Newcomer Stories - Starting Anew in Canada

Jul 31

At the Rexdale Women’s Centre (RWC), we are privileged to work alongside many newcomers to Canada and to hear the powerful stories they carry with them. Each individual brings unique experiences, dreams, and challenges as they navigate life in a new country. We are honoured to walk beside them, not only during moments of struggle but also as they celebrate their achievements. Finding a sense of belonging in a new society is not an easy journey. Immigrants and refugees show remarkable courage and resilience as they face language barriers, cultural adjustment, economic hardship, and emotional stress.

Voices of Resilience: Stories from Our Clients

Some of our clients have bravely chosen to share their personal journeys to shed light on what it truly means to start over in a new country. Through their words, we gain a deeper understanding of the struggles, dreams, and unwavering resilience that shape the newcomer experience in Canada.
By sharing these lived experiences, we hope to foster greater empathy and awareness within our communities. We also hope that other newcomers reading these stories may find comfort, strength, and a sense of connection in knowing they are not alone.

Woman from Afghanistan

Today, I have a simple plan—just an eye appointment to change my glasses and then work in the afternoon. Life feels full but steady, which wasn’t always the case.
Coming to Canada was one of the most significant decisions my family and I ever made. Life in Afghanistan, especially for women, was extremely difficult. There were no opportunities for education, no freedom to work or even walk outside freely. I have two daughters and wanted a better future for them—something I couldn’t imagine back home.
My husband came to Canada first. After a couple of years, the girls and I joined him. We were lucky to come before the Taliban returned. We had already decided to leave because staying meant sacrificing our daughters’ futures.
When I first arrived in Canada, it was like stepping into another world. Everything was different: the language, the culture, the weather—even how people interacted. The biggest challenge for me was the language. I didn’t speak any English at all. I started in a LINC class at level one and slowly worked my way up. The first few weeks were tough. I remember sitting in class thinking, “My teacher speaks English, I speak Persian—how will I survive this?” But I pushed myself. I started watching kids’ movies in English, then regular ones. I studied grammar every day, recorded myself speaking, and kept practicing. I would study from 5 pm until 11 pm every night. My friends used to ask, “What did you do? How did you learn so fast?” The truth is, I just worked very hard.
Another challenge was transportation. In the beginning, I didn’t know how to get around, what bus to take, or how to read a schedule. It felt overwhelming. But after a few months, I figured it out. I started exploring, going out and coming back on my own, which gave me confidence.
Finding a job was even harder. At first, no one would hire me, so I decided to go to college and get a certificate in medical aesthetics. I studied for six months and got my certification. In the beginning, I worked as a volunteer, but eventually, I was hired.
A moment I’ll never forget was my first time walking freely down the street in Canada. No one looked at me, judged me, or said anything about what I wore. In Afghanistan, if a woman walks outside without a hijab, people talk, criticize—even threaten her. But here, no one cared. At that moment, I realized how different life could be. I kept thinking, *This is Canada. This is what it means to be free.*
There are parts of Afghan culture I still miss deeply, especially during celebrations like Nowruz and Eid. Back home, we’d gather as a family for an entire month—visiting each other’s homes, sharing big meals, laughing, and celebrating together. Here, it’s just one day. That sense of family connection and tradition is hard to replace.
The Rexdale Women’s Centre played a huge role in helping me adjust to life here. It gave me the support I needed—help with resumes, job searching, interview workshops, English Conversation Circles, and most importantly, a sense of community. I met people from all over the world, each with their own stories and cultures. It helped me understand that Canada is made up of people like me—people from everywhere.
For newcomers, especially women, the first year in Canada can be confusing and lonely.
I want to say to other women going through similar struggles, don’t dwell on the past, focus on now. Join a community organization. Speak English, even if it’s hard. Ask for help. Learn. It is not easy, but it is possible. You just have to keep going. Life in Canada gets easier—step by step.

