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Social worker jobs remain a good career choice in Canada. Social workers play an important role in assisting people in many different settings, such as schools, hospitals, health clinics, and government-run social programs. If you have international experience working as a social worker, you’ll need to meet certain qualifications to work in Canada. These qualifications can help you improve your standing, get a better job, and even find a higher social worker salary. If you’d like to continue your social work career in Canada, find out more about requirements, licensing, job search techniques, and even the salary of a social worker in Canada.

There are specific job requirements and qualifications that you must have to work in the field of social work in Canada. And to find a job, it’s vital to know the employment and social work job requirements in Canada. Learn how to prepare for a social worker job in Canada by reading this helpful overview.

How to Immigrate to Canada as a Social Worker

It’s essential to research the social work profession before you come to Canada. Requirements to be a social worker may be different than in your home country. There are different skills, qualifications, and expectations. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take before you immigrate to improve your chances of continuing your social work career in Canada.

Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Social Worker Career

To achieve social worker career success, it’s important to understand the skills that the Canadian labour market requires. And you need to know if your international qualifications will meet the social work job requirements. To learn what you require to work as a social worker in Canada, you can take these preliminary steps:

What to Expect When Pursuing a Social Worker Career in Canada

Social work is a regulated profession in all provinces in Canada. And, only those who meet the standards set by the provincial regulatory bodies can use the titles of “Social Worker” and “Registered Social Worker.” These bodies issue licenses or certificates to individuals who meet their registration requirements.

The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is the national organization that represents social workers from across Canada. You need to apply directly to the appropriate provincial regulatory authority to become licensed as a social worker or registered social worker in Canada.

Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Social Worker Career

Understanding the current status of social work jobs and career opportunities is an important thing to understand before moving. Labour market conditions change over time. 

As of 2021, there are about 68,000 people working in this field. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the supply and demand for social work jobs are balanced currently, and this trend is expected to continue until 2031. This means there could be much competition for jobs. As an international applicant, you’ll need to have strong qualifications and experience.

Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Social Worker Jobs in Canada

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s reference to occupations. You can use this tool to find social worker (NOC 41300) job requirements and labour market information. It’s a helpful place to start researching the social work occupation in Canada.

Social workers may have job titles such as:

Social Worker job requirement NOC 41300
Refer to NOC 41300 to gather more information about job requirements.

The Canada Job Bank is another useful tool to learn more about your profession in Canada. Find out more at Canada Job Bank: Your Vital Research Tool.

Requirements to Become a Social Worker in Canada

Social workers in Canada, including those internationally trained must meet certain academic and professional standards. You’ll need to meet the education, work experience, and certification needs of the job based on provincial standards. Below are the steps to follow to work as a social worker in Canada:

Credential Recognition to Meet Social Worker Job Requirements in Canada

One of the first things to do is to learn the employment and job requirements to work as a social worker in Canada. This will help you to understand if you meet the job requirements, or if you must take steps to meet the requirements. This could include getting recognition for your credentials.

To find out what you need, you can contact the regulatory body in the province or territory where you intend to settle in Canada. They will advise you on what documents and assessments you require. You may have to submit:

All documents must have certified English or French translation (depending on the province).

Contact the professional association in the province or territory you will settle in before you move to get more information about the schedule of exams and consider that when deciding the actual date of your departure to Canada.

Knowing the licensure procedure and what the regulatory body expects from you is vital. So be sure to take time to complete the application process properly. The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) assesses your credentials. Learn more about the CASW application procedure The CASW assessment is accepted in all Canadian provinces, except for British Columbia and Quebec. These two provinces have their own assessment process.

Credential Assessment Services

If you plan to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills, you may need an education evaluation. You can contact the school you plan to attend to find out what credential assessment agency you should use and the steps to follow.

