These guidelines define how many children can share a bedroom based on age and gender.
How Many People Can Share a Bedroom?
The National Occupancy Standard (NOS) was created to support the design and evaluation of housing policies and programs in Canada. It is a reference point for “suitable” housing to inform how many people could reasonably live in a dwelling based on the number of bedrooms. While newcomers want to know what the “rules” are about children sharing bedrooms, the NOS is NOT a rule to determine if a dwelling unit can be rented to a family. Rather, the standard refers to criteria to assess if housing is suitable.
What is Housing Suitability?
According to the NOS, a private household has suitable housing when there are enough bedrooms for the family based on age, gender, and relationships among household members.
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The following criteria can help you assess whether or not a dwelling is suitable for you and your family:
A maximum of two people can share a bedroom
Household members who are married or a common-law couple can share a bedroom with their spouse or common-law partner.
Household members over 18 years have a separate bedroom
Single parents have a separate bedroom from their children
Children under 5 years, either of the same gender or the opposite gender may share a bedroom to reduce the number of bedrooms you require
Children under 18 years of the same gender can share a bedroom
A child aged 5 – 17 years should not share a bedroom with a child under 5 of the opposite gender.
Why is Suitable Housing Important?
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When homes are overcrowded, it may contribute to health and safety issues, in addition to privacy concerns. Furthermore, overcrowded households can be an indicator that a lack of affordable housing exists in Canada. Given the current housing supply issue, the Canadian government is introducing housing programs to increase the housing supply and provide cost relief.
The NOS can help you determine the number of bedrooms you will need to ensure suitable housing. Thesize of the house you need depends on your family’s size and structure. For example, if you have a family of six with two parents and four daughters, you can select a three-bedroom room. However, if you have three sons and one daughter, you may need four bedrooms.
However, you’ll also have to consider other factors such as affordability, cultural conventions, and how urgently you require housing. Once you determine how many bedrooms you require based on your family size, you can use this information to begin your housing search. Or, you can work with a real estate agent who can help you search for suitable housing based on this information.
If you have a large family, suitable accommodation will require more bedrooms. This, in turn, will increase the cost of accommodation.
The NOS provides criteria for how many children can share a bedroom based on age and gender.
Is this National Occupancy Standard Enforced?
Ideally, it’s up to you and your family to decide how many bedrooms you will need based on your circumstances and budget. It’s also important to know that landlords cannot refuse to rent out their property because of the size of your family. The NOS cannot be used as a reason to discriminate against prospective tenants. Nor is the standard meant to be enforced.
What are the Advantages of Children Sharing a Bedroom?
Sharing a bedroom can contribute to lower housing costs and hydro costs In addition, siblings who share a room spend more time with each other and develop a closer relationship. Children who share a room learn how to compromise and accommodate others. However, when friends come over, sharing a room can cause conflicts among siblings.
What are the Disadvantages of Sharing a Room?
Having separate bedrooms requires a bigger property, which will increase your housing costs. At the same time, the hydro bill will increase as a family will use more lights, heating, and air conditioning.
If siblings share a room and are of different ages, their bedtimes might differ. Or, concentrating on studies could become a challenge when siblings have conflicting schedules for study and playtime.
If siblings sharing a bedroom have different standards in terms of cleanliness, neatness, and organization, it can lead to conflicts. If siblings are of different genders, privacy would be an issue, especially when dressing.
What to Consider When Deciding the Size of Your Home
When deciding the size of the house, think about your budget. You should be able to afford the property you will live in, including the cost of utilities. There are ways to create separate spaces by adding curtains and room separators.
Consider your children’s ages, genders, and personalities so safety, privacy, and sanity are not compromised.
Searching for more information about living and working in Canada? Be sure to check out our upcoming free webinars.
Anjali has worked in journalism and corporate communications in the UK and in India. Working across geographies in an international environment has taught her to find unique opportunities to create content for a diverse range of audiences. Pushing herself out of her comfort zone to move to the UK and Canada helped her adapt and thrive in new environments.
