The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are a Canadian rite of spring.
For many across Canada, the spring/summer season means one thing – the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs are here!
And Canada’s Edmonton Oilers are in the finals. They fought back from a 3-0 deficit against the Florida Panthers to make it a 3-2 best-of-seven series.
They can even the series with a win in Game 6 tonight in Edmonton.
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For newcomers to Canada and international students, the Stanley Cup playoffs between 16 National Hockey League (NHL) teams provide an insight into the sport of ice hockey and perhaps Canada’s national culture and identity.
On Saturday, June 8, Canada’s Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers began their 7-game Stanley Cup final series to decide the 2023-24 season champion.
Canada looks to bring the Cup home
The Oilers, led by Connor McDavid – currently the best player in the world – entered this series as the underdogs. They will be the first Canadian team to win the Cup since the Montreal Canadiens in 1993 if they beat Florida.
Meanwhile, Professional Women’s Hockey teams, including Toronto and Montreal, competed for the Walter Cup for the first time. Minnesota won the Cup on May 29, defeating Boston in five games.
So, what’s behind all this hockey fever, and why should newcomers care?
Lloyd L. Wong and Martine Dennie are the authors of a 2021 report entitled “I feel more Canadian with hockey.” Identity and Belonging via Ice Hockey in a Diverse Canada.
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In their paper, published in Canadian Ethnic Studies, Wong and Dennie argue that their “findings show that for most immigrants and racialized minorities engaged in organized ice hockey, there is more likely a sense of Canadian national identity and a sense of belonging to Canada compared to the Canadian-born and to whites.”
They also state that the game and sport of ice hockey are embedded in Canada’s national culture and identity mythically and literally and that hockey has its most significant presence in Canada regarding people, places, and social spaces.
Hockey’s Popularity is Far-reaching
According to their report, about 1.8 million people globally are registered hockey players, of which over one-third, or 631,295, live in Canada.
Per capita, the number of registered hockey players in Canada is well above all other countries by a wide margin, with 17,277 registered hockey players per one million people.
Further, hockey’s popularity in Canada extends beyond players and referees to include coaches, managers, workers in the hockey industry, parents, and fans.
There are about 5,000 outdoor rinks and 3,300 indoor hockey arenas in Canada,
The only other country with more than one thousand indoor arenas is the United States, which has about 1,535.
There are 555,935 hockey players in the United States, 113,425 in the Czech Republic, 105,059 in Russia, 76,387 in Finland, and 63,901 in Sweden, rounding up the top six ranked hockey-playing countries.
Hockey is a key part of Canadian culture and identity.
As Wong and Dennie point out, Canada “is also an ‘immigration society’ where immigrants are considered as society-building assets and as central to national identity,” just like hockey.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Facts for Newcomers
So, here are some Stanley Cup facts for newcomers and international students who want to find out what all the fuss is about:
The Stanley Cup is named after Frederick Stanley, the 16th Earl of Derby, who was Governor General of Canada from 1888 to 1893.
Lord Stanley’s family were ice hockey fans. He donated the trophy in his name in 1892 as a challenge cup for Canada’s best amateur hockey clubs. Starting in 1909, only professional teams competed for the Cup. Since 1926, only teams of the National Hockey League (NHL) have competed for it.
NHL teams play a gruelling 82-game regular season to determine who will compete for the Stanley Cup.
Every year, 16 of the 32 teams in the NHL qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Stanley Cup playoffs started Saturday, April 20, and will end no later than June 24.
CBC, Sportsnet, and OMNI broadcast Stanley Cup playoff games in Canada.
Stanley Cup Broadcast in Punjabi
Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition also broadcasts playoff games every Saturday on OMNI Television. The broadcast crew comprises Randip Janda, Gurp Sian, Harpreet Pandher, Taqdeer Thindal, Amrit Gill, and Mantar Bhandal.
Leaf Singh, a comedian and hockey insider, regularly posts about hockey and the playoffs on X (formerly Twitter).
The eventual winner of the Stanley Cup will have played and won four rounds (each round is a best-of-seven series).
