Welcome to New Local! 🇨🇦

Hello New Local 👋

Welcome to the neighborhood 😎

This is the inaugural edition of our newsletter dedicated to providing helpful information, tips, resources, and community support for newcomers like you embarking on your journey in Canada.

Whether you've recently arrived or are in the process of making Canada your new home, we're here to support you every step of the way!

Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and connections you need to thrive in your new environment. We understand that the transition to a new country can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we're committed to providing valuable insights, practical advice, and a supportive community to help ease the process.

Why are we doing this?

As immigrants ourselves, we've experienced firsthand the challenges and uncertainties that come with starting afresh in a new country. From navigating complex bureaucracies to adjusting to cultural nuances, each step presented its own set of obstacles. However, it was the support, guidance, and resilience of fellow immigrants and community members that inspired us to create this newsletter.

Our Personal Story

Reflecting on our own journey, we recall the moments of doubt, the language barriers, and the cultural adjustments that tested our resolve. Yet, it was these very challenges that fueled our determination to create a platform where newcomers could find support, encouragement, and practical assistance. Whether it was finding our first job, understanding the healthcare system, or simply feeling a sense of belonging, we recognize the importance of having access to reliable information and a supportive community.

 HERE’S WHAT’S UP 🤝

Airline Turbulence over Sacred Feathers!

When airline policies clash with the divine…

National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, representing the Assembly of First Nations, recently experienced a distressing incident during an Air Canada flight. Her sacred headdress, received from the Blackfoot Confederacy of the Piikani Nation in Alberta, was briefly taken from her during a flight between Montreal and Fredericton.

She recounted how the situation unfolded: Initially, everything seemed fine as she boarded the plane with her headdress in a special carrying case. However, “something just changed,” and flight staff insisted on placing the case in the cargo hold. For Woodhouse Nepinak, the headdress is akin to a cherished possession, “like your child, like your baby,” and should be handled with the utmost respect.

Despite the heated interaction, Woodhouse Nepinak held the headdress on her lap during the flight. Eventually, the pilot intervened, and the headdress was returned to her. Air Canada has since apologized for the incident but the skies will never be the same. Nepinak used this incident as an opportunity to underscore the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness within the airline industry, and to remind everyone that sacred items hold deep significance for Indigenous peoples. Here’s all that happened.

IN OTHER NEWS…

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently designated a new professional body to issue Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for architects interested in immigrating to Canada. Read More 

• If you are looking to gain express entry, now is probably a good time to go back to those French Lessons. Here’s why. 

• British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec Issued PNP Invitations This Week! Get all the deets! 

• Pharmacare is coming to Ottawa! Here’s all you need to know. 

• As a healthcare worker, you should be sharing tips on how to mitigate climate change related incidents and health concerns with your patients. Why you should.

JOBS

Looking to make a move? Here are local jobs open right now:

Sophos

• Senior Software Engineer (C/C++, Linux) 

• Program Specialist, Global Support Operations

• Operations Research Analyst

• Team Lead - Technical Support

Arcteryx

• Product Developer 2 - Temporary

• Manager, Sourcing Business Process

BC Public Service

• Data Analyst

• Director, Data and Analytics

Join Us on This Journey!

We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery, growth, and community building. Through our newsletter, we aim to share personal stories, news, expert advice, and valuable resources that will help you navigate the complexities of settling in Canada. Together, let's embark on this adventure with optimism, resilience, and a shared commitment to building a brighter future for ourselves and our families.

Send us your stories, feedback or anything else you think we might find interesting.

We’d love to hear from you

Welcome aboard!

Warm regards from The New Local team