You received your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and you’re excited! But still, you have questions about life in Canada. You might wonder if there are any settlement services for newcomers to provide support to you and your family. The good news is that there are settlement agencies whose primary purpose is to help you adjust and adapt to Canada. And, you can access many of these services both before and after you arrive in Canada. Another benefit is that most of these services are free of charge!
Why are Settlement Services Important for Newcomers?
According to a 2021 Settlement Outcomes Report conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 70% of newcomers are unaware of the available free services to help newcomers adapt to life in Canada. However, among newcomers who received services 95% said they were useful. These are services that can greatly contribute to your success!
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What are Settlement Services in Canada?
Settlement services help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. And, these services can help to remove financial, social, and cultural barriers that are vital to your success in Canada. Settlement agencies offer a variety of programs and services.
Settlement services can help you gain essential skills and connections that will help you integrate into Canadian society. These skills and connections can help you to improve your social and economic success in Canada.
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Settlement agencies are community organizations that provide programs and services to help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. Each settlement agency provides different services. So it’s helpful to find a settlement agency that best meets your needs.
A settlement agency can work with you on a one-to-one basis. Settlement workers understand that adjusting to life in a new country is hard. And having a one-to-one conversation with a settlement worker will help them understand your needs so they can serve you better.
So it’s important to identify your needs and share information about your:
culture
education, and
skillset.
Based on your needs, they can provide you with support services such as child care, translation, transportation, and many other services. Working together, you can work towards achieving your goals in Canada.
What Services Do Settlement Agencies in Canada Provide?
Settlement agencies provide a wide range of services. Here are six services that can be vital to your success!
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1. Information about Life in Canada
Settlement services in Canada provide insights into life in Canada. For example, the Canadian healthcare system differs across provinces. So settlement workers will explain the healthcare system to you. A settlement agency can help you apply for a provincial health card, and a social insurance number, and find a family physician.
Settlement agencies also have information about neighbourhoods in many cities. So they can help you look for housing to suit your needs and budget. This is helpful because rental costs vary according to the:
Most cities in Canada have excellent public transport networks. Settlement services in Canada can explain the public transport networks local to you.
Some people prefer to drive. You can ask your settlement worker for more information on driving in Canada. A clean driving record and access to a car can make it easy to drive to job interviews. However, using public transportation can help you to manage expenses while you search for a job in Canada.
A settlement agency can also guide you with your financial needs in Canada. For example, they’ll identify the documents you’ll need and help you to open a bank account in Canada.
An important responsibility of permanent residents in Canada is to file income taxes every year. By filing your taxes each year, you can access financial benefits such as the:
Canada Child Benefit
Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) credit, and
Child Care Subsidy.
These are important benefits and credits that help to put money back in your pocket when you file taxes. Settlement agencies host free clinics to teach you about the tax system and how to file your taxes. Some settlement agencies have volunteers who will file your taxes for the first year free of charge.
3. Job Search Services in Canada
Settlement agencies have job developers who can help you navigate the job market. They will work with you to understand your short-term and long-term career goals. As well, they can recommend resources to help you achieve your career goals in Canada.
Additionally, they will conduct mock interviews with you and give you feedback to help you excel in real interviews.
Some newcomers are lucky to find their dream jobs quickly. However, the job search process can be long and stressful for others. If you do not find your dream job quickly, you still need a job to pay your bills.
In such cases, a settlement agency can help you find a survival job. Many newcomers work in survival jobs until they find a job in their field. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your job search.
In addition, you may have to acquire new skills or upgrade your existing skills. Settlement agencies can point you to bridging programs or other college or university programs that can help you succeed.
You’ll need a license to work in a regulated occupation in Canada. Settlement agencies can direct you to the appropriate licensing body for your profession.
According to the IRCC Settlement Outcomes HIGHLIGHTS Report, 78% of clients who used employment-related services said it helped them to acquire knowledge, skills and connections to prepare for the Canadian labour market.
Settlement services can help you to meet others and build personal and professional relationships.
Leaving behind your family and friends is difficult. Settlement services can help you meet other newcomers and their families. So this helps you build a local support system.