Four Canadian teams qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs this spring. They are the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Winnipeg Jets, the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks.
The Winnipeg Jets were eliminated in the first round by the Colorado Avalanche.
Tailgate parties are common outside NHL arenas during the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Oilers, after eliminating the Los Angeles Kings in the first round, then eliminated the Vancouver Canucks in a 7-game series. Edmonton advanced to the Western Conference Final on June 2, defeating the Dallas Stars in six games. They now face the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup finals.
The Leafs lost to the Boston Bruins in overtime on Saturday, May 4 and were eliminated.
The Calgary Flames, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens did not qualify for the playoffs.
No Canadian team in the NHL has won the Stanley Cup since 1993.
The Montreal Canadiens were the last Canadian team to win the Cup.
The Vegas Golden Knights, who play in Las Vegas, Nevada, are the defending Stanley Cup champion.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, and Dallas Stars (in order) were the betting favourites to win the Stanley Cup.
Every NHL team features players from all over the world.
The style of hockey in the Stanley Cup playoffs differs significantly from the regular season. It features more physicality, fewer penalties, and higher player passion and commitment.
Stanley Cup playoff games are generally more low-scoring, defensive games than the regular season.
Meanwhile, another hockey playoff championship series is taking place this spring.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is a new-team league in North America holding its first-ever playoff series.
Women Compete for the Walter Cup
There are six franchises (three from Canada and three from the United States). The three Canadian teams are PWHL Montreal, PWHL Ottawa, and PWHL Toronto.
Each franchise played a 32-game regular season to earn one of four places in a postseason tournament. The winner claims the “Walter Cup.”
On Feb. 17, The PWHL’s first game at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena set a league and women’s hockey attendance record with a crowd of 19,285.
CBC and TSN, their French-language affiliates Radio-Canada and RDS, and Sportsnet broadcast PWHL games nationally in Canada. YouTube has global streaming.
Recently, Scotiabank announced that it had become the official bank of the PWHL.
The PWHL playoffs began May 8. The best four teams qualified for a postseason tournament that determines the champion. The playoffs comprise two semi-finals and a final played as a best-of-five series.
Toronto, Montreal, Boston, and Minnesota all made the playoffs. Ottawa was eliminated in the final game of the regular season.
Toronto, which finished first in the regular season, chose to play Minnesota and was eliminated in five games. Montreal played Boston and was eliminated in three straight games.
Minnesota defeated Boston in five games on May 29 to make history by winning the first-ever Walter Cup.
Obviously, between the Stanley Cup and the Walter Cup, there is plenty of hockey for newcomers and international students to embrace this spring.
Making Hockey More Inclusive
As Wong and Dennie wrote in their report:
“Engagement in the game, either as players or fans or in some other capacity, provides a multicultural common space potentially enabling interactive pluralism amongst diverse communities.
These findings further support the value of making hockey more inclusive through equity, diversity, and inclusion policies and initiatives.
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
Renting a room in a homeowner’s house is a smart strategy for newcomers to Canada. Following these simple, common sense tips for housemates will create a great experience for newcomers, international students, and homeowner hosts.
But perhaps the biggest tip about being a housemate is that the rent as a housemate can be several hundred dollars cheaper than you would pay as a roommate. And, you’re not tied into a long-term lease.
Homesharing provides a way for renters to find budget-friendly rooms in great neighbourhoods. This is a great option for newcomers and international students looking to become housemates in a home-sharing arrangement, whether for two or twelve months.
6 Tips for Housemates
Living with a homeowner in their home as a housemate offers many advantages, from saving money to making friends. Housemates and hosts can forge a lifelong relationship by following simple rules.
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Here are six helpful tips for housemates that will contribute to a great living experience:
1. Create Clear and Open Communication from the Start
Housemates discussing rules and expectations.
