then scale: Your first home doesn’t have to be your dream home. Even a modest condo builds equity.
Location > finishes: Prioritize commute, schools, and neighbourhood safety over fancy countertops.
Build credit early: Your credit score will determine your interest rate. Open a bank account with a major lender, get a secured credit card, and always pay on time.
Get pre-approved before house-hunting: Pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can borrow and locks in an interest rate for up to 120 days.
Factor in all costs: Beyond the down payment, budget 1–2% of the purchase price for closing fees, legal fees, and moving expenses.
Creative ownership exists: Consider “house hacking” (renting out part of your home), buying with friends or family, or purchasing a multi-unit property.
Beware variable rates: They can look cheaper upfront, but rising interest rates can quickly make your mortgage unaffordable.
Your first home should serve your goals: If wealth-building is the aim, look for fixer-uppers or properties with rental potential. If stability is your priority, choose something low-maintenance.
There’s rarely a perfect time: Don’t obsess over timing the market. The right time to buy is when you’re financially ready, not when headlines say it’s ideal.
👉 We’ll be publishing the full list of 20 lessons as a standalone guide soon. Keep an eye out for that — it’s one you’ll want to bookmark.
📱 My favourite app right now: Canoo
Everyone asks some version of the same question: “How do I explore Canada without spending a fortune?” Enter Canoo.
The app gives newcomers free access to museums, national parks, cultural events, and attractions across the country. Think of it as your backstage pass to explore Canada without burning through your wallet.
Sometimes, the best way to feel at home is to actually see the home you’ve chosen. Canoo makes that easier.
🏘 Beat the high rent: Try home-sharing
Rent prices in Canada remain punishing, especially for newcomers without a credit history. One alternative gaining ground? Home-sharing.
It’s simple: two or more unrelated people share a home, splitting costs and responsibilities. The benefits are more than financial; you get built-in community, a softer landing, and a faster way to feel less isolated.
If you’re curious, platforms like Sparrow Share match newcomers with homeowners and roommates open to sharing.
📰 What’s happening: Ontario civil servants told to return to office
The Ontario government just announced that all provincial public servants will be required to return to full-time office work starting January 2026.
Why it matters:
A gradual rollout begins October 2025.
Over half of Ontario’s public service is already full-time on-site, but this affects thousands who’ve been hybrid since the pandemic.
The union, AMAPCEO, is pushing back hard, arguing remote work has been proven effective and warning that the government is overriding negotiated agreements.
Expect months of debate — and possibly legal challenges — over flexibility, work-life balance, and what “modern public service” should look like..
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Thanks for reading.
Got any questions? Feel free to reply to this mail and I’ll get back to you faster than you can say “Saskatchewan”. (You can try it if you don’t believe me 😉)
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Cheers,
— Dami from New Local