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Financial Literacy is Important for Newcomers

Financial Literacy is Important for Newcomers

An Asian man is sitting with his young son as he deposits money into a savings jar. Financial literacy is vital for newcomers to achieve future goals.

Financial literacy skills are vital for Canadians to manage their money wisely. It helps people to reach their financial goals, prepare for emergencies, and avoid making costly mistakes. And, financial literacy is vital for newcomers, especially when first arriving in Canada. For many newcomers, it can be a challenge to quickly find a job in your profession and at the level you worked in a previous role. You may have to stretch your finances and budget, and this can contribute to financial stress. It’s also important to avoid taking on debt when you first arrive in Canada. This is where financial literacy can help you to preserve and save money for your future.

Each November, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada recognizes Financial Literacy Month to help Canadians build skills to navigate financial decisions in challenging times. As a newcomer, navigating Canada’s financial system can be complex and present many hurdles. For example, accessing credit can be a challenge if you have a limited credit history. And, this can make it difficult to build a financial foundation to achieve success. But with strong financial literacy skills, you’ll be in better position to make smart decisions about your finances in Canada.


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About Financial Literacy in Canada

While financial literacy is important for individuals, it’s also helpful to the Canadian economy. So an important objective of Financial Literacy Month is to raise the financial skills of all Canadians.


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With financial literacy skills, people are better able to:

  • Manage finances
  • Reduce financial stress
  • Make the right financial choices, and
  • Enhance financial health.

Importantly, financial literacy can set you up for a comfortable retirement without worrying about your finances.

To learn more about Financial Literacy Month, click here.

What is Financial Literacy?

Simply put, financial literacy is the ability to understand and use financial skills such as:

  • Managing your budget
  • Decreasing debt, and
  • Saving and investing for your future.

Financial literacy includes having the skills and knowledge to make informed financial decisions and demonstrating actions, that lead to positive financial outcomes. Managing your debt and saving for future goals


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Why Financial Literacy is Important for Newcomers

Financial literacy is more important than ever because of the increasingly complicated financial world. With the increased cost of living and rapid interest rate increases over the past couple of years, taking stock of your finances in Canada is vital. Carefully managing your money can help you prepare for these situations and limit financial challenges. It’s important to carefully monitor your finances to achieve financial wellness.

FINANCIAL ACTION STEPSBENEFITS
Review your budgetA spending plan that shows your income and expenses is an effective way to manage your day-to-day finances.
Consult a financial advisor at your bankA financial advisor can review your financial situation and suggest where you can improve your financial health.
Get a copy of your credit reportYour credit report gives you a picture of your financial health from a lender’s point of view. Your credit report can also check for signs of identity theft.
Three steps to assess your financial health.

In addition, research shows that 6 out of 10 Canadians don’t know how much money they should save for their retirement. This can result in:

  • Overspending
  • Acquiring debt, and
  • Reducing savings.

So financial literacy can help newcomers to successfully prepare for their retirement years.

Smart Financial Literacy Actions

Financial literacy month in Canada can help you achieve financial wellness through budgeting, savings, and other vital activities.
Monitoring your money can help you achieve financial wellness.

Make a Budget

Making and sticking to a budget is the most important thing you can do when it comes to financial literacy. A monthly budget will help you determine how much you can realistically spend on expenses such as:

  • Rent
  • Insurance
  • Utilities
  • Home furnishings
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Entertainment, and
  • Discretionary expenses.

Budgeting is a crucial skill that will prevent you from overspending and ensure you save each month. Not only will you be able to spend your money wisely and with 100% control over how it’s spent, but you will also have money in your savings account.

Budgeting lets you keep track of your financial goals. And, you’ll be surprised how much more money you will have with the same paycheck to invest and pay off debt.

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Apply the 50/30/20 Budget Rule

The 50-30-20 Budget Rule has become a widely accepted way of dividing your paycheck. This budget rule is a good way to spend your earnings and have enough savings at the end of the month.

Of course, budgeting will be different for every family but your budget should look something like this:

  • 50% of your paycheck for fixed expenses (rent, insurance, bills, etc.)
  • 30% for entertainment and other wants, and
  • 20% should go towards savings, investing, or paying off debt. 

Keep in mind that not every family shares the same circumstances and your financial condition will change over time. So it may be necessary to adjust your budget from time to time.  For example, if you earn more than you need, maybe 30% of your paycheck can go to savings and only 40% will be used up for fixed expenses. 