Make sure to showcase your international education and skills. As well, build on your existing knowledge and skills and explore university and college options thoroughly before deciding. You might be able to have advanced standing, transfer some of your credits, and benefit from prior learning assessment options by using your international credentials and experience to gain credit or course exemptions. This way, you will complete your program more quickly, without wasting money and repeating the education you already have.

Some options to consider are:

World Education Services (WES) – Ontario

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) – Alberta

The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) – British Columbia

Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Social Worker Job Requirements

In addition to accreditation, you may have to upgrade your skills to meet social work job requirements and get a job. So, you may have to:

Canadian employers expect social workers to have strong professional ethics, computer skills, and the ability to work in difficult situations. And equally important are your soft skills, such as empathy, understanding, and communication skills. These skills can also help you increase your social worker’s salary.

Language Training for Social Workers in Canada

Having strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages – English or French –is extremely important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.

You may be eligible for the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. As well, many settlement agencies offer free English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes.

There are even language courses to teach you professional terminologies, such as job-specific language training and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT) in Ontario. And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good idea. And, it may offer you more employment options.

Bridging Programs for Social Worker Careers in Canada

Bridging programs are a good way to transition from your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. Though there are not many bridging programs for internationally trained social workers, many colleges, universities, and immigrant-serving agencies offer courses or workshops related to the social work sector. You may be eligible for one. Do some research to find a program that’s suitable for you based on your social worker career aspirations.

Toronto Metropolitan University offers the Internationally Educated Social Work Professionals (IESW)

This program helps internationally educated social work professionals to work in their field in Ontario. Program participants can access training, workplace experience, employment support, and an occupation-specific communications course. In addition, this program will develop a peer support program for the effective workplace integration of participants.

In Alberta, you can upgrade your qualifications through the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)

Social Worker Schools in Canada

Most Canadian colleges and universities offer a social work program. These programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels with many areas of specialization. Some of the top schools for social work education in Canada are:

Learn more about program offerings by visiting university websites.

Social Work Associations in Canada

Each Canadian province has its own regulatory body to license social workers. Each body governs the social work profession and ensures members meet professional standards. The associations listed below can provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.

National Social Work Associations in Canada

Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW)

Canadian Association of Social Work Education (CASWE)

Provincial Social Work Regulators in Canada

Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)

British Columbia College of Social Workers (BCCSW)

Manitoba College of Social Workers

New Brunswick Association of Social Workers

Nova Scotia College of Social Workers

Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers

Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)

Prince Edward Island Association of Social Workers

Ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec

Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers

British Columbia Association of Social Workers

The Association of Social Workers of Northern Canada (ASWNC)

Professional Immigrant Networks

Professional immigrant networks (PINS) are volunteer-run member-based associations or networks created by and for immigrant professionals. PINS exists to:

PINs organize networking events, mentoring, and job information sessions. As well, they provide professional development workshops, training, and connections to job opportunities.

While PINS may not exclusively serve the social work sector, they may have social workers among their membership:

In Nova Scotia

Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (isans) helps newcomer professionals with economic and social integration in the province of Nova Scotia.

In Ontario

Chinese Professionals Association of Canada

Javeriana University Professional Alumni Association in Canada

Mississauga Mandarin Association

How Much Do Social Workers Make in Canada?

Social worker salaries can range between $22 and $59 per hour. A full-time job working 40 hours per week could earn a social worker salary between $45,760 and $122,720 per year. The average hourly wage for a social worker in Canada is $36 per hour ($74,880 per year). 

The region with the highest average hourly rate is Northwest Territories and the province with the lowest hourly wage is New Brunswick. Where you choose to live will play a big role in your social worker’s salary.

Social Worker Salary in Canada

The salary of a social worker in Canada can vary based on your level of experience, skills, and knowledge. Using the information from the Canada Job Bank, you can research how much you can expect to earn in different cities and provinces across Canada. For your reference, here are the most recent social worker salary numbers in Canada (as of November 2022):

PROVINCELOW ($/HOUR)MEDIAN ($/HOUR)HIGH ($/HOUR)
National 24.0036.0047.50
Alberta22.8438.0049.15
British Columbia26.4240.0045.79
Manitoba23.0034.8946.00
New Brunswick22.3534.8040.30
Newfoundland and Labrador25.6738.4646.50
Northwest Territories27.6448.7359.63
Nova Scotia23.0835.6446.43
NunavutN/AN/AN/A
Ontario23.0835.9049.74
Prince Edward Island24.0435.9041.42
Quebec24.0035.0045.22
Saskatchewan26.3338.0043.00
Yukon32.1240.8350.00
Average Social Worker Salary by Province: Source Government of Canada Job Bank.

Best Provinces to Work in Canada Based on Social Worker Salary & Lifestyle

There are thousands of social organizations across Canada that employ social workers. However, it’s best to research the labour market to determine what provinces and cities have the greatest demand for social workers. You’ll have better success finding a job in the cities with a high demand for your skills and experience.

According to the Canadian Occupation Projections Systems, job prospects are good in many provinces including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island (PEI), Quebec, Yukon Territory, and Nunavut.

Pursuing Social Worker Careers in Canada

Becoming a social worker in Canada follows a similar path as many other professions. You need the right academic credentials, relevant work experience, and a plan for where you want to work within the country. Below is valuable information to help you pursue a social worker in Canada:

Major Employers for Social Worker Jobs in Canada

Social workers can find employment in many organizations in Canada. Here’s a general list of places where social workers can work:

You can view a directory of Canadian organizations and job postings in the social sector by visiting Charity Village. The directory contains information about the non-profit sector in Canada. You can also learn about the companies that hire recent immigrants by visiting Canada’s Best Diversity Employers website. These employers offer programs to help newcomers transition to a new workplace and a new life in Canada.

To pursue a social worker career, it's important to understand where there is a demand in Canada for social workers.

Job Search Techniques for Social Workers in Canada

Searching for a job in Canada may be different than how you would find a job in your home country. The Canadian job market is competitive, and it can be hard to find a job. And, it can take some time to find full-time work as a social worker, so you need to understand how to find a job and prepare for your job search.

Settlement agencies can help you with your job search. For example, they can help you broaden your search, identify other career options, or even other locations to consider. As well, they can suggest job-finding or networking groups in the social work field that you could join. Other job search techniques include:

Use Immigrant Settlement Agencies to Find Social Worker Jobs

Most settlement agencies can help you to:

Click the link to find immigrant services in your area.

Informational Interviews to Gain Understanding of Job Requirements in Canada

An informational interview is a brief (20–30 minute) meeting with someone in your field. The purpose of the meeting is to learn more about working in the field in Canada. You can also use this interview to learn about social work job requirements.

You should not try to get a job during an informational interview. Instead, you want to explore whether a particular position or employer might be a good fit for your interests, skills, and knowledge. An informational interview with a contact from your network can be a helpful source of career information.

Networking for Social Worker Careers

Networking is an essential tool that may give you job leads, and offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry that can strengthen your resume, cover letter, and interview skills. As many job vacancies are not advertised, you must connect with social workers and others within your field.

Good places to network include conferences, associations, and social mixers to meet people, build relationships, and share information.

LinkedIn is another important professional tool for networking. It is great to connect with former colleagues and employers, searching by company or job, and getting introductions and recommendations.

Note that it’s not appropriate to ask a networking contact for a job, but if they know of any job leads, they may share them.

Remember, it takes time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through networking. Nothing will happen overnight, and you need to be patient.

Writing your Social Work Resume

Social worker on the job talking to a male client.

A degree in social work can lead to finding a job as a counsellor, admissions adviser, case manager, and management and director positions. Here are some helpful resume-writing tips:

Write a Functional Resume

To get an interview for any social work position, you need to tailor your resume to the specific position you want. A functional resume works best for social workers. If you have experience working with at-risk children and adults with substance abuse problems, you can group your skills and experience to show the group that you worked with rather than your chronological work history.

Include a Statement of Objective

When writing your resume for a social work position, include your statement of objective at the top. This will help frame your social worker career goals.

Align Your Resume with Agency Needs

Good social work resumes focus on your desire to serve society. So, your resume should align with the agency’s mission and its needs. Clearly state how your experience aligns with the agency you are applying to. Blending your personal experience and education with the needs of the agency or hiring manager is key to getting your resume noticed.

Quantify Your Achievements

Don’t be afraid to use numbers. If you worked with a 25-client caseload, tell a potential employer that, or list your success rate in preventing drug use in your adolescent clients. If you have served in director or management positions, state the budget you managed. Adding numbers can clearly show your work experience and give a potential employer insight into your skills and capabilities.

Highlight Your Education

The social work field requires continuous professional development. List your education and any bridging programs and continuing education courses you have taken. Potential employers want to see that you meet the educational requirements to be a licensed social worker and you are improving your skills.

Interview Techniques to Ensure You Meet Job Requirements

A job interview will include behavioural questions to ensure you meet social work job requirements. and experience or qualifications questions. These questions assess your experience and qualifications for the social work position.

Here are some sample interview questions that you might be asked for a social work position:

With a good outlook for social worker jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options.

There are many benefits to living in a small city. Smaller cities in Canada can provide advantages such as:

Discover the advantages and benefits of choosing to live in a small city in Canada and important questions to guide your decision!

Vikram and Nutan had great lives as budding professionals in India’s IT capital Bangalore. But, after a close friend immigrated to Canada, they decided to explore moving to Canada. They soon discovered they met the requirements to immigrate to Canada! However, they were unsure about where they wanted to live. Canada is a vast country.

Both agreed, on factors that were important to them. For example, they wanted to live in a small city that offered job opportunities, affordable housing options, and a nice quality of life. The Atlantic Provinces were a big draw and they settled on Fredericton, New Brunswick for its beauty, charm, and sense of community. Two years later, they had jobs, a 5-bedroom home, and the lifestyle they wanted. But, most importantly, they became members of a welcoming community.

Why is Small City Living a Good Choice for Newcomers?

Small cities across Canada attract newcomers by providing quality job opportunities, and a better quality of life. Living in a small City can offer newcomers an option to avoid congestion issues, high housing costs, and hectic pace.

Discover how innovation drives the economy in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Quality Jobs

While large cities attract newcomers, you may find high competition for jobs. But, smaller Cities often experience job growth when existing residents leave the community, or retire. So, many small cities look to newcomers with the right job skills to meet their employment needs.

Aerial view of Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Charming Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Quality of Life

A small city can be much quieter and laid back than life in a large city. This can benefit newcomers looking to integrate into the community more easily.  Living in a small city may help you to easily immerse yourself in the local community. But, you must decide if you prefer to live in a large and bustling city or a more relaxed, small city.

Newcomers are seated around a table and and discussing the benefits of living in the small city of Fredericton.

Support for Newcomers

In Canada, smaller cities recognize the many benefits of welcoming newcomers. To attract and keep newcomers, they continue to build communities that welcome, embrace, and support newcomers.
 

Newcomers often move to large Canadian cities such as Toronto and Vancouver because of the social, economic, and community networks. With these networks in place, newcomers may find better access to jobs, cultural and social communities, and support services. However, newcomers often find these same services and jobs in small cities!

Summer traffic congestion in Toronto.
Traffic congestion on a Toronto roadway.

Population Growth in Large Cities

Population and migration growth in large cities often puts pressure on areas such as:

As a result, large cities often have a higher cost of living and can create financial stress. As a newcomer, you must decide what you prefer, living in a large or small city. You may discover that a small City can provide the lifestyle and many of the amenities you seek.

Considering Living in a Small City in Canada?

