Empowering immigrants to thrive
Canada has a reputation for welcoming immigrants from all across the globe. So when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, it was no surprise that many Canadian provinces immediately supported displaced Ukrainians to put down new roots in Canada and feel safe again.
Atlantic Canada is arguably the nation’s most underrated region. Although many sources claim that the best provinces to migrate to are Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec, the Atlantic region has more to offer than ever as more immigrants consider new beginnings in humble, low-key provinces. 
Canada is a large country. It is the second-largest country in the world after Russia. This country is blessed with tons of land for new arrivals to call home, yet over 13 million people out of the total 38 million people live in MTV (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver). The dominance of these cities and their respective provinces has attracted international visitors for decades. According to Statistics Canada, around 53 per cent of immigrants to Canada end up in one of these three cities. But no one said you had to stay there. Many new immigrants move into the big cities to move out to other locations sooner. But why come to MTV at first?Â
Coming to Canada is a dream for many. It is considered one of the best countries in the world for immigrants due to its multiculturalism and anti-discrimination policies. But if you’ve ever gone through the process of immigration, you’ll know that the younger you are, the more appealing you are in the eyes of the Canadian government.
According to Statistics Canada, international undergraduate students will pay 429 per cent more in tuition than domestic students in 2023. Postgraduate international students will also pay 184 per cent more for their studies than their domestic peers.  The Canadian Federation of Students’ factsheet on international student tuition fees notes the increases are differential fees that post-secondary institutions use to generate income because of inadequate funding from provincial governments. Private post-secondary schools view international students as a low-risk revenue source. With non-Canadian students at a clear disadvantage regarding schooling costs, exploring other available resources and supports is essential to balance school and work life.
How important is finding a balance between work and school? And how many students silently struggle with too many obligations? While some young people can focus solely on their studies without worrying about finances, not all have that option. Moreover, international students need help with distinctive obstacles that domestic students do not experience. 
Migrating to a new country is a stressful and anxiety-ridden process, but grown-ups are expected to be able to deal with the stress. What about young immigrants, though? How do we prepare a child, already in a very vulnerable position, for life in a country where the language and culture may be quite different and alienating? The Calgary Board of Education provides programs to support students and their families as they navigate life in Canada.
Among the over one million refugees in Canada are individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+), often fleeing an unwelcoming or dangerous country. The last person criminally charged for homosexual practices in Canada was Everett Klippert in 1967. Since 2005, all sexual and gender identifications and same-sex marriages have been recognized in Canada. But this is not the case in many countries, where it is not only illegal to express non-heteronormative gender and sexual identities, but such identifications can result in physical violence or death. This is one of the reasons many seek refuge in a more welcoming country and why organizations like the End of the Rainbow Foundation exist.
I moved to Canada in 1980, at six years old, to Richmond, BC, 7294 kilometres away from my birthplace of Ormskirk, England, just outside of the port city of Liverpool. My family only had a few work friends for support. Little Tom, sounding like an English version of Mickey Mouse, began navigating a new country and culture that has brought me, 42 years later, to writing this article or open letter to you.
Before worrying about finding a job in Canada, it is important to have a roof over your head once you land. While you may be able to switch jobs, that’s not the case with a house. Here are tips to help you find the right home before landing or post-landing.