If you have a family, settlement agencies will introduce you to public libraries and Early Years programs. Libraries and Early Years programs are free to use and attend. These programs can help your children to improve their physical and emotional health. As well, your children will meet and socialize with other children their own age.
Settlement agencies partner with other professional and non-profit groups to provide newcomers with opportunities to network. And networking can help you build personal and professional relationships.
Some settlement agencies have mentoring programs. Through mentoring, you’ll be matched with a mentor in your career field. You can ask mentors questions about:
your industry in Canada
Canadian workplace culture
job search tips, and more.
Mentors are volunteers who donate their time to help newcomers learn about their field in Canada. But, it’s important to know that their job is to guide you. They are not responsible for finding you a job.
Quebec is the only French province while New Brunswick is the only bilingual province. Being bilingual in Canada can provide you with more job opportunities.
Improving your language skills in either official language helps you to:
get information about daily life in Canada, and
increase your chances of getting a job.
Settlement services also offer classes to help you improve your language skills. They will assess your language skills and recommend a program based on your results.
Some settlement services in Canada even organize conversation circles that give you the opportunity to practice your language skills. This will increase your confidence to talk to others and have meaningful conversations.
Some settlement agencies conduct workshops on Canadian business and workplace culture to help you succeed and retain your job.
How to Find Settlement Services in Canada?
A great place to start is to watch this short video from Pre Arrival Canada. You’ll learn how to access free online services to help you prepare for and adapt to life in Canada while still in your home country You can even register for multiple services based on your needs!
Tips to Make the Most of Settlement Services
Identify the services you need (i.e. preparing to move to Canada, language training, job search, housing search, credential recognition, etc)
Research the settlement agencies that offer services you need
Contact the agency before you move to Canada to learn about pre- and post-arrival services that you can take advantage of
Ask questions about other services that they offer.
Settlement services in Canada can help you adjust and adapt to life in Canada and give you the advantage you seek. Both before and after you arrive in Canada, these free services provide many benefits for you and your family!
For more information about living and working in Canada, check out our upcoming webinars.
Anjali has worked in journalism and corporate communications in the UK and in India. Working across geographies in an international environment has taught her to find unique opportunities to create content for a diverse range of audiences. Pushing herself out of her comfort zone to move to the UK and Canada helped her adapt and thrive in new environments.
Without a doubt, higher education (or post-secondary education) can give you an edge in the highly competitive Canadian job market. Learning new skills or upgrading your current skills will increase your value and help you stand out from other job seekers. As well, when you show a thirst for continuous learning, you are more attractive to employers. Higher education can also provide other benefits to newcomers.
Many people in Canada attend post-secondary education at a university, college, trades program, or private college.
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Students must apply to the school of their choice and prepare to pay tuition fees. While there are some scholarships available, most students must pay for tuition with the help of student loans.
Three Benefits of Higher Education in Canada
1. Improve Your Job Prospects
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Surprisingly to newcomers, employers like to see the names of Canadian schools on resumes. Often it’s because when managers recognize the schools you have attended they are more confident in their hiring decision.
So attending a Canadian school may give you an edge over those who have studied at foreign schools. But if you have not attended a Canadian school, it may be helpful to get a credential evaluation. Doing so will help employers compare the school you attended in another country to Canadian schools.
2. Meet Requirements to Work in Your Field
You will require a license to work in some professions in Canada. These are known as regulated professions. And because the education system in Canada may differ from your home country, you may need more training. A credential evaluation will show if your education is equal to that of a Canadian school.
Pursuing higher education allows you to meet others who may work in your field. This helps you to grow your professional network and can even help you access the hidden job market. In the hidden job market, you’ll discover jobs that are not advertised. And because these jobs aren’t widely posted, it can make your job search easier.
Learning is a constant process and Canadian employers value your commitment to ongoing learning. When you focus on continuous learning, it may also help you to progress in your career.
Pathways to Higher Education in Canada
You can attend a university, college, or private school. Or, you can also consider options such as bridging programs and certificate programs.
Universities
Many Canadian universities are well respected across the world, including:
University studies develop critical thinking and research skills as students work toward a:
bachelor’s (undergraduate) degree
master’s (graduate) degree, or
Ph.D. (doctorate) degree.