Conversely, someone who earns less than an average person might have to cut entertainment costs to 20% to have enough money to meet their fixed expenses. 

To create your budget, you can start with this budget planner from the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada.

Build an Emergency Fund

Building an emergency fund is another wise financial literacy activity. Emergency funds are similar to savings except you set aside funds specifically for a financial crisis such as a job loss. So emergency funds need to be fluid and easy to access.

A strong emergency fund should have enough money to cover expenses for three to six months in case you lose your job or have a money shortfall. If your monthly salary is $5,000, you should probably have at least $15,000 in your emergency fund.  Emergency funds are important because you don’t know what the future has in store for you.

Be Aware of Financial Fraud and Scams

Financial fraud and scams are now more advanced than ever due to the internet and there is no such thing as being too careful when it comes to your finances. One hasty decision can make you lose thousands of dollars, which is exactly what scammers will try to do. They will try to put you into a panicked condition and then tell you to pay them.

You can receive scam messages through email, mail in your mailbox, phone calls, and text messages that are pretending to be Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) employees. Right off the bat, if you receive a text message, you should know it is fake because the CRA never sends any text messages.

It is possible you will receive either a phone call, email, or mail in your mailbox from the CRA but even then there are ways to figure out if it is a legitimate call from the CRA or a scam. First of all, the CRA will never ask for immediate online payment through an e-transfer or any other currency such as bitcoin, or gift cards. If you get any type of message from the CRA demanding immediate payment, it is a scam.

The CRA Will Never:

  • use aggressive language
  • threaten to arrest you
  • threaten to send the police.

Scammers will try to make you panic by threatening you and demanding you to make an immediate online payment.

This is a typical scam that many people fall for. If you get such a message from the CRA it is definitely a financial scam. For newcomers, this can create panic and anxiety if you are unaware that this activity is not legal.

To learn more about how the CRA might contact you, how to recognize if it’s a scam, and what to do if you think you have been scammed, click here.

Building your financial literacy skills is a smart way to reduce stress, save for your future, and plan for your comfortable retirement. With financial literacy month in Canada, you can build your skills and knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

For more information about your financial first steps in Canada, visit our banking in Canada resource page. Get the essential information you need to manage your finances in Canada!

Celebrating Diwali 2023 in Canada

Celebrating Diwali 2023 in Canada

A family of four are gathered and lighting diyas to celebrate the five days of Diwali in 2023.

Diwali is a festival that more than a billion people worldwide celebrate. Many ethnic groups across South Asia, mostly people in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka celebrate the festival. Canada accepts many immigrants from these countries making Diwali one of the biggest religious holidays in the country. Discover when Diwali is in 2023, and exciting events to mark the 5 days of Diwali across Canada.

Even though different religions have slightly different perceptions of Diwali, the main idea is the same. Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This holiday commemorates the homecoming of Lord Rama after his victory over the demons. 


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When is Diwali 2023?

Diwali is an annual celebration and usually falls between October and November. This year, people will celebrate the five days of Diwali starting on November 10th – 15th, 2023 with the main day of celebration on November 12th. The exact Diwali 2023 date is determined by the Hindu lunisolar calendar which looks at the movement of the moon and the sun from the earth. The festival takes place in the middle of Karkita, which is the 8th month in the Hindu calendar. Some versions of the calendar also put Karkita as the 7th month.

What are the 5 Days of Diwali 2023


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The 5 days of Diwali 2023 are a time to reflect on the significance of the festival and its spiritual meaning.

Day One: Friday, November 10, 2023

This day marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations and is dedicated to the worship of wealth and prosperity. A common ritual for people is to clean their homes and purchase new utensils, and gold, or silver items as a symbol to invite wealth.

Day Two, Saturday, November 11, 2023

This day commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the importance of inner light. A common ritual is to light small lamps (diyas) to dispel darkness and negativity.

Day Three: Sunday, November 12, 2023

This is the main day of Diwali and celebrates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his victory over the demon king Ravana. A common ritual is to decorate homes with light rows of diyas.

Day Four: Tuesday, November 14, 2023

This day is associated with Lord Krishna lifting the Govardan Hill to protect villagers from torrential rains and flooding. It’s common to prepare vegetarian dishes and sweets to offer to Lord Krishna.