Make sure that you understand the house rules from the beginning. Have an open discussion with the homeowner and other housemates, if there are any. It’s important to understand the homeowner’s expectations and decide what is fair. A good tip for housemates is to schedule regular meetings (weekly or monthly) to address concerns, expectations, and schedules. This will maintain openness and prevent issues from escalating. If chores are part of your home-sharing agreement, regular meetings provide a forum for updates and feedback.
2. Tackle Issues as they Arise
Discuss small problems and tackle problems as they arise.
This is an excellent tip for housemates that will prevent small problems from escalating into big problems. If something is troubling you as a housemate, talk to the homeowner/host and discuss it as soon as possible. Don’t let things fester. This will prevent resentment from building, which could poison your relationship. Be open to finding a solution that works for everyone and be willing to compromise. Being proactive is the best strategy in a homeshare environment.
Great housemates respect personal space and are mindful of noise.
Most items in a homeshare environment belong to the homeowner/host. If you have agreed to boundaries regarding using items or certain spaces, be sure to respect that by asking first if you can use them or move them. Likewise, the host should show the same respect if you have personal items in the house. Respect each other’s personal space by, for example, knocking before entering a closed room. Creating clear boundaries around property and space from the beginning will ensure maximum privacy and respect. Use headphones and be mindful of noise. Learn the host’s schedule and share yours. Again, it’s all about communication.
4. Respect Diversity and Be Open to Change and New Ideas
Be open to sharing experiences and learning about different cultures.
You and your host may come from different cultures and thus have different values and beliefs. Approach the housemate experience as an opportunity to learn, share, and grow. It’s a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes and share your view of life. You won’t agree on everything, but if you stay open, the possibilities for learning, growth, and friendship are endless. Be open to sharing experiences,
5. Conserve Energy and Reduce Waste
Again, this is an issue of respect and communication. Energy costs concern homeowners, so do your best to keep them down. Turn off lights, wash your clothes during off-peak hours, turn off taps, and recycle. These are just a few things you can do to show respect and earn the host’s trust and friendship. It will go a long way in avoiding potential conflicts.
6. Understand Rules for Visitors and Overnight Guests
This is an important tip for housemates to ensure privacy and build respect. Be sure to understand the guidelines about having friends over and overnight guests. Discuss and understand the host’s expectations and comfort level regarding visitors and the acceptable length of stay. It all comes down to common courtesy, communication, and respect for privacy.
Housemates and hosts may never become best friends, but the goal should be to be respectful, polite, friendly occupants of a shared co-living space. Take the time to know and understand each other, share some meals, watch TV, and enjoy moments together. All of this – and following these simple, common sense tips for housemates will create a great experience for newcomers, international students, and homeowner hosts.
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
Searching for housing in Canada as a newcomer can be challenging. Working with a real estate agent to help you search for a rental is a great way to navigate the process. If you’re searching for a rental, you likely have things to ask a realtor about when renting your first home. Canada’s rental market is ultra-competitive right now. Vacancy rates in large and mid-sized cities across the country are at record lows (around 1.5 percent), prices continue to rise, and landlords may have multiple applicants for their rentals.
The competition gets more intense, with record numbers of newcomers arriving every month. Canada is working to increase its rental stock, but a surplus of rental units is years away.
Explaining the Rental Process to Newcomers
Nasma Ali, a Toronto real estate broker and founder of OneGroupToronto told Prepare for Canada that a licensed, experienced real estate agent (or realtor) can guide newcomers through a sometimes complicated rental agreement and process.
In addition to using their experience and contacts to help you find a rental home, “it’s good to have a realtor,” said Ali, “to guide you through the rental process and explain what each of the clauses (in the agreement) means. What are your rights and obligations, and what are you signing?”
Ali says a real estate agent can also protect newcomers against landlords who try to “sneak something that’s not lawful” into the agreement. The realtor, she says, “is going to be advocating for you and protecting your rights.”
There are approximately 85,000 licenced realtors in Ontario. Prepare for Canada and Souqh, a fintech company, have partnered to give newcomers a FREE and easy way to find a realtor in the city where they wish to settle.
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Souqh partnered with Prepare for Canada and Rentals for Newcomers to connect immigrants with realtors and assist with finding rentals across Ontario.
Ahmer Rafiq, CEO, Souqh
5 Common Things Newcomers Ask a Realtor
If you’re interested in working with a realtor to find your first rental home in Canada, here are some common questions newcomers ask about the process:
1. Is it expensive to work with a real estate agent?
Using a real estate agent to help find your first rental home in Canada costs you, the tenant, nothing. Your future landlord (the actual owner of the property) pays the realtor’s commissions and fees. However, be sure to check any agreement that you sign, either with the realtor or the landlord, carefully for hidden fees. If the realtor asks you to pay an additional cost, you can walk away and find another agent.
2. Will searching for a rental on my own be less expensive than using a real estate agent?
Newcomers who choose to find their own apartment for rent will find that the main cost is time…and stress! Canada’s rental market is competitive, with low vacancy rates below 2 percent in most large and medium-sized cities. This means many people are competing for the same rental home. Canada will welcome 485,000 newcomers in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025, so many newcomers are looking for a rental.
According to a recent Rentals.ca Canadian Renter Survey, 34 percent of people surveyed have been looking for a place for at least two months, with 15 percent searching for more than six months. So, it could take you that long to find a spot on your own.
Sites such as Rentals for Newcomers, which is unrestricted, provide listings from landlords who value newcomers as tenants. But, you must search, inspect, and negotiate simultaneously as you are likely looking for a job and getting settled.
As they say, time is money, and your time as a newcomer is best spent viewing the rentals in person, not searching for them.
3. Can I work with more than one real estate agent?
A knowledgeable realtor can recommend the neighbourhoods that best suit your needs (parks, schools, public transit)
You can, but it is not advised, particularly if you have signed a representation agreement. It’s doubtful a realtor will work with you or put in their best effort if you have multiple real estate agents.
It’s smarter to select a realtor who knows the city or neighbourhood where you wish to live and trust their experience and knowledge.
4. Why do real estate agents recommend that I buy renters insurance?
While tenant insurance is not mandatory, most renters in Canada get renter’s insurance. This is mainly because many landlords and buildings require it. Many landlords will only rent to you with insurance and may insist that the realtor only present tenants willing to get it.
Working with a realtor can give newcomers an edge in the Toronto rental market
When renting your first long-term home as a newcomer, you don’t own the property, but you most likely own the contents, such as furniture, electronics, and other personal possessions, unless you rent a furnished place. Personal items, including valuables such as jewellery, can be costly to replace if you have to pay out of pocket for them.
Also, if you cause damage to the landlord’s property, tenant insurance can cover you for those damages. And, if you must move out temporarily due to damage (water, fire, etc.), tenant insurance can help cover your temporary costs.
5. How much would I pay for a one-bedroom apartment in Canada?
As of May 2024, the national average asking price for a one-bedroom apartment was $2,188, according to Rentals.ca National Rent Report.* That’s a 9.3 percent year-over-year increase.
But asking prices for a one-bedroom vary by province and city.
For example, a one-bedroom in Vancouver (the priciest city for rent) is $2,646. In Toronto, it is $2,459. The cheapest rent in Ontario in a large or medium-sized city is Windsor at $1,553. Rents are more affordable in the western provinces, particularly in Saskatchewan. The asking rent in Saskatoon is $1,215 for a one-bedroom and $1,251 in Regina.
If you have recently arrived in Canada, discover how to find a realtor to find the perfect home for you!
Nasma Ali, a real estate broker and founder of One Group Toronto emphasizes the importance of having a realtor to guide newcomers through the rental agreement and process, protecting their rights and advocating for them against landlords.
Using a real estate agent costs you nothing, as the landlord pays commissions and fees.
Consider signing with a realtor who knows the desired city or neighbourhood.
Check any agreements carefully for hidden fees.
Consider getting tenant insurance, as most landlords require it.
Renters insurance is recommended to cover personal possessions and potential damages to the property.
Action Plan for Newcomers:
Expert advice can help newcomers open the door to their first rental home in Canada
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in writing this story; all sources are cited and credited where possible.
