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Hey New Locals,
Heads up: Canadian Thanksgiving is on Monday (Oct 13), meaning a shorter work week for many, plus some temporary service slowdowns. If you're already in Canada, take a load off and enjoy the long weekend. If you're still planning your move, this is a perfect reminder that Canada's holiday calendar can quietly delay government processes — like Express Entry draws, which will likely happen later this week (Tuesday or Wednesday). So don't panic if the IRCC portal stays quiet a little longer.
The Entry draws are expected to begin with a PNP round, followed by a category-based draw later in the week. But given how unpredictable this year’s been, let’s just say... don’t bet your pumpkin pie on it.
Now, on to this week’s stories!
💡 What’s The Big Idea?
Minimum Wage in Canada and Why It’s (Still) Not Enough
Most of us don't move to Canada dreaming about minimum wage. It’s one of those things you think you’ll be leaving behind. But it’s where many start. Whether you’re working your first job in Winnipeg or hustling part-time in Toronto, knowing the difference between minimum wage and living wage can make or break your budgeting reality.
As of October 2025, minimum wages now range from $15.00 in Alberta to nearly $19.75 in Nunavut. Not bad, right? Until you realize the living wage in most places (the income you actually need to cover rent, food, and basic expenses) is much higher.
📉 For example:
Toronto’s minimum wage is $17.60/hour, but the living wage is $26/hour.
That gap is kinda insane when you consider it. See why matters whether you’re deciding where to settle or trying to stretch your first Canadian paystub?
So what gives? Cost of living, inflation, and housing all play their parts. BC and Ontario boast higher wages, but also skyrocketing rents and grocery prices. Meanwhile, provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan initially appear affordable, but heating bills and childcare costs can quickly change this.
Our bottom line: in every region with published data, the living wage outpaces the minimum. If you’re arriving with savings or remote income (hello, Nigerians working cross-border), target cities where your earnings stretch, or jobs above the floor.
If you start on a minimum wage
Budget like a hawk. Housing and childcare crush margins. Start with room-shares or newcomer rentals; explore subsidised care waitlists early.
Upskill on a clock. Use employer tuition support or free micro-credentials to move into roles that pay above the floor.
Stack income carefully. Second jobs can help, but protect your health and status (work-hour limits if you’re on a permit).
📊 Read the full comparison by province here
🗞 The News Around Town:
The Canada Strong Pass Is Back
Good news for explorers (and anyone who loves a freebie): the popular Canada Strong Pass — which offered discounted or free access to attractions and national parks — will return for the holidays, and again next summer.
Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the relaunch last week, promising expanded coverage for 2026. Federal pages now say a renewed window is coming for Dec 12, 2025–Jan 15, 2026, with Summer 2026 details "soon." If you're planning winter trips or a first Canadian Christmas, bookmark this.
If you missed our earlier coverage on what the pass includes and how to snag one, catch up here.
🎯 Provincial Draw Updates (so, does this help you?)
A provincial draw is when provinces invite people with the skills they need. If you’re picked, you apply to that province's program. A nomination can supercharge your PR chances.
🩺Ontario — 1,680 invites (Oct 9)
Who they wanted: Healthcare workers, Early Childhood Educators, plus candidates in smaller communities via REDI.
Who should care: You work in health/ECE or you've got an Ontario job offer and an active OINP EOI.
If this could be you: Make sure your NOC matches your actual duties and your EOI is current. If invited, your employer has 14 days to file their part, and you have 17 days for yours. Miss it, the invite expires.
🏥 Manitoba — 862 invites (Oct 9, Draw #255)
Who they wanted: Health occupations, with emphasis on home support workers/caregivers (NOC 44101).
Who should care: You're already working in Manitoba health or have ties to the province and the right NOC.
If invited: You get 60 days to submit a complete application. Begin gathering proof of work, language scores, and funds immediately.
Skim-check if you’re a match (30 seconds):
Does your job title align with the province's targeted roles?
Does your NOC code fit your day-to-day tasks?
EOI profile up to date? If yes, you’re positioned for the next round. For details and cut-offs, see Ontario's latest draw recap and Manitoba's official draw post.
🧾 Your Immigration Update
The IRCC Processing Time Tool just got a glow-up, and it’s actually helpful this time. It shows both historical averages and real-time updates for each program.
For future immigrants, it helps set realistic expectations before you apply. And for current residents awaiting renewals or extensions, it provides a clearer idea of when to expect decisions.
📍 See how it works here.
🗣 Should You Re-evaluate or Retake Your Language Test?
When your CRS score is hanging by a thread, every point matters. So, what’s smarter: asking for a re-evaluation or retaking the test?
Quick breakdown:
Re-evaluation: Best if you’re sure the score doesn’t reflect your true performance (like you missed points by one band). It’s cheaper, but slower.
Retest: Faster and often more predictable if you’ve had time to study and improve.
The truth: most people gain faster ground by retesting,; especially if they can target the weak areas from their first attempt. Re-evaluation is helpful when there’s a clear grading error, but such cases are rare.
💡Our take? If you’re within 2–3 points of a draw cutoff, retake it. You'll control the outcome instead of waiting on an appeal that may not swing your way..
🦃 Culture Corner: Thanksgiving, The Canadian Way
Canadian Thanksgiving lands on the second Monday in October; earlier than the U.S. version, less commercial, and honestly a bit cozier.
If you’re a newcomer, here’s what to know:
Expect turkey. And stuffing. And mashed potatoes.
Bring something small, like wine, flowers, or dessert, as they make perfect host gifts.
Offer to contribute. Bonus points if it’s a dish from your culture; people love trying jollof rice or puff-puff alongside pumpkin pie.
Be on time. Canadians take punctuality as seriously as politeness.
Join in the gratitude: some families go around the table to share what they’re thankful for. Have YOUR list ready.
And yes, there’s almost always a post-dinner walk: both to appreciate the fall colours and, to recover from the food coma
🍁 That’s a wrap
Minimum wage gaps, IRCC upgrades, and free park passes; not bad for a short week. Whether you’re spending the long weekend with friends or FaceTiming family back home, take a minute to be thankful for how far you’ve come.
Happy Thanksgiving, New Locals.
See you next week.
— Dami
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— Dami from New Local