Woman from Ghana

I came to Canada about a year and a half ago from Ghana. Back home, I was a public school teacher for 15 years. I loved working with the children and was very friendly with them. Sometimes, I would make jokes, mentioning things like LGBTQ+ issues—not because I identified with that community, but because I believed people should be free to live their lives and be happy. Unfortunately, in my country, such things are taboo. Some parents misunderstood me and reported me to the education authorities, accusing me of teaching children bad morals. That was the beginning of a very hard time. I felt isolated, hated, and lonely. Even my colleagues wouldn’t speak to me. The only comfort I had was from the students I connected with. I knew I couldn’t stay.
A friend mentioned that Canada accepts refugees, and that gave me some hope. I didn’t know much about what it would take to get here or what life would be like, but I was desperate for a way out. I left my daughter in Ghana with my brother because I couldn’t afford to bring her. I came alone, thinking I would find safety and a fresh start.
But arriving here was much harder than I imagined. I landed in Winnipeg and didn’t know what to do next. Nobody guided me. I had no idea how to apply for a work permit or access support. I lived for six months without any welfare. I was at the mercy of strangers. During that tough time, I became pregnant with the child of someone who had been helping me. I’m now a parent to a baby.
Later, I moved to another city when a church member gave me money for a bus ticket. I thought I’d be meeting someone I knew there, but they never showed up. I ended up homeless again until someone helped me get into a shelter. Even then, I didn’t have the right documents, and they couldn’t admit me until I got the proper refugee claim started.
Eventually, someone guided me to apply for refugee status and helped me understand the steps I needed to take—how to apply for social assistance and get support. I learned so many things the hard way. For instance, I didn’t know the difference between a checking and a savings account, and I gave the wrong account number when applying for welfare. Because of that, my payments were delayed. I cried every single day during that time.
It’s been a long journey, and I’ve learned so much. I now have a settlement worker who guides me. I finally feel like I’m starting to find my footing. Canada has been generous. I’m amazed at how people are treated with respect here—how everyone, regardless of how they look or dress, can take public transit, walk freely, and be treated with dignity. That’s so different from Ghana, where people judge your appearance and deny you opportunities if you don’t fit their standards.
I’m especially grateful for the support I receive as a newcomer. Whether it's food, housing, or clothing, people here help. It gives me hope and helps me care for my child. Still, I wish I had known more before coming—about the process, the steps, and where to go for help. That would have saved me a lot of pain.
But I’m learning. Despite everything, I’m thankful to be here. I hope that one day, I’ll be able to bring my daughter to join me. Canada has been tough but also full of kindness. I’m rebuilding my life, one step at a time.

Woman from Nigeria

Coming to Canada was not just a decision; it was a necessity. It was needed for my sense of safety, not only physically but mentally. I arrived with my mother, seeking refuge and the hope of a better life. The move was urgent—there was no time for lengthy deliberations or careful planning. While I felt hopeful about the opportunities ahead, leaving my siblings behind was heartbreaking. The thought of being apart from my brothers made the transition even harder, but I held onto the belief that this journey would lead to a safer, more stable future.
Adjusting to life in Canada was not easy. Loneliness was my biggest challenge. Making friends has always been difficult for me, and trusting people takes time. Even though I could still communicate with friends back home, the time difference made it challenging to stay connected. Scheduling calls often didn’t work out as planned—between school, sleep, and other responsibilities, finding the right moment to talk became a struggle. More than anything, I missed the feeling of having family close by. Apart from my mother, I had no one here. That sense of isolation weighed heavily on me in my early days in Canada.
I also quickly realized that settling into a new country required more steps than I had anticipated. Before arriving, I thought things would fall into place quickly—that I would enroll in school, get started on my career path, and begin building a future right away. But the reality was different. There were financial considerations, paperwork, and many bureaucratic hurdles to navigate before I could truly begin the life I had imagined.
Despite the challenges, I found moments of support and encouragement. The community has played an important role in helping me adjust. The Rexdale Women's Centre was particularly helpful during tough times, offering a space where I could talk openly and receive guidance. Church has also been a major source of strength, giving me a sense of belonging and emotional support. Additionally, my school has been incredibly welcoming, with teachers who are patient and understanding. Their kindness has made my educational experience smoother and helped me make small connections along the way.
One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered since arriving in Canada is the lack of accessible information. While I’ve been fortunate to meet people who have offered guidance and shared their experiences, I often find myself digging for even the most basic details. Navigating life here would be much easier if newcomers had more straightforward and centralized pathways to learn about their options, rights, and available resources.
I wish more people understood that immigrants are not just here to take advantage of the system. Many of us are here because we need safety, stability, and the chance to build a future. We want to contribute to society, work hard, and be a part of this country. It isn't easy to uproot your life and move to a place with a different culture, expectations and climate. I did not come here because I love the cold Canadian winters. It takes resilience and determination to start over. More than anything, we want to be accepted, understood, and supported as we navigate this transition. Canada is now my home, and I am ready to embrace it—but I also hope it continues to embrace me in return.

Newcomer Mental Wellbeing & Wellness Workshop Series

Starting a new life in Canada can be both exciting and challenging. Many newcomers face emotional, mental, and practical hurdles as they adjust to a new environment—and it’s easy to feel alone in the process. But connecting with others on a similar journey can offer powerful support, healing, and hope.

We invite you to join our Mental Wellbeing and Wellness Workshop Series, a six-week program thoughtfully designed to support newcomers as they navigate the transition to life in Canada.

Every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, participants will engage in guided activities, reflective discussions, and practical strategies for self-care and emotional resilience. This is more than just a workshop—it’s a safe, welcoming space to share your story, learn from others, and begin building a sense of community and belonging.