PAID ADVERTISEMENT MARCH 2026 | INNOVATINGCANADA.CA
@MediaplanetCA
Please recycle
A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Supporting Canadian Newcomers
How Newcomers Can Get a Head Start Before Landing in Canada Skills for Change’s pre-arrival program helps immigrants understand the labour market, build networks, and feel job-ready before landing in Canada.
S
tarting afresh in a new country can feel overwhelming. From finding meaningful work to adjusting to new cultural norms, newcomers often navigate a complex landscape, and many do it on their own. That’s exactly why Skills for Change exists. For more than 40 years, this national nonprofit has empowered immigrants and newcomers through settlement services,
workforce readiness training, employment supports, and mentorship. One of the ways they do this is through, Arrive Ready, a pre-arrival program funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada that helps future newcomers prepare before they even land. Arrive ready supports internationally trained professionals in fields such as healthcare, education, trades, and STEM. Participants are equipped with practical tools and confidence by offering industry-specific mentorship, English language classes, connections to potential employers, and guidance on regulatory or licensing Learn more about Skills for requirements. Change’s pre-arrival program at skillsforchange.org. It’s designed to make the tran-
sition to Canada more manageable and far less daunting. On February 19, 2026, Skills for Change hosted its first virtual Arrive Ready Conference, bringing together experts and employers to share insights on Canadian job market trends and workplace expectations. Participants had the chance to hear from panelists, ask questions, and network directly with professionals and service providers who understand their industries. Meseret Bekele, Supervisor of Pre-Arrival Services, explains why this work matters. “The goal is to help newcomers be employment-ready by the time they come to Canada. We bridge the gap and create that awareness for them of what it’s like in Canada,” she says. “We reduce the element of surprise as much as we can, so they have a better understanding and can hit the ground running when they arrive.”
Meseret Bekele Supervisor of PreArrival Services, Skills for Change
WRITTEN BY Abigail Cukier
This article was sponsored by Skills for Change.
Helping Newcomers Succeed and Grow the Canadian Economy For over 40 years MNLC has helped newcomers build stable lives and contribute to Canada’s economy through settlement services and employment pathways.
N
ewcomers bring benefits to Canada. They start businesses, fill labour gaps, and increase consumer spending. MNLC is a non-profit organization that helps immigrants and refugees transition into the Canadian workplace through holistic settlement services and employment programs. “When people are supported to rebuild their lives here, they contribute their skills, energy, and ideas back to the communities around them,” says Dwayne O’Connor, MNLC’s Executive Director. Founded in 1983, MNLC has adapted and
expanded its programs over the years to address the diverse and changing needs of newcomers and the social fabric of Ontario. A flagship initiative is the Bridge to Registration &Employment in Mental Health (BREM) Program which supports internationally trained mental health professionals in meeting the requirements of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and transition to employment in the field.
Learn more about MNLC’s work and opportunities to get involved as a partner, donor, or volunteer by visiting: mnlct.org/get-involved The article was sponsored by MNLC.
WRITTEN BY Anne Papmehl
Publisher: Anna Alymova Business Development Manager: Luca Bidini Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Traffic Manager: Vansh Chandwaney Digital Designer: Christina Morgan All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve The National Post or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.
CREATING FASTER PATHS TO PROSPERITY! Learn about our FREE services:
CONTACT US:
info@achev.ca chev.ca
1-800-668-1179
Newcomer Services
Youth Services
Employment Services
Women Services
Language Services
IT Solutions & Services
achev.ca
Scan to learn more: