Immigrant stories throughout Canada

Burnaby, British Columbia

Felicia Voss-Shafiq is a starter on the Canadian women’s sitting volleyball team. She helps others who are facing the prospect of amputation and encourages those who want to learn more about adaptive sports.

British Columbia, Inclusive Communities, Sports, Women

Vancouver and Squamish, British Columbia

In the 5 short years since Tabitha McIntyre came to Canada from Scotland, they have tirelessly volunteered with Pride organizations to advocate and build a community for 2SLGBTQI+ people.

British Columbia, Arts and culture, Inclusive communities, Volunteerism, Article

Montréal and Kuujjuaq, Nunavik, Quebec

From refugee to lifesaving pilot, Nour Utayim has delivered food and essential medical supplies to remote northern communities, including during the early days of COVID-19 and captains medical evacuation flights.

Quebec, Women, Indigenous, Health care, Inclusive Communities, COVID-19, Francophone, Article

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Mandela Kuet, a passionate believer in the power of personal development, started an organization that supports at-risk youth who want to stay out of gangs. He has also teamed up with an Indigenous activist to build bonds between Winnipeg’s newcomer and Indigenous communities.

Manitoba, Youth, Indigenous, Inclusive Communities, Volunteerism, Article

Toronto, Ontario

Acclaimed violinist Moshe Hammer founded The Hammer Band, a not-for-profit Toronto charity offering free violin lessons to kids in under-resourced communities. His goal? To help children lead positive lives through the power of music.

Ontario, Arts and culture, Education, Volunteerism, Youth, Article

Vancouver, British Columbia

Dr. Feng Jiang, a University of British Columbia professor originally from China, is on a mission to replace plastics with biodegradable materials—and his work with the Wet’suwet’en First Nation could help build economic prosperity for First Nations in the province.

British Columbia, Environment, Indigenous, Science and technology, Article

London, Ontario

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Michelle Barton-Forbes, a Jamaica-born pediatric infectious disease specialist, initiated multiple studies to learn about the risk factors for children and lay the groundwork for more research.

London, Ontario, Health care, COVID-19, Science and technology, Women, Youth, Article

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Polina Salabay, a lifelong dancer from Ukraine who recently immigrated to Canada, is expanding opportunities for children in Charlottetown by offering lessons in hip-hop, jazz-funk, Zumba and more.

Prince Edward Island, Arts and culture, Women, Youth, Article

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Within a week of arriving in Canada, 23-year-old Dilruba Hussaini, originally from Afghanistan, had started a full-time job in St. John’s at one of the many long-term care homes in the province that is often looking to fill jobs.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Economic impact, Health care, Seniors, Women, Article

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg resident Zita Somakoko, a survivor of domestic violence, became an advocate for other victims after the death of a fellow Manitoba woman.

Manitoba, Philanthropy, Women, Article

Vancouver, British Columbia

These newcomers from Iran and Serbia were so shocked by food waste in their new country that they started redistributing food to those in need. Today, they feed more than 3,500 people every month.

British Columbia, Business, Food services, Philanthropy, Article

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Interested in the science of food, Natasha Dhayagude co-founded Chinova Bioworks, a startup made up of 90% women in STEM that’s created jobs in Fredericton.

New Brunswick, Science and technology, Business, Women, Video

Vernon, British Columbia

Faced with labour shortages, a Vernon furniture store owner took a chance on a newcomer business student. More than happy with the results, the company continues to hire immigrants to help it succeed.

British Columbia, Business, Economic Impact, International students, Article

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

In response to continuous, rapid growth in the industry, many Canadian tech companies find themselves competing for the same pool of candidates. See how hiring abroad leads to new, experienced talent for companies like Vendasta.

Saskatchewan, Business, Science & technology, Video

Sudbury, Ontario

After multiple attempts to recruit experienced local tradespeople, this family-owned welding shop opted to look abroad. Since hiring senior welders from Mexico, Carriere Industrial Supply has grown exponentially, broken into new markets and developed even better products.

Ontario, Business, Economic impact, Video

Whitehorse, Yukon

By dancing Bhangra against the backdrop of beautiful Yukon, Gurdeep Pandher is celebrating life and promoting tourism to the territory.

Yukon, Arts & Culture, Education, Philanthropy, Video

Olds, Alberta

Using solar greenhouse technology, a geologist from China is helping Albertan farmers extend their growing season.

Alberta, Business, Science and technology, Food services, Environment, Video

Vancouver, British Columbia

Knowing her true potential as a Paralympic athlete, Maryam came to Canada determined to wear the maple leaf and inspire younger athletes.

British Columbia, Refugees, Sports, Volunteerism, Youth, Women, Video

Vancouver, British Columbia

Paramedics Tim Makrides and Leon Baranowski have worked with their teams to spearhead advancements in paramedical health care during the pandemic.

British Columbia, COVID-19, Health care, Article

Surrey, British Columbia

Dr. Victoria Lee, President and CEO of Fraser Health in British Columbia, oversees and mobilizes the largest vaccine rollout in recent history.

British Columbia, COVID-19, Health care, Women, Article

Toronto, Ontario

Physician and philanthropist Dr. Joseph Yu Kai Wong raised funds for 700,000 medical masks to help keep the community safe during the pandemic.

Ontario, COVID-19, Health care, Philanthropy, Seniors, Article

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Dr. Lalita Malhotra, originally from India, has delivered more than 10,000 babies in Canada. She has established such deep connections with the local Indigenous community over the years that it has named her their “Angel of the North.”

Saskatchewan, Health care, Indigenous, Volunteerism, Women, Article

Altona, Manitoba

See how immigration helped Friesens address labour shortages and enrich the Altona community.

Manitoba, Business, Economic impact, Inclusive communities, Video

Brandon, Manitoba

Black Wheat Brewing in Brandon, Manitoba, is the city’s first craft brewery, and residents have welcomed its newcomer brewmaster with open arms.

Manitoba, Food services, Business, COVID-19, International students, Article

British Columbia

RES’EAU-WaterNET, a program started by Dr. Madjid Mohseni, originally from Iran, has helped 4 First Nations communities lift drinking water advisories and 8 small communities improve the quality of their drinking water.

British Columbia, Science and technology, Indigenous, International student, Article

Calgary, Alberta

Wayne and Eleanor Chiu, originally from Hong Kong, are driven by their passion for using business to further the good of their community.

Alberta, Business, Indigenous, International student, Philanthropy, Article

Calgary, Alberta

From refugee to real estate mogul, Bob Dhillon’s $10-million donation to the University of Lethbridge’s School of Business is the largest gift in its history.

Alberta, Business, Education, Philanthropy, Refugees, Article

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

PEI may be Canada’s smallest province, but thanks to a chef originally from Switzerland, it’s earning a big name as a food lover’s destination.

Prince Edward Island, Food services, Education, Philanthropy, Volunteerism, Article

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

A skating club in Charlottetown on the verge of closing is revived by the enthusiastic participation of the Chinese community.

Prince Edward Island, Sports, Youth, Video

Chatham-Kent, Ontario

This is a historical example of how Canada was built on immigration. In 1853, Abraham D. Shadd moved to Canada, where his success and influence led to opportunities for many other Black Canadians.

Ontario, Anti-racism, Arts and culture, Education, Inclusive communities, Volunteerism, Article

Coquitlam, British Columbia

A Serbian immigrant and his enthusiastic group of volunteers gather unsold food for people in need in Coquitlam.

British Columbia, Food services, Volunteerism, Video

Digby, Nova Scotia

Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable Fredrick Mubiru gives back to the country that offered him protection by protecting others.

Nova Scotia, Anti-racism, Refugees, Youth, Article

Eastman, Quebec

When 3 Quebec villages sponsored the first refugee family to the area, they wanted to help Maykil, Zena and Malak Toma find a new home. What they didn’t expect was the renewed community spirit that would arrive with their new neighbours.