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
For newcomers and international students eager to better understand Canada through sports, here’s a fact: The Toronto Blue Jays are CANADA’S baseball team.
True, the Jays are the country’s ONLY Major League Baseball (MLB) team, but they are extremely popular across Canada.
(There used to be two teams, but the Montreal Expos departed for Washington in 2004. The Expos were Canada’s first MLB team, and Expo fans are still in shock and hoping they will return.)
Some similarities to cricket
For new Canadians whose passion is cricket, there are similarities with baseball and maybe a shared heritage, as this story explains. Numerous cricket leagues exist across Canada, and many are under the direction of Cricket Canada.
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Regarding the Blue Jays’ popularity, sports media analyst Adam Seaborn points out they have the most extensive fan base in Major League Baseball.
Baseball fever returned to Canada on Monday, April 8, when the Blue Jays played their season home opener at the Rogers Centre, defeating the Seattle Mariners 5-2 (the Jays opened their 2024 season on the road with an 8-2 win in Tampa, Florida, on March 28 against the Tampa Bay Rays).
The Blue Jays have won two World Series
The Jays have been playing since 1977. They’ve had some great success for a relatively new franchise (the history of organized baseball in North America dates back to 1846).
In 1992 and 1993, they won back-to-back World Series Championships, the ultimate prize in North American MLB (baseball is played in over 100 countries, and there is an actual World Championship of Baseball).
But Americans decided long ago that the winner of the playoff between the champion of the American League (where the Blue Jays play) and the National League would be known as the World Series champion.
The last time the Jays were genuinely competitive was in 2015 and 2016. Blue Jay fever swept the nation as the team went deep into the post-season playoffs
So, if you’re interested in becoming a Blue Jays fan or just checking them out, here are some facts!
The Blue Jays:
Play 162 games (split home and away) per year (not including playoffs)
Play in the American League of Major League Baseball (MLB has 15 teams in three divisions. There are 15 teams in the National League of MLB in three divisions. The eventual playoff winners in the American League and the National League for the World Series Championship.
Have the highest average regular season viewership among all Major League Baseball teams. The games are also on the radio, and most major media outlets in Toronto report daily on the Jays
Play at the Rogers Centre, which has a retractable roof and is usually open for roughly 50 plus of the 81 home games a year, depending on the weather. A day at a Jays game can be a fun day in the sun.
Highest-paid player on the team is right-fielder George Springer. He makes $24.2 million U.S. a year
Players to follow this year include shortstop Bo Bichette, first-baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr, starting pitcher Kevin Gausman, and relief pitcher Jordan Romano
MLB-licensed game shirts can cost over $200 Cdn.
Tee shirts can cost as little as $12, depending on where you shop.
Season ticket costs vary depending on the seating location within the Rogers Centre. According to Ticketmaster, the average ticket cost to see the Jays live at the Rogers Centre this season is $75.
Ticket booth located at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Other baseball facts:
There are many famous former Blue Jay players. Still, those whose sweaters hang in the Level of Excellence include José Bautista, George Bell, Joe Carter, Carlos Delgado, Tony Fernandez, Roy Halladay, Dave Stieb, and former manager Cito Gaston. Broadcaster Tom Cheek and club executives Paul Beeston and Pat Gillick are also honoured.
Though six players who at one time played for the Blue Jays have been inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame, only one, second-baseman Roberto Alomar, was inducted as a Blue Jay.
In 2023, estimates reveal that 200,000 Canadians played baseball in amateur leagues and programs across Canada. Leagues can start as young as four years old.
When You Belong, You Believe
The Jays Care Foundation is a charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays. The foundation believes baseball can play an important role as an effective, low-cost intervention to address mental and physical health challenges for children and youth nationwide.
Their motto this year is “When You Belong, You Believe.” Their goal is to build a Canada where kids of all backgrounds and abilities have a place on a team where they belong.
If you’d like to learn more about baseball in Canada and the Blue Jays, here are some helpful links:
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is the former managing editor of Storeys.com, a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star and former sports editor of The Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content to write this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
Canadians, newcomers and people worldwide celebrated International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8.
The month of March is recognized as Women’s History Month.
This year, the special theme for the day and month honouring the economic, social, political and cultural achievements of women is “Inspire Inclusion.”
The first International Women’s Day (#IWD) was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. More than a million women (and men) attended public gatherings to show their support.
A day of global activism
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Soon, other countries began to observe and celebrate International Women’s Day. In 1975, the United Nations named 1975 as International Women’s Year and March 8 as the official International Women’s Day.
Over the years, March 8 has become a day of collective global activism and celebration shared by all those committed to forging women’s equality.
“It is a call to action for each of us to actively engage in breaking down the barriers that hinder women’s progress,” said Hatami, “particularly for those who are just beginning their lives anew in Canada.”
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Skills and training for visible minority women
WEST of Windsor began in 1984 as a non-profit corporation and registered charitable organization in response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment among women and the difficulties women met trying to enter the workforce.
As noted on their website, during West of Windsor’s evolution, “it became apparent that the most disadvantaged women, in terms of training and employment opportunities, were visible minorities. As a result of those findings, a plan was implemented to create a technical and life skills training program specific to the needs of visible minority women residing in Windsor-Essex. WEST, a non-profit corporation and registered charitable organization, is the realization of that initiative.”
Since the pandemic started, Canada has seen record population growth, with half of it women. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced in November of 2023 that Canada remains committed to settling 485,000 newcomers in 2024 and 500,000 in 2025.
Immigrant women driving the labour market
According to Statistics Canada, in 2022 there were 4,200,630 immigrant women in the country’s labour market. The data also revealed that 2.9 million were visible minorities (1.3 million were not). Newcomers continue to comprise just about 100 percent of Canada’s labour force growth and 75 percent of the country’s population growth.
In Canada, women have an 83 percent participation rate in the national workforce. That’s risen from just over 30 percent in 1976, when only half of the women worked outside the home.
According to StatsCan, the male national labour market participation rate is about 92 percent.
Hatami says West of Windsor takes the theme of #inspireinclusion to heart. It works to serve newcomer women and girls facing the challenges of a new home and overcoming gender-based barriers.
“Our mission is to provide these women with the tools, resources, and support they need to realize their full potential,” said Hatami. “By focusing on education and employment opportunities, we aim to empower them to build sustainable and fulfilling lives for themselves and their families.”
Promoting diversity in leadership
As one International Women’s Day website states, “To truly include women means to openly embrace their diversity of race, age, ability, faith, body image, and how they identify. Worldwide, women must be included in all fields of endeavour.”
“One of the key pillars of Inspire Inclusion is the promotion of diversity in leadership and decision-making positions. Women, especially those belonging to underrepresented groups, continue to face barriers when seeking leadership roles. By championing inclusion, organizations and communities can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives, leading to better decision-making and innovation.”
It is about understanding the unique challenges faced by newcomer women and creating pathways for their success and leadership in our communities
– Anabella Hatami, West of Windsor
“Education and awareness play vital roles in fostering inclusion and empowering women. Through initiatives such as mentorship programs, educational workshops, and advocacy campaigns, individuals and organizations can create opportunities for women to thrive. By providing support and resources, women can be empowered to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.”
Continuous commitment is required
For Hatami and West of Windsor, the importance of International Women’s Day and the theme of #inspireinclusion represents much more than a single day of recognition and celebration. It’s a “continuous commitment to fostering an environment where women’s contributions are valued and their voices are heard.”
“It is about understanding the unique challenges faced by newcomer women and creating pathways for their success and leadership in our communities,” she said. “Through our collective efforts, we can inspire inclusion and ensure that every woman has the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of life.”
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at both the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
*Prepare for Canada did not use AI-generated content in the writing of this story, and all sources are cited and credited where possible.
Steve Tustin is the Editor for Rentals for Newcomers and a contributing editor for Prepare for Canada. He is also the former managing editor of Storeys.com and a former senior editor at the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.
