🍁The Canada you didn’t know existed

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Most people think of Canada and picture the exact same things: Banff, Niagara Falls, maple syrup, and Drake. And maybe a moose. But the truth is, there’s a whole other side of Canada that even locals sleep on.

Next year, if you’re planning to visit (or live a little and explore more of the country you already call home), we’ve got the ultimate travel flex: a list of 10 places in Canada you didn’t know you needed to see in 2026 — but absolutely do.

There's Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, where you can literally walk on the ocean floor at low tide and kayak over it hours later. Mind. Blown.

Or how about Manitoulin Island, which is a lake… in a lake… on an island. That kind of geographical loop makes my head spin in the best way.

Want more?

Haida Gwaii = Indigenous history + raw coastal beauty
Garibaldi Lake = glacier-fed magic
Vauréal Falls = hike through a river to a canyon waterfall taller than Niagara

🔗 Here’s the full top 10 — including tips, when to go, how to get there, and why each one’s worth it.

These are not just pretty places; they’re conversations with nature. And in some cases, with a history that predates Canada itself. If you’re building a 2026 travel list, don’t just go big — go surprising.

Citizenship just got a major upgrade

ICYMI: Bill C-3 is now law, and that means some people born outside Canada are finally getting what they should’ve had all along: citizenship by descent.

In short:
👶 If you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent who was also born abroad, you previously got blocked by the “first-generation limit.” Now, if your parent can show a substantial connection to Canada (think physical presence), you’re in.

This is a huge shift. Thousands of so-called “Lost Canadians” are affected, and more will benefit moving forward. IRCC's ironing out the details, but this is real progress for cross-border families who’ve been stuck in a legal grey zone for too long.

🔗 Everything you need to know is here.

7 Actionable Ways to Achieve a Comfortable Retirement

Your dream retirement isn’t going to fund itself—that’s what your portfolio is for.

When generating income for a comfortable retirement, there are countless options to weigh. Muni bonds, dividends, REITs, Master Limited Partnerships—each comes with risk and oppor-tunity.

The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income from Fisher investments shows you ways you can position your portfolio to help you maintain or improve your lifestyle in retirement.

It also highlights common mistakes, such as tax mistakes, that can make a substantial differ-ence as you plan your well-deserved future.

Download your free copy today.

🧠 Thinking of hiring an immigration rep? Ask these 5 questions first

Working with an immigration consultant can make things smoother—or a lot worse. So here’s your checklist before signing on:

What are my real chances of success? (No rep can promise approval. If they do, run.)
Are there package options—or is it one-size-fits-all?
What’s included, what costs extra, and what’s not covered at all?
Can they give legit references?
Are they certified—and with which body?

Also, beware of red flags:

They say they have special “connections”
They guarantee a fast result
They pitch before asking about your case
They ask for shady payments
They tell you to lie

The goal isn’t to scare you off reps—it’s to help you find the good ones.
🔗 Full checklist and explanation here

💸 How your December bonus is taxed (and why it always feels confusing)

Bonuses are amazing…until you check your pay stub. Why did 30% vanish again?

If you’ve ever looked at your bonus and said “Wait, where’d it go?” — you’re not alone. This explainer breaks down how Canada taxes bonuses and why it seems different every time.

Spoiler: It depends on how your employer pays it. Some treat it like a one-time payment and apply a higher withholding tax rate. Others blend it into your salary.
Another factor: Whether you're on payroll, contract, or self-employed.

The article comes from two immigrants (shoutout Dozie and Jerry) who walked through it from real-life experience. If you’ve got a bonus—or are chasing one in 2026—read this.

🔗 Here’s how your bonus actually gets taxed

📈 So what’s up with Canada’s immigration plan?

The government dropped its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, and it’s mostly business as usual... but not entirely.

Immigration targets are staying high, but questions still linger around support, housing, and real job access.
We got the facts from Veronica Sepehr at Westdale Immigration, and here’s what matters:

Permanent residency targets are steady, which means opportunities continue
Temporary residents aren’t prioritized, and that’s raising concerns
Priority occupations for category-based Express Entry draws are confirmed (if you’re in healthcare, tech, or trades, 👀)
Rural immigration gets a push, but rollout is still slow

There’s optimism, but also some skepticism.

🔗 The full breakdown’s right here

👀 Final thoughts

We won’t see you until after Christmas, and probably (New Year’s 👀), so; seasons greetings! We hope you have a fantastic holiday as we close the year

But until then, explore something unfamiliar. Ask one better question. And if you can, make your next big move with your eyes wide open.

— The New Local Team

You can always reach us at [email protected].

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