Quebec, Business, Francophone, Inclusive communities, Refugees, Video

Edmonton, Alberta

How a refugee became a role model for vulnerable Edmonton teens.

Alberta, Refugees, Youth, Volunteerism, Article

Edmonton, Alberta

How Edmonton’s Heart to Home Meals owners, both from India, help seniors and other vulnerable people.

Alberta, Business, Food services, Philanthropy, Seniors, Women, Article

Enfield, Nova Scotia

Khabat Alissa helps keep his community safe, one mask at a time.

Nova Scotia, COVID-19, Volunteerism, Article

Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan

How a Dutch immigrant created jobs and boosted the economy in a small Prairie town.

Saskatchewan, Business, Economic impact, Women, Article

Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

Dr. Riaan van der Wart blends traditional and contemporary medicine to serve First Nations communities.

British Columbia, COVID-19, Health care, Indigenous, Article

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Mark Saldanha’s mission is to reaffirm the dignity of Canadians experiencing homelessness by showing them friendship, respect and compassion.

Nova Scotia, Inclusive communities, Volunteerism, Article

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Born in Germany, Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia immigrated to Canada from Israel in 2002. She has since become an integral part of Nova Scotia’s effort to bolster the ranks of women in tech jobs.

Nova Scotia, Business, Science and technology, Women, Article

Hamilton, Ontario

Astrid Hepner’s Hamilton Music Collective is creating opportunities for the city’s next generation of musicians.

Ontario, Arts and culture, Women, Article

Inuvik, Northwest Territories

The Arctic Food Bank—founded by the Muslim Welfare Centre and staffed by immigrant and Indigenous volunteers—has served hundreds of Inuvik residents since 2015.

Northwest Territories, Food services, Indigenous, Philanthropy, Volunteerism, Article

Iqaluit, Nunavut

Mistaking Baffin Island for Banff brought a qualified nurse to promote continuity of care in Canada’s northern communities.

Nunavut, Health care, Women, Video

Montréal, Quebec

Originally from India and now the director of a Canadian network focused on youth mental health, Dr. Srividya Iyer is working toward a future where all young people have access to the care they need.

Quebec, Education, Health Care, Inclusive communities, Women, Youth

Morden, Manitoba

When a close-knit community in rural Manitoba welcomes immigrants with open arms, everyone benefits – especially employers.

Manitoba, Business, Economic impact, Inclusive communities, Video

Milton, Ontario

Warrant Officer Avril Jno-Baptiste-Jones is originally from Dominica and has served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 25 years. She deployed to Afghanistan and Kuwait, and has been recognized for her leadership and excellence.

Ontario, Women, Anti-racism, Article

Northern Canada

Samer Bishay bridges the digital divide by bringing cellular networks to remote northern communities.

Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Business, Indigenous, Science and technology, Article

Peterborough, Ontario

Javier Bravo, originally from Mexico City, has developed a way to help Peterborough’s downtown businesses thrive.

Ontario, Business, Economic impact, Philanthropy, Science and technology, Article

St. Andrews, New Brunswick

A Swiss chef, inspired by the abundance of local ingredients in St. Andrews, has brought the world to a historic inn while helping the aquaculture industry.

New Brunswick, Business, Food services, Video

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Dr. Jakub Martinec has brought his musical background from the Czech Republic to help boys and young men sing out across Newfoundland.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Arts and culture, Article

St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

Two immigrants in Newfoundland and Labrador partnered up to build HeyOrca, a thriving tech firm that now employs 25 people and contributes to the St. John’s start-up community.

Newfoundland and Labrador, Business, International students, Science and technology, Article

Sudbury, Ontario

Inspired by her mother’s example, Bela Ravi works tirelessly to raise funds for what people need most in her home town of Sudbury.

Ontario, Arts and culture, Education, Philanthropy, Volunteerism, Women, Video

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Dr. Alla Reznik is developing new imaging technology to improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Ontario, Health care, Science and technology, Women, Article

Toronto, Ontario

Hong Kong immigrant Allen Lau co-founded Wattpad, the hugely successful tech start-up that is helping writers find audiences far and wide.

Ontario, Arts and culture, Business, Science and technology, Article

Toronto, Ontario

Anaida Deti has gone from training in Canada as a dental hygienist to owning a dental practice and using it to support her community.

Ontario, Health care, Philanthropy, Women, Article

Toronto, Ontario

Khadija Cajee, originally from South Africa, co-founded a volunteer organization called Conquer COVID-19. They delivered more than 3 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospitals, homeless shelters and community organizations across Canada.

Ontario, COVID-19, Health care, Philanthropy, Volunteerism, Women, Video

Toronto, Ontario

The owner of a Toronto eatery offers a unique way for customers to help feed those in need and build a strong community – all for less than $4.

Ontario, Food services, Philanthropy, Refugees, Women, Article

Toronto, Ontario

Steve Kidron, who once struggled to feed himself, now runs an enterprise in Toronto that supports food industry start-ups and feeds others.

Ontario, Food services, Philanthropy, Article

Vancouver, British Columbia

As a young entrepreneur, Kavita Dau has been giving back to her community by teaching kids for free online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

British Columbia, Education, COVID-19, Volunteerism, Women, Video

Victoria, British Columbia

Hissein Idriss found a way to potentially touch almost any Canadian in need of help: by launching a charity dedicated to helping other Canadian charities succeed.

British Columbia, Philanthropy, Science and technology, Article

Victoria, British Columbia

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Yamila Franco is an eco-entrepreneur, leader and mentor recognized for her positive, empathetic leadership style.

British Columbia, Anti-racism, Business, Environment, International students, Science and Technology, Women, Article

Western Canada

Areef Abraham is working with Indigenous communities to be more energy efficient, one home at a time.

Alberta, British Columbia, Environment, Indigenous, Science and technology, Article

Whitehorse, Yukon

Olivier de Colombel was drawn to the Yukon, and now Whitehorse’s only French elementary school has a music teacher and dedicated volunteer.

Yukon, Arts and culture, Education, Francophone, Volunteerism, Article

Whitehorse, Yukon

When COVID-19 closed local schools, Raphaëlle Couratin came to the rescue with an outdoors French immersion program that teaches students wilderness skills.

Yukon, Business, COVID-19, Education, Environment, Volunteerism, Women, Youth, Francophone, Article

Windsor, Ontario

Originally from Eritrea, Mehari Hagos makes his living owning a gym but feels his true calling is helping Glengarry kids succeed.

Ontario, Philanthropy, Sports, Youth, Article

Winnipeg, Manitoba

A tragedy inspired Loizza Aquino to create a safe space for youth to share experiences and overcome the shame many feel in speaking about mental health and suicide.

Manitoba, Health care, Philanthropy, Youth, Women, Article

Winnipeg, Manitoba

An immigrant historian is recognized with the Order of Manitoba for her efforts to help preserve Francophone culture in the province.

Manitoba, Arts and culture, Francophone, Volunteerism, Women, Article

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Pablo Listingart, an entrepreneur from Argentina, tackles unemployment with tuition-free tech training.

Manitoba, Business, Education, Philanthropy, Science and technology, Video

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

From landscaper to volunteer firefighter, to a paramedic and founder of a dance troupe, there is very little that Louis Gaëtan hasn’t done for his community since his arrival in Yellowknife in 2012.

Northwest Territories, Arts and culture, Francophone, Inclusive communities, Volunteerism, Article

Montréal, Quebec

Once a foreign student in these halls, leading businesswoman Gina Cody has left her mark… and her name… on Concordia’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science with a $15 million endowment.

Science and technology, Philanthropy, Education, Women