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Have you ever tried to read a book or a map upside down?
Goodluck trying to make any sense of it! You could say navigating Canadian immigration policies is the same ball game, and you can also extend that confusion to figuring out careers and finances.
Like Manitoba's new pilot program aimed at keeping skilled workers in the province to the ongoing political discourse on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Luckily, we've got the scoop. Plus, we're highlighting unconventional gig opportunities that might just be your next big break and shedding light on the easing rental market.
Let’s get to it!
🌾 Manitoba’s New Pilot: A Lifeline for Temporary Residents
Big news if you’re in Manitoba on a temporary work permit: the province just launched the Temporary Resident Retention Pilot, designed to help employers keep skilled workers already on their teams.
Why it matters:
Manitoba’s unemployment rate is only 5.7% (vs. 7.1% nationally), so labour shortages are biting hard.
This program helps employers in sectors like healthcare, IT, construction, and agriculture keep workers who are already trained and integrated.
No job ads required — since it’s only for existing employees.
For workers: If you’ve logged 18+ months full-time with the same employer, meet minimum language/wage thresholds, and hold a work permit nearing expiry, this could be your ticket to staying put long-term.
👉 Bottom line: This pilot could mean fewer good workers being forced to leave, more stability for families, and stronger communities. Flexible enough to shift with labour needs, it’s one to watch.
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✨Story of the Week: Alma Asinobi
Popular travel content creator Alma Asinobi moved to Canada in 2022 to study at Fanshawe College. Looking back, she calls it her best decision yet.
Her advice for anyone planning the same move?
“Go slow and steady, stay positive, be flexible, and everything will work out. The dots connect in hindsight.”
✨ A reminder that while policies and programs grab headlines, the newcomer journey is ultimately about small, steady steps forward.
🚐 Gigs You Haven’t Thought Of (But Should)
Not every newcomer is looking for a 9–5 right away. Whether you’re here on an IEC visa or just want flexibility, Canada’s gig economy is stacked with opportunities beyond Uber and DoorDash.
Education and Training Sector
Freelance Language Teacher: Earn between CAD $20 to $40 per hour.
Private Tutor: Earn approximately CAD $15 to $30 per hour.
Fitness Instructor: Earn around CAD $25 to $45 per hour.
Personal Trainer: Earn between CAD $22 to $38 per hour.
Personal and Care Services Sector
Elder Companion Care: Earn around CAD $15 to $20 per hour.
Personal Shopper: Earn approximately CAD $17 to $27 per hour.
Home Helper or Babysitting: Earn around CAD $15 to $25 per hour.
House Sitter: Earn approximately CAD $130 to $300 per day.
Creative and Artistic Sector
Theatre Technician: Earn around CAD $21 to $35 per hour.
Voice Actor: Earn between CAD $24 to $48 per hour.
Event Photographer: Earn between CAD $100 to $300 per hour.
Tourism and Hospitality Sector
Independent Tour Guide: Earn around CAD $15 to $24 per hour.
Ski/Snowboard Instructor: Earn approximately CAD $15 to $45 per hour.
Event or Festival Animator: Earn around CAD $15 to $25 per hour.
Delivery and Logistics Services Sector
Independent Delivery Driver: Earn between CAD $17 to $28 per hour.
Medical Courier: Earn between CAD $20 to $50 per hour.
Truck Driver: Earn approximately CAD $20 to $31 per hour.
👉 These gigs don’t just pay — they connect you with communities, let you test out industries, and sometimes lead to full-time offers.
Click here to find new openings
🏛️ Politics Watch: The TFWP Becomes a Battleground
The debate over Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has intensified, with significant implications for both employers and foreign workers. Here's what the key political figures are proposing and what it means for you:
Pierre Poilievre (Conservative leader): Wants the TFWP scrapped, calling it a “wage suppressor” hurting youth jobs. Still, he promises a separate program for agricultural workers.
Michelle Rempel Garner (Conservative MP): Doubles down, calling the TFWP “a government-sanctioned caste system.”
Mark Carney (PM, Liberals): Plays it safe with numbers and “adjustments,” but risks sounding flat compared to the fiery opposition.
Danielle Smith (AB Premier) and David Eby (BC Premier): Rarely on the same side, but both back Poilievre’s call for reform.
What This Means for You:
If You're Already in Canada: Recent reforms allow greater job mobility without waiting for a new work permit, providing more flexibility in employment.
If You're Considering Coming to Canada: The political climate suggests potential challenges in securing work permits, especially in low-unemployment regions. It's advisable to stay informed about policy changes and consider sectors with identified labor shortages.
If You're in Agriculture or Critical Sectors: Proposed agricultural-specific programs may offer opportunities, but details are yet to be fully defined.
👉 TL;DR: Conservatives are winning the narrative battle. Expect reforms, if not a full reboot, of the TFWP.
That’s a wrap for this week’s NewLocal newsletter! We hope you found these insights and stories helpful (or at least interesting). 😃
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Have a great week, stay safe, and catch you in the next one! ✨
— Dami from New Local