Employee stories

I am a busy single mom of a nature-loving 4-year old.

I love the flexibility I have here. It helps me manage my family’s schedule and keep a healthy work-life balance. I’m able to work from home a few days, which helps simplify school pick-ups, drop-offs, and everything in between. It gives me more time to get my work done and plan the next meal, all in the comfort of my mom jeans!

I’m a passionate and driven student currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communications. Originally from Belgium, I bring a rich multicultural lens to my work and speak French, English, and Kinyarwanda. My interest in communications grew from hands-on experience in graphic design and social media management, where I discovered the power of storytelling and digital engagement.

Through the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) at IRCC, I’m learning how public service can amplify diverse voices and create meaningful impact. In my first role within the federal public service, I contribute as a student influencer and an active member of student initiatives. I co-host onboarding and networking events, draft reports for senior management and manage the Student Influencer social media page.

I value the opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and initiative. I’ve seen how my voice can make a difference—like when I recommended switching to a different digital platform to better reach the student community, a recommendation that was implemented and led to improved engagement and visibility. This sense of inclusion and respect has helped me feel like a valued member of the team.

My time at IRCC has strengthened my understanding of the public service and inspires me to keep contributing to work that makes a lasting impact on the lives of Canadians.

I was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. My mother is Cree, from Fox Lake First Nations, and my father is of Scandinavian/German descent. I have worked for the Government of Canada since March 2010, beginning my career with the federal government at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). I later moved to IRCC, and I consider myself to be super fortunate to have found employment at IRCC. I began my employment in Citizenship, and couldn’t believe I was getting a paycheque for working citizenship ceremonies and administering citizenship tests. Every ceremony moved me to tears—watching people from all over the world stand together, choose Canada as their home and take the Oath of Citizenship was incredibly powerful. As an Indigenous person, it is super important to me that newcomers feel welcomed in Canada, and are educated about Indigenous history, including residential schools.

I am now working in Settlement and the best thing about working at IRCC is the support I have received from peers and management with regards to career development. I have had many training opportunities and coaching sessions which has lead me to where I am today, and I hope to one day find myself in a leadership role. One of my goals is to create a visible First Nations presence within IRCC—serving as a positive role model so others from First Nations communities can see themselves reflected in high-paced, influential roles. At the same time, as I meet with members of the immigrant community, I’m committed to representing Indigenous people in a respectful and empowering way.

Boozhoo, Aanii, (Welcome, Hello in Ojibway)

My name is James and I am a First Nation Band member from Fort William Ojibway First Nation. I came over to IRCC, because I wanted to be with an organization that helps improves the quality of new Canadians’ lives. If you look back on Canadian History, First Nations were the first people to greet the new visitors, show them the lay of the land and to navigate their ways through the long cold winters.

I am currently helping develop policy for new Canadians on Indigenous Rights issues, and I wanted to volunteer my time towards this amazing cause, so that a bond can be formed between new Canadians and the First Nations people of Canada.

Miigwitch (Thank you)

I am proud of my heritage. I am from the “Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk” band. We are also knows as the Malecite of Viger Band. We are the 11th First Nation in Quebec. Canada is my country, my home.

Being at IRCC for just over 2 years, I honestly understand why so many people from other countries want to come to Canada. They want to live in peace, be contributing members to their communities, find meaningful work, provide and create new families as Canadians.

At IRCC, the goal is to help these people. I get it! I take pride in the sector that I work for. The Settlement, Integration and Franchophone Affairs Sector is crucial to the success of newcomers. I value the work the sector does that makes so much of a difference to the lives we touch. I am First Nations and really proud of the work we do here at IRCC on behalf of so many people that want to make Canada their home.

Thank you, merci, Woliwon

I started my career at IRCC in 2017 right after graduating college.At IRCC, I've been fortunate to have colleagues who’ve actively supported my growth as a public servant, offering me valuable opportunities to apply my skills and gain meaningful experience as a young professional. I now work in Corporate Security, which perfectly aligns with what I want to do with my career. I am passionate about the work that I do in playing a part in keeping IRCC employees safe.

Ever since I started at IRCC, I was able to be involved in lots of exciting initiatives outside of my work, such as the Indigenous Peoples Circle, an IRCC network of Indigenous employees and their allies. Being a part of the Indigenous Peoples Circle has allowed me to share my culture with others, and also further explore it in myself. I love that IRCC gives space for employees to participate in these types of activities, which teach skills that I use in my personal and professional life.

My name is Judith and I’ve been with IRCC for over 20 years. I first started as an officer in the field, then became a trainer and gradually developed management interest. I have been managing teams in the department for about 10 years now. I feel privileged to have been able to observe the reality of "disability" from two angles during my career: that of the employee, but also that of the manager. My disability was identified in 2017, so I have also experienced IRCC without and with the barriers of disability.

Adjustments after the disability diagnosis were important and challenging at times, but I’ve been able to adjust because of the support I received along the way. IRCC is my big professional family, where I have been fortunate enough on several occasions to find myself in the path of caring, patient and non-judgmental colleagues. They made a real difference in the way obstacles were removed.

Flexibility, resilience and perseverance are important skills to have for employees living with a disability and for the managers supporting them. I currently see a commitment from the department to improve accessibility for persons with a disability and to improve equity and inclusion for all. This is very positive for future generations of IRCC employees.

I live with spastic cerebral palsy and relapse and remitting multiple sclerosis. I started working for the Operational Services Centre and then worked for the Refugee Operations Centre. I now work as a case analyst with the Integrity Operations Sector.  

In the Integrity Operations Sector, I am able to be open about the disabilities that I live with, and I am continually supported and heard. It’s wonderful to work for a department that recognizes what I can do, rather than what limits me. Ever since I started my work with the Integrity Operations Sector, I’ve felt seen, heard and supported. I couldn’t be more grateful.

My name is Cara and I have a neurobiological disability. I had been struggling to overcome it since the 2015 diagnosis. Work at my previous organization was a trigger for recurrent episodes of hospital stays. My managers didn’t understand enough to effectively accommodate my condition. But from the very day I started working for IRCC in March 2020—3 days before the pandemic lockdown—my reality changed drastically. IRCC is a very human-focused organization, with action and social support groups such as the Anti-Racism Taskforce, the Indigenous People’s Circle and the Persons with Disabilities Network, and an overall emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion.

Plus, I was able to move up in my career, which had been languishing up to then, into a position that better matched my skills, experience, training and interest. I am meant to work in the social sciences and humanities field, and the people and files that I have had the absolute pleasure and honour to work with continually give me a sense of pride and positive responsibility. My team, branch and leadership are so compassionate, which I have come to learn is a hallmark of many groups in IRCC. Even if I get the occasional blip of challenge with my dynamic neurobiological condition here and there, I am accepted and valued, and work continues unhindered. I know that at IRCC, I am home.

I am a migration foreign service officer, and I have been in public service for over 25 years. A child of immigrants, I am very passionate about migration and its role in the history, fabric and future of Canada. In 2006 I went on my first overseas assignment and since then I have completed overseas assignments in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. I had been planning to retire in 2023, but my decision to finally pursue gender transition at the age of 59 has provided the catalyst for an incredible rush of energy, joy and desire to serve. My foreign service family and IRCC have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. I'm very proud to be serving Canada on my seventh overseas mission—but my first as the real me.

At IRCC, I found more than a job—I found a community built on respect, collaboration, and meaningful inclusion. Through Pride@IRCC and the Positive Space Network, I’ve connected with inspiring colleagues across Canada and beyond, forming lasting friendships and mentorships that remind me I’m valued.

The most impactful part has been leading through advocacy. Sharing my story has opened doors for others who’ve felt unseen or unheard. Colleagues and clients often share their own struggles with identity, discrimination, and silence. These conversations break invisibility, spark empathy and highlight the need for space to share difficult truths.

As a Positive Space Ambassador, I’m proud to foster inclusion daily—whether through training, visibility or asking questions that challenge assumptions. Wearing my Positive Space Ambassador pin during interviews is a commitment to safer spaces for all. To anyone searching for belonging, your story matters. You are not alone. IRCC welcomes all of who you are.