When choosing a city, it’s vital to research job opportunities, housing costs, and the culture of the city to determine if it’s the right city for you.

1. Will I find a job living in a small city?

This is a very important question. If few jobs match your skill set, you will leave the community if you and your spouse cannot find suitable jobs. While you may initially settle in the community, you will likely make a costly secondary move to another city.

Questions to Consider:

Living in a small city can offer newcomers more affordable housing. Homes in the small city of Fredericton, the Capital City of New Brunswick.

2. What is the cost of housing in a small city?

While many cities in Canada face rising housing costs, small cities can offer more affordable options. As of July 2024, the national average price for a home in Canada was $667,317. The median home price in Fredericton, New Brunswick during the same period was $404,534.

Questions to Consider:

Related Post:

Best Fredericton Neighbourhoods for Renting

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3. What cultural support does the community offer to newcomers?

Immigrants often consider the existing cultural and social network when deciding where to live. This can include services in different languages, faith-based, and nationality-based communities.

Small cities recognize the economic, cultural, and social benefits of welcoming newcomers. Supporting newcomers creates benefits for the community and attractive options for future residents.

Questions to Consider:

What groups, ethnic networks, and professional associations support newcomers?

What’s the quality of life? (fast-paced or relaxed? Access to nature, bike trails, etc?)

4. What social support is available to newcomers living in a small city?

Newcomers benefit from services available to help them settle and find jobs in the local community. Services could include help to conduct job search activities, write a Canadian resume, enroll children in school, apply for government programs; and many other activities.

Questions to Consider:

Small city living can be a great option for newcomers seeking a relaxing pace and an option to bustling, hectic, and expensive Canadian cities. With many advantages, it’s worth exploring!

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.

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. 

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.  

Here are Some Facts from their Report:  

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:

Stanley Cup Broadcast in Punjabi

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.

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.

Go, hockey! Go, Canada!

This story was updated on May 21/2024.

CITATIONS:

Canadian Ethnic Studies

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 2024

senior immigrant in Canada

 

Senior immigrants often face significant challenges when settling into Canada. Many struggle with language barriers, mobility issues, and feelings of isolation. They may rely heavily on their adult children who sponsored them to come to Canada, but this can lead to feelings of being taken advantage of, such as being overused for babysitting. Additionally, some may feel disconnected from their children and grandchildren as they adapt to Canadian society.

 

However, there is good news. Many elderly immigrants find comfort in connecting with others who are in similar positions. They often organize events or meetings tailored to their age group or ethnic background. For instance, in Vancouver, a group of retired Russian people runs a chess club that hosts weekly tournaments. To find similar groups and programs, seniors can turn to their local ethnic newspapers or immigrant settlement agencies. These resources offer a variety of activities, ranging from outdoor outings to weekly dance classes to English lessons.

 

It is crucial for senior immigrants to actively engage with their community and explore all that Canada has to offer. By doing so, they can enhance their quality of life and find a sense of belonging in their new home.

 

 Tips for senior immigrants to make the most of living in Canada:

https://www.prepareforcanada.com/before-you-arrive/working-in-canada-before-you-arrive/3-smart-tips-to-deal-with-free-time-when-jobless/

Mixed emotions of living in the great white North

We often discuss many practical and interesting topics about migration, but not about the mixed emotions when living in the great white North! And, those mixed emotions come with migrating to Canada.

As we approach another change in season, and with it a lot of mixed emotions, I would like to share my personal experience when I first landed in Canada two Fall/Winters ago.You’re almost packed with your landing date in sight. And, buried deep with all the stress and excitement of your new life, a job, a home, a car, etc. But, have you thought of how your body and mind will react to the extreme change in climate when you first land in the great white North?!