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Day Five: Wednesday, November 15, 2023

The last of the 5 days of Diwali celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, symbolizing love, protection, and sibling relationships. Families come together for a special meal and joyous celebrations on this day.

Woman preparing Coconut Ladoo for the 5 days of Diwali 2023 celebrations.
On the last of the 5 days of Diwali, families come together for a special meal and celebration.

The Festival of Lights

Diwali is often referred to as “The Festival of Lights” for good reason. On Diwali, people like to light the inside and outside of their homes with rows of lamps. The word Diwali is derived from the Sanskrit word, “Deepavali”, which means, “rows of lighted lamps”.

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Celebrating Diwali 2023 in Canada

Even though Diwali celebrations are quite different in Canada compared to South Asia, the holiday spirit is just the same. The first thing you will notice on Diwali is the lights. Many families that celebrate Diwali love to decorate the outside of their homes with Diyas, which are oil lamps made of baked clay. Diyas will be a common sight during Diwali, especially if you live in an area with a large South Asian population.

Because of Canada’s multicultural nature, Diwali is not just a South Asian celebration but a Canadian one too. Even though it is not a public statutory holiday, many Canadians from diverse cultural backgrounds celebrate this festival. Diwali shows us that Canadians embrace different cultural festivals. This is an amazing achievement, considering that only 7.1% of Canada’s population is of South Asian descent.

Diwali 2023 Celebrations Across Canada

Colour festival lanterns symbolize the beauty of Diwali

Diwali is not just a cultural family celebration. With Diwali comes many city-wide celebrations and festivals. While you will be able to find Diwali celebrations almost anywhere in Canada, here are some of the largest celebrations. 

Brampton, Ontario | Diwali Festival of Lights

Presented by Scotiabank, the Diwali Festival of Lights returns to Brampton on November 4th, 2023 at Shoppers World Brampton. This is the Greater Toronto Area’s largest free indoor. Returning for its 8th year, the event will feature musical performances and interactive Bollywood dance workshops, mouth-watering food, and fun activities for children.

Brampton | Diwali Mela

Hosted by the City of Brampton, the first-ever Diwali Mela will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2023. This exciting festival will celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists from around the world. Live music and performances from local and international artists, free family-friendly games, events, and delicious food vendors will be present.

Fireworks often symbolize the beauty of Diwali. However, there is a new fireworks by-law in Brampton that prevents residents from using fireworks. You can also receive a fine if you set off fireworks. But, you can still enjoy a dazzling city-run Diwali fireworks display!

Calgary, Alberta | Diwali Fest 2023

This year’s Diwali Fest on November 11th, 2023 holds special significance as people celebrate the Festival of Lights and the 10th anniversary of the Indians in Calgary community.

Halifax, Nova Scotia | Diwali Carnival

The Diwali Carnival – Festival of Lights celebration takes place from October 27 – 29, 2023. Halifax is a multicultural city with a large South Asian population. So, it’s no surprise that Halifax hosts one of the biggest Diwali celebrations in the maritime provinces. Event highlights include an open dance with Bollywood music and fireworks on Saturday night.

Surrey, British Columbia | Diwali Downtown Surrey

Diwali Downtown Surrey is the biggest Diwali celebration in British Columbia. The event on Sunday, November 5, 2023, has many fun activities for kids as well as music and live performances. Not to mention the food. It is impossible to have a Diwali celebration without having loads of traditional South Asian food. Hosted by Diwali Fest, the celebration will mark the organization’s 20th anniversary of curating Diwali events in British Columbia. Attendance is expected to be higher than usual, so be sure to RSVP to guarantee access to events!

Diwali is a great holiday because of how different it is from the rest of the Canadian holidays. It gives Canadians a new perspective and a chance to experience cultural traditions that may be new to them. It is great to see so many people from different backgrounds coming together to celebrate a culture that is not theirs. The 5 days of Diwali 2023 are a great way to learn about a new culture while having fun at the same time. For immigrant families celebrating Diwali in Canada, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with your roots away from your country. So, be sure to mark your calendar and check out Diwali festivals across Canada!

Happy Diwali from the Prepare for Canada Team
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation is Sept 30

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation is Sept 30

A crosswalk is painted orange with white feathers to honour the survivors of residential schools in Canada on the Day for National Truth and Reconciliation Day. .
A crosswalk is painted orange with white feathers to honour survivors of Canada’s residential school system.

Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (also known as Orange Shirt Day). The day recognizes and remembers the tragic history and honours the survivors of residential schools. These schools were underfunded and inflicted abuse on children leaving long-lasting impacts. It’s also an important day for all Canadians to learn about Canada’s Indigenous history.

For newcomers, it’s essential to know the history of the country you are joining. To reflect a more inclusive history, Canada will update its citizenship guide with information about residential schools. This update will help newcomers to learn about the wrongs committed against the Indigenous people. And, by exposing the truth, we can move toward reconciling what Canada has long ignored. Another valuable resource is Reconciliation Information for Newcomers to Canada. This educational guide provides the history of Canada’s residential school system and reconciliation information for newcomers.


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Origin of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Since its founding in 2013, Orange Shirt Day has helped Canadians learn about past mistakes and remember the legacy of residential schools. More than that, it symbolizes how Canadians are striving for a future where all Indigenous people have equal rights.

History of Orange Shirt Day


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Orange Shirt Day recognizes the harm that residential schools caused to Indigenous children, families, and communities. The day is based on the story of Phyllis Webstad. She was an Indigenous girl of 6 years when she was forced to go to a residential school.

Phyllis lived with her grandmother on Dog Creek Reserve and never had a lot of money. However, her grandmother still managed to save enough money to buy Phyllis a brand new orange shirt to wear to school. Phyllis was excited to go to her residential school. But she did not yet know about the horrors that would be awaiting her.

Once she reached the school, she was forced to take off her orange shirt and she never saw it again. The orange shirt has come to symbolize how it was for Indigenous children to attend residential schools. Not only did these schools forcefully assimilate children but they also took away all meaning of life for them.

Orange Shirt Day is a way to fix the injustice done to the Indigenous peoples. It is also a stark reminder of the kind of place Canada would be without its accepting and inclusive environment. Canada is full of many great things but one of the greatest things Canadians have is a sense of unity, no matter what our backgrounds are. Let’s never forget that as we move into the future. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation allows Canadians to pause and reflect on the meaning of the day.

On September 30, people across Canada wear orange shirts to remember the children who were taken from their families to residential schools. Wearing orange also promotes the concept of “Every Child Matters” and honours the survivors of residential schools.


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Orange Shirt Day promotes the concept of “Every Child Matters” and honours the survivors of residential schools.

Remains of Indigenous Children Found in Kamloops, B.C.

In May of 2021, there was a shocking discovery in the city of Kamloops, British Columbia. The remains of 215 Indigenous children were found buried near a residential school. Kamloops Residential School was one of the biggest residential schools in Canada. Sadly, the remains belonged to the children who attended the school.

More remains were found near other residential schools in Canada revealing a dark chapter of Canada’s history. So it’s our job as Canadians, to honour the survivors of residential schools and recognize their losses. These discoveries should urge all Canadians to learn from the past and avoid making the same mistakes.

What is Canada Doing About This?

Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Residential Schools recommended specific actions to reverse the injustice. And on June 3, 2021 the Canadian parliament passed Bill C-5 to designate September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This day encourages Canadians to learn about the darker parts of Canada’s past rather than to hide from it. It’s a day to learn about key historical events. Only when every Canadian knows about the crimes committed against Indigenous peoples can we move forward as a nation.

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National Truth and Reconciliation Events in 2023

A picture of three young Indigenous children walking along a path, holding hands and wearing wearing traditional regalia. The photo represents truth and reconciliation

On September 30 you can participate in a number of events that First Nations, Metis, and Inuit leaders have organized. These important events help all Canadians to acknowledge the harm done and better understand the history of Indigenous Peoples.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process. By participating in events, we take the time to listen, learn, reflect, and support reconciliation in our local communities.

Ottawa, Ontario

Illuminating Parliament Hill

To honour the survivors of residential schools, their families and communities buildings across Canada including the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill will be illuminated in orange from September 30 at 7 p.m. to sunrise on October 1.

National Commemorative Gathering

A live broadcast, Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023 will air from Parliament Hill. You can join in person or watch the broadcast online to memorialize children lost to the residential school system.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg Art Gallery

The Winnipeg Art Gallery will host a special day of programming that includes tours, workshops, and talks about the experiences and history of Indigenous children forced to attend residential schools. Special guests include Reconciliation for Newcomers to Canada.

Calgary, Alberta

Every Child Matters Traditional Powwow

Siksika Health Services and the Calgary Hitmen will host the Every Child Matters Traditional Powwow in the Scotiabank Saddledome on September 30th to mark the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day. The powwow will open with a special greeting from the founder of Orange Shirt Day, Phyllis Webstad.

Toronto, Ontario

To mark September 30, flags at City Hall and civic centres will fly at half-mast and the Toronto sign will be lit orange. The Survivors Flag will also fly at half-mast. This flag is a sign of remembrance to honour all the lives and communities affected by the residential school system in Canada. In addition, many truth and reconciliation community events will be open to the public across the city.

Vancouver, British Columbia

On September 30, the University of British Columbia will host the Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day This educational event will also support the Indigenous community on campus and beyond. A series of afternoon educational events will allow younger participants to learn about a difficult era in Canadian history.

With events taking place all across Canada, be sure to check out what activities will take place in your local community.

Recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Recognizing September 30th as a statutory holiday encourages people to reflect and engage in activities that honour those affected by the residential school system. The Government of Canada declared September 30 as a federal statutory holiday. This means that workers in federally regulated industries such as postal workers, government staff, and bank employees get the day off with pay. As well some schools will close. When September 30 falls on a weekend. as it does in 2023, workplaces will observe the holiday on Monday, October 2, 2023.

Other provinces and territories also recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday including British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, and Nunavut. The other provinces are recognizing September 30th as a day of commemoration and leave it up to individual employers to treat it as a holiday. 

And for all Canadians, whether you’re at work, school, or home it’s a day to honour the survivors and communities of residential schools. As we learn more about Indigenous cultures across Canada we strengthen our relationships. Whether you wear an orange shirt on September 30 or take time to reflect on the past, you share your support for reconciliation!

For more information, tools, and resources about living in Canada, check out our Settling in Canada resource page.

Celebrating the History of Labour Day in Canada

Celebrating the History of Labour Day in Canada

Text with Happy Labour Day with a group of diverse professionals who celebrate the Labour Day holiday in Canada.

Marking the unofficial end of summer, most people know Labour Day in Canada for its extravagant parades and great shopping deals. Labour Day in Canada is an annual statutory holiday that occurs on the first Monday of every September. The holiday has a very deep and complicated history that many Canadians are not aware of. As we prepare for another Labour Day weekend, let’s remember to celebrate the workers, including immigrants, who built the country it is today. Discover the history of the Labour Day holiday in Canada and what it means for workers’ rights today.

Why Do We Celebrate Labour Day

The working class didn’t always have the rights we have in Canada today. Fair employment standards such as a safe workplace, a set minimum wage, and the right to join a union are some of the rights we take for granted today. The working class in the 19th century did not enjoy many of these rights. And, Canadian workers went through a lot to gain these rights. Labour Day reminds us and celebrates the progress and success of those dedicated to creating the workers’ rights and protections that we have today.


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History Of Labour Day In Canada

Labour Day officially became a statutory holiday in Canada in 1894. However, the holiday finds its origins long before that. Many historians accredit the events of 1872 to have been the driving force behind achieving Labour Day. The Nine-Hour Movement of 1872 was a push for shorter work days at a time when most employees were expected to work twelve hours a day.

Nine-Hour Movement


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On April 15, 1872, workers from the Toronto Typographical Union went on strike. They paraded with 10,000 union supporters to Queen’s Park in Toronto. At the time, however, work unions were illegal and it was illegal for workers to strike against their employers collectively. As a result, 24 leaders of the strike were arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy.

The arrests were met with widespread protest and the general population was enraged. The first Prime Minister of Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald, responded by promising to get rid of anti-union laws. On July 14 of the same year, Parliament passed the Trade Unions Act, which legalized unions. 

Labour Day Becomes a National Holiday

Yonge Street in the early 1900s is lined with people celebrating a Labour Day Parade.
A Labour Day Parade along Yonge Street in Toronto, Ontario in the early 1900s.

This was a huge breakthrough in workers’ rights. The passing of this bill gave way to many other rights that would eventually be demanded by workers. After the events of the Nine-Hour Movement, Toronto would hold an annual parade to celebrate the victory of getting unions. In 1894, Labour Day became a national holiday. At first, it was a holiday associated mostly with work unions. As time went on, however, more and more businesses started giving employees the day off. