Episode 13: When a church became a homeless refugee shelter

Episode 14: Navigating Employment Barriers: Empowering Newcomers in Canada

Newcomers face immense challenges in securing employment in Canada. From failure to get their credentials recognized or meeting the unattainable demand for “Canadian experience”, some are forced to make major career shifts or spend months or years looking for a job. The podcast explores how local immigration partnerships (LIPs) are working to bridge gaps, create inclusive workplaces, and support both newcomers and employers. Initiatives like the Revitalize Worker Inclusion Initiative in Red Deer and employment navigation in Chatham Kent are models for fostering a more equitable workforce. In this episode, we highlight the importance of mutual cultural understanding and systemic change to better integrate skilled immigrants into the Canadian job market. This podcast is by the National LIP Secretariat, with production support from Cited Media. The NLS thanks participants who shared their insights on The New Canadian Voices podcast. We acknowledge that each experience is unique, and the perspectives shared here are reflective of the individuals we were engaging with.

Episode 13: When a church became a homeless refugee shelter

Up until the summer of 2023, Canada’s biggest city, Toronto, operated a shelter system that accepted refugees and homeless Canadians. But as the number of refugees seeking temporary shelter surged, the deputy mayor at the time made a drastic decision. Toronto would no longer accept refugees in many of its city shelters. Refugees, primarily Black and from Africa, found themselves with nowhere to turn. Some were forced to sleep on the streets. Others desperately sought any available shelter space. A few churches and organizations stepped in, but they were way in over their heads.  In this episode, we focus on the Pilgrim Feast Tabernacles church, and how, with the help of the organizations like Woodgreen community services and a few brave individuals, they were able to pull off an operation that kept over 1500 refugees sheltered.  This podcast is by the National LIP Secretariat, with production support from Cited Media. The NLS thanks participants who shared their insights on The New Canadian Voices podcast. We acknowledge that each experience is unique, and the perspectives shared here are reflective of the individuals we were engaging with.

Episode 12: Indigenous Resurgence and Meaningful Relations

Newcomers to Canada often do not know much about the history and present ways of being of Indigenous peoples all over the Turtle Island. In this episode, we tell the story of Indigenous people’s struggle for cultural resurgence through Darla Rasmussen.  Darla Rasmussen is an Indigenous woman from the Siksika Nation. She is the founder of Sacred Spaces, which holds ceremony-styled events as a means of sharing knowledge around Indigenous cultural teachings. Darla brings us into her world of ceremony, where she introduces us to the Sacred Pipe, the Medicine Wheel, the drum, and the stories behind them.  This podcast is by the National LIP Secretariat, with production support from Cited Media. The NLS thanks participants who shared their insights on The New Canadian Voices podcast. We acknowledge that each experience is unique, and the perspectives shared here are reflective of the individuals we were engaging with.

Episode 11: The Trauma of Survival for Victims of Torture and War

Canada has long been a sanctuary for refugees around the globe, a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution and danger. But for many refugees, the trauma of torture and persecution does not end upon arrival. It lingers in their bodies, minds, and dreams as they attempt to navigate a new society and complex bureaucratic and cultural barriers. Eventually, their hopeful journey turns into a struggle for survival and adaptation. Organizations like Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) offer a safe space for survivors to heal through counseling, legal assistance, and cultural orientation programs. These services are critical in helping individuals navigate their vulnerabilities and begin their journey toward healing. For further resources, please visit the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture website at ccvt.org or reach out to crisis lines available in your province. This podcast is by the National LIP Secretariat, with production support from Cited Media. The NLS thanks participants who shared their insights on The New Canadian Voices podcast. We acknowledge that each experience is unique, and the perspectives shared here are reflective of the individuals we were engaging with.

Episode 10: Bridging the Healthcare Gap for Refugees in Canada

Refugees arriving in Canada bring with them hopes for a safer, healthier future. However, their journey does not end with stepping onto Canadian soil. The transition into the healthcare system can be fraught with challenges, often transforming relief into a new battle for survival and wellbeing. Dr. Annalee Coakley runs a refugee clinic called the MOSAIC Refugee Clinic in Calgary. The clinic specializes in providing tailored healthcare services to refugees, bridging the linguistic and cultural divide between patients and providers. Despite its success, the clinic—and others like it—face funding vulnerabilities that threaten to halve the lifeline they provide. This podcast is by the National LIP Secretariat [https://thelipsecretariat.ca/], with production support from Cited Media [https://citedmedia.ca/]. The NLS thanks the participants who shared their insights on The New Canadian Voices podcast. We acknowledge that each experience is unique, and the perspectives shared here are reflective of the individuals we were engaging with.