For helpful information about your next steps when you arrive in Canada, join our free webinar:

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We are into the Fall season and soon heading into the harsh and white winters. Just like everybody else, I too did not give this much thought when I planned my trip in the fall/winter months. Most pictures I researched online about my destination city had nice warm sunshine, plenty of people walking the streets, shops and activities galore. And, that painted a very beautiful yet deceptive picture in my mind. Not here to demotivate anyone but a series of emotions and feelings that I went through after I first landed in the freezing cold months, aka The Canadian Winters!!

Dealing with Canadian winters

Migrating to Canada, I had never before experienced such cold weather for months! Leave alone snow falling from the sky non-stop for 3-4 days on end. I had heard of it, but took it in my stride, like I was going on a holiday and would easily cope with it. Though, the first fall of snow for someone like me was like a blessing from the sky.  And, I played in the snow for a good few hours.

But, I soon realized it’s not that easy to take it in for days! And mind you, I am not referring to the cold weather here. What I am really getting to is the dark and gloomy skies, poor visibility, and shorter days (less and less sunlight) during the winter months. 

I landed in Vancouver, British Columbia (the mild west). And, the winters are mild compared to some of the other provinces. The rain, and the layers of clothing are no different for someone who had moved from a hot and humid tropical country.  But, soon I noticed a sudden change in my behaviour, mood, and thoughts. 

I was new to the city, sans friends or family and had migrated by myself. So, I often found myself lost in a lot of soul searching and sometimes doubtful questions:

Trust me, a few months down the line when you’re settled in and things seem to have moved along well, you will laugh at yourself. And, with the warmer summer months and long days coming about you’ll find life comes full circle as we approach this season again next year. So, I felt it important to discuss this and termed it as mixed emotions. as it’s often mixed with excitement, yet some soul searching.

This is my third fall/winter in Canada,  and I again find myself in that zone I was the first time around. This prompted me to write about it and maybe help those who are about to land, or are on the brink of their first experience with the change of season. Let me tell you, it’s completely natural to feel that way! Don’t add to your stress.

Tips to deal with the mixed emotions of life in the great white North!

We are so used to the sunshine, having loads of people around, and being up and about until the wee hours of the night. So, it’s a very strange situation when suddenly everything looks so glum. This is a cold country! We all know that. So, that’s something none of us can control. But, what we can do is: 

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‘Tis the season. Santa’s elves have been working hard to transform @grousemountain into a Christmas wonderland. . ????: @tovogueorbust, taken last winter at Grouse Mountain. #exploreBC #exploreCanada #VeryVancouver #grousemountain

A post shared by Destination British Columbia (@hellobc) on

Related Post: 

How to stay positive when dealing with NO!

There are many more interactive things you can do to kill the negativity or uncertainty that the winter season brings. I have only listed a few activities that I did do personally or learned along the way looking at others like me. And, it has kept me in good shape and spirits through the changing seasons in Canada.

It is very easy to feel lost or overwhelmed. So, we need to find love (in the small things in life), and a reason to smile each day. Because, you can’t just think about making money, paying bills, buying a car, a home, etc, (even though those are vitals thorns in the shoe that we need to consider. You need to sit back, relax, and absorb every day you live through these seasons. 

So, the mixed emotions are not as bad as it may sound…it’s just a phase and remember, Summer is just around the corner! ????????????

Summer in British Columbia

Canada is a mosaic of languages and cultures. Half the residents in Toronto alone cited a mother tongue other than English or French, according to a 2011 census. In fact, Statistics Canada identified 160 different mother tongues among Greater Toronto Area (GTA) inhabitants and 200 home languages across the country. (more…)

Childcare in Canada

Finding Childcare in Canada

Childcare is the responsibility of the parents. If both parents work and you don’t have grandparents or other family or friends to watch your children in your absence, you’ll have to find — and pay for — suitable childcare.

To help offset the costs, Canada offers the Universal Child Care Benefit, which provide financial assistance to all Canadian families with young children, regardless of where they live, their family circumstances or preferences. Parents receive $100 a month for each child under six years of age. This is in addition to being eligible for the Canada Child Tax Benefit.

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