Class sizes tend to be large, with some lecture halls counting hundreds of students. Although you may also attend smaller tutorials or labs.
Colleges and Technical Institutes
Colleges and technical institutes offer a range of applied programs that typically prepare you for a career. Students work toward a:
diploma
certificate, or
applied degree.
Some colleges also offer apprenticeship training for trades. The hybrid “university college” may also offer undergraduate degrees.
Class sizes are typically smaller than in universities. And tuition fees are usually less expensive.
Private Colleges
Private career colleges are private businesses that could be either for-profit or non-profit. They do not receive government funding like colleges and universities. And because of this, fees tend to be quite high.
Private colleges offer certificates and diplomas in fields such as:
business
electronics
health services.
They offer flexible learning schedules, and you can enroll at different times during the year. Training is usually delivered over a short period of time. Some private schools, including some English language schools, are not regulated by the government. So make sure to research the school before you pay any fees.
Bridging Programs
Bridging programs are another way to get more education. These programs are delivered in partnership with a college or a university. They tend to focus more on soft skills as compared to hard skills.
A bridging program can fill the gap between Canadian and foreign education and work experience. And bridging programs offer a faster way to get Canadian experience. Most bridging programs are between six weeks to three months.
Functional Business Programs
In contrast with other courses, you can also explore certificate programs that relate to your business function such as:
Marketing
Finance
Human Resources
Information Technology
Supply Chain
These certificate programs can add to your current skill set or start you on a new career path.
Cost of Higher Education in Canada
Tuition fees vary depending on the school and program you attend. Fees for universities are higher than colleges. As well, the cost to attend a graduate program is higher than the cost of an undergraduate program.
The cost also depends on your immigration status in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents pay domestic tuition fees. Foreign students pay international tuition fees that are more expensive than domestic fees.
For example, consider how costs compare for the full-time MBA program at the University of Toronto:
Domestic tuition fees: $92,000 (CAD)
International tuition fees: $127,000 (CAD).
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can obtain Government of Canada grants and loans depending on:
the province you live in
family income
number of dependents
disability.
You do not have to repay grants. However, you have to repay loans within a defined period of time.
If you’re studying as an adult, it may be difficult to attend school full time and work. So, you may think that returning to school isn’t viable. However, adding some Canadian education to your resumé could mean the difference between finding a job in your profession and a “survival job”.
Many post-secondary institutions offer part-time and distance education courses geared toward working adults. This allows adults to study and work at the same time.
Higher education can help you stand out in a tight job market. Many schools allow you to gain practical work experience through job placement. And most importantly, it may even help you to advance your career in Canada.
Helping Your Child Choose Post-Secondary Studies
Post-secondary education is very much self-guided in Canada. Aside from a small number of required courses, students are free to choose what subjects they would like to study. For example, a person working toward a political science degree may take a welding course just because it fits their schedule.
Speak with your child to determine what’s important to them. Choosing post-secondary is a big step and your child may need help to understand the system.
How to Apply to a Post-Secondary School
Each school has its own admission process and deadlines. For example, some schools run on a three-semester basis and accept students at the beginning of each semester. However, other schools may follow a yearly schedule with application deadlines in early spring.
You can contact the admissions department and visit school websites to find out what programs they offer.
Each school will also have its own criteria to recognize international academic qualifications. They may also require your academic credentials to be translated and verified.
You may have to get your academic credentials assessed through a credentials evaluation service. Because they charge a fee, make sure that the school accepts the assessment from the service you select. This will help you avoid paying extra costs.
Depending on the faculty or program you apply to, you may also have to show proof of specific courses. To be eligible to apply for certain programs at the university level, a student must take certain classes in high school. For example, English and Math 12 are usually necessary with a high-standing grade.
Provincial Post-Secondary Education Grants and Loans
Anjali has worked in journalism and corporate communications in the UK and in India. Working across geographies in an international environment has taught her to find unique opportunities to create content for a diverse range of audiences. Pushing herself out of her comfort zone to move to the UK and Canada helped her adapt and thrive in new environments.
Knowing your rights as a renter in Canada is essential. When you arrive in Canada, renting suitable housing will be a top priority. And knowing your rights as a renter will ensure that you can enjoy your home free from hassles.
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Newcomers to Canada often rent homes for a while before they buy a home. As a newcomer, it’s essential to know:
questions to ask when rental housing in Canada
your rights as a renter and your responsibilities
the rights and responsibilities of the landlord, and
what’s included in your rental lease and rent increases.
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Renting a home in Canada can be a daunting task. When searching for a rental home, you’ll find that some listings are detailed while others can be ambiguous so it’s important to gather all the information you need. Our Rentals for Newcomers site is a practical and easy-to-navigate site to help you make an easier transition to life in Canada when it comes to finding housing! And you can even determine the average cost of rentals in each city. This is helpful since rental prices change often.
Important Questions to Ask the Landlord
It’s good practice to ask landlords questions about the property before you rent it. This can clarify any doubt and prevent misunderstandings in the future. Here are some important questions to ask before you rent the property:
How much is the rent and safety deposit (if applicable)?
How long is the lease?
Can the lease be renewed?
Is the rental furnished or unfurnished?
Are utilities such as hydro, water, cable, and internet included in the rent? If not, how much do the utilities typically cost?
Is parking included in the rent?
Is additional storage like a bike rack or a locker included in the rent?
Are there laundry facilities like a washer-dryer in the unit, or are there common laundry facilities?
What amenities are included in the rent?
Moving homes can be expensive. So it’s important to ask the right questions to help you decide if you can afford the property and want to rent it.
Know Your Rights as a Renter
Each province and territory has Landlord and Tenant legislation and the rules and regulations vary by province. For example, in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, the legislation is called the Residential Tenancies Act. This legislation is in place to protect renters.
Learn more about how to search for rental housing in Canada. Join our free webinar.
The Landlord and Tenant Board in Ontario provides information about the Residential Tenancies Act in Ontario and aims to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. In this way, the tenant has a say and can be heard. And this is an important benefit to renters. The site provides free and accurate information for renters.
Of particular help is a list of various forms that landlords and tenants can use for things such as:
rent rebates
maintenance issues
subletting or assigning, or
giving a landlord notice that you, as the tenant, will end your tenancy and vacate.
There are specific guidelines when it comes to giving notice. For example, a tenant has to give their landlord a formal written notice using Form N9. This form indicates that you plan to end your tenancy and vacate the property. In Ontario, you must give a minimum notice of 60 days that you intend to leave.
It might seem confusing, so it’s helpful to become familiar with the laws in the province where you live related to your rights as a renter. When you know your rights as a renter, this will protect you from landlords taking advantage of you.
To start, look up the rental laws for the province you wish to locate and visit their website.
Responsibilities and Rights as a Renter or Landlord
It’s helpful to become familiar with your responsibilities and rights as a renter and those of the landlord. The landlord is the owner of the house or building that you live in. If you rent in a large building such as a condo or apartment complex, there may be a property manager or superintendent to collect rent and manage the building.
Landlord and tenant responsibilities can vary in different provinces and territories. So it’s important to review the requirements for the province or territory where you plan to rent a home.
Tenant Responsibilities:
Here are some of the key tenant responsibilities:
Pay rent in full, on time, and inform the landlord in case of financial difficulties and inability to pay rent
Keep the property clean and in good repair
Notify the landlord of any damage or leaks so that the landlord can fix it
Allow the landlord permission to enter the property to fix repairs or show the property to prospective tenants
Provide notice to the landlord to terminate the lease
Vacate the property when the lease ends
Hand over the keys to the landlord when moving out.
Tenants are not allowed to:
Withhold rent in case of negligent repairs as non-payment can lead to eviction
Renovate the property without the landlord’s permission
Change the locks of the house without the landlord’s permission
Sublet or assign the lease to someone else without the landlord’s permission.
Landlord Responsibilities:
Here are some of the key landlord responsibilities:
Collect rent
Provide a copy of the lease and rent receipts
Ensure the property complies with all health and safety guidelines
Keep the property in good condition
Ensure the supply of hot and cold water, hydro, and other utilities unless agreed that the tenant would pay
Allow peaceful enjoyment of the property
Provide kitchen appliances and electrical fixtures or other additions and utilities mentioned in the lease
Maintain common areas like hallways and yards and remove snow from driveways and walkways
Get rid of household pests like silverfish, mice, cockroaches, etc
Follow legal procedure to evict a tenant in case of non-payment of rent
Rent the rental deposit (if applicable) after the tenant moves out.
Landlords are not allowed to enter the property without providing notice and receiving the tenant’s permission.
Signing a Lease
Once you find your new home, the next step is to sign a lease with your landlord. The lease allows you to live in a home for which you pay rent.
A lease is a written rental agreement outlining the terms you and your landlord agree to. A lease is a legal document, so it’s important that you read and understand it. You can ask someone to go over it with you, such as a relative, friend, staff member at an immigrant-serving organization, or even a lawyer.
When you sign a lease, you share personal information with the landlord. Signing a lease gives the landlord consent to collect personal information and use it for renting purposes only. Landlords must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). PIPEDA is Canada’s federal private-sector privacy law.
Most leases include:
Names and contact information for you and your landlord.
Rental address
Monthly rent you have agreed to pay, with or without utilities, parking, cable television or other services
Date the rent is due, i.e., the first day of each month, and the amount of any future rental increases
Rental period, i.e., one year or month-to-month
Conditions for ending the lease or subletting the property
List of the repairs or upkeep that you are responsible for
Any restrictions such as smoking
Details on when and how the landlord can enter your home
Process for changing the lease and resolving disagreements.
What Landlords Can Ask You:
Landlords can legally ask:
About your income and where you work to ensure you can afford the rent
How many people will live at the property
If you have any pets or anyone on the property smokes.
Permission to run a credit check
For references from your employer or previous landlords.
Landlords cannot ask you:
About your ethnic background, religion, food habits, and sexual preferences
For your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
About your marital status
Whether you plan to have more children
If you have family visiting.
Rent Increases and Rights as a Renter
When you renew your lease, your landlord may increase the rent to offset rising maintenance costs. The landlord can increase the rent at the time of renewal. However, it must be within the province’s rental increase guidelines. To learn more about the provincial rent increase guidelines, click on the links provided in the section: Landlord Tenant Boards in Canada.
One of your rights as a renter is that the landlord must provide you with written notice 90 days before the increase takes effect.
Rents tend to remain the same during the term of the lease. However, a landlord can submit an application to the Board for rent increases during the lease term if the taxes, utilities, and operating costs have increased significantly.
When you know more about renting a home in Canada, you can select housing that best meets your needs. And, knowing your rights as a renter will allow you to live peacefully and with few hassles. Because moving can be expensive it’s important to select the right rental property to save additional moving expenses.
For more information about settling in Canada, check out our upcoming webinars!
Anjali has worked in journalism and corporate communications in the UK and in India. Working across geographies in an international environment has taught her to find unique opportunities to create content for a diverse range of audiences. Pushing herself out of her comfort zone to move to the UK and Canada helped her adapt and thrive in new environments.
The benefits of volunteering for newcomers to Canada are many. Importantly, volunteer work can help you learn more about your local community. And, volunteering is an important part of Canadian culture.
Every day, Canadians donate their time, energy, and money to help certain causes that they feel strongly about. They give back to their communities, without expecting anything in return.
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According to the recent Statistics Canada report, over 12.7 million Canadians volunteered their time in 2018. They contributed a total of 1.6 billion hours of their time. This is equivalent to almost 858,000 full-time jobs carried out throughout the year.
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Because many of Canada’s non-profit and charitable organizations have limited budgets, they rely on volunteers to achieve their objectives. So volunteers play an essential role in local communities.
As a newcomer, you may find that you do not know a great many people once you arrive here. Making friends as an adult can be a little challenging for some. Especially when there are cultural differences to overcome. Volunteering can provide the backdrop to a comfortable and easy introduction to many like-minded people. This is a very popular way for both newcomers and Canadian born people to make friends. The best thing is to get yourself out there to talk to people and get to know fellow Canadians.
Get Started to Volunteer
There are a plethora of opportunities available that contribute to the benefits of volunteering. It can be confusing as to which organization you should volunteer for and in what capacity.
First, make a list of the skills you want to gain. Think about the causes you are interested in. Then, decide how much time you can set aside for volunteering.
Some examples of volunteer roles include:
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Fundraising
Raising awareness
Organizing events
Managing donations
Planting trees
Cleaning beaches
Some examples of causes include:
Women’s rights
Refugee welfare
Healthcare
Environment, and many more.
Applying for a volunteer position is just like applying for a job. You will be asked to submit a resume, so have one ready. Depending on the focus area you are volunteering for, you might be asked to provide references. When working with vulnerable persons, you will have to undergo a background check.
Volunteering benefits the people you are helping and also benefits you. Here are some of the benefits of volunteering
1. Network with Others
Volunteering is a great way to socialize, meet new people, and make new friends. Even though you come from diverse backgrounds as other volunteers, you share a common passion for giving back to society. This helps you develop personal and professional relationships with other volunteers. Volunteering will strengthen your ties to your local community and Canadian society.
2. Enhance Mental and Physical Health as a Benefit of Volunteering
When you help others and make a difference to society, you will feel good about yourself.
While volunteering, you are constantly interacting with other volunteers. This will help you develop a strong support system and combat depression and loneliness. Reduce your stress and anxiety by working with children and animals because they can instantly elevate your mood.
Whenever you find yourself stuck with nothing meaningful to look forward to, think about why you are volunteering. This will help you find your purpose in life. And volunteering can make you feel good knowing that you are helping others and showing that you care about your new community in Canada.
3. Volunteer as a Family Activity
Children can also benefit through volunteering. Children learn through observation. As a parent, you can be a good role model by showing your children how you are making a difference in society. Your children will learn compassionate and positive behaviour from you. This will motivate them to sign up as volunteers. Similarly, they will gain valuable Canadian work experience while they are studying.
Your children will also get a chance to interact with other volunteers. They will make new friends and this will make it easier for them to adapt to Canadian culture.
When you move to Canada, you might want to keep expenses low and have fun as a family. Volunteering as a family is a great way to spend quality time together without spending any money.
4. Advance Your Career as a Benefit of Volunteering
This might come as a surprise to you when some employers ask you for Canadian work experience or a Canadian portfolio of work. You might wonder, how can I gain Canadian work experience if nobody gives me a chance to work in Canada? This is the biggest benefit of volunteering for newcomers. You can gain work experience and build a Canadian work portfolio by volunteering.
While you are looking for a job in your field, volunteering experience on your resume will bridge the gaps and show activity. As well, you’ll stand out among other applicants as it demonstrates to employers that you’re interested in other things and causes.
In addition, if you want to learn a new skill, you can get your feet wet by volunteering. Some roles require that volunteers have certification like first-aid, CPR, etc. If this is within your area of interest, the non-profit organization may give you the resources to gain these certificates.
A reference check is an important part of the recruitment process. While volunteering, your supervisor will see the quality of your work and can vouch for your work as a reference.
If you want to volunteer to gain Canadian work experience, it’s important to volunteer strategically. Think about what it is that you want to achieve to get the most out of your volunteer experience.
5. Improve Your Language Skills
If English or French is not your first language, you will get a chance to speak with volunteers in English or French. While interacting with other volunteers, your language and communication skills will improve. So you’ll also gain the confidence to speak with others and have a meaningful conversation.
Volunteering might be unheard of in several societies. However, in Canada, it is a way of life. Volunteering will be fun and rewarding and not another chore, as long as you enjoy doing what you do.
Now that you have learned more about the benefits of volunteering, you can find local volunteer opportunities, by visiting:
Anjali has worked in journalism and corporate communications in the UK and in India. Working across geographies in an international environment has taught her to find unique opportunities to create content for a diverse range of audiences. Pushing herself out of her comfort zone to move to the UK and Canada helped her adapt and thrive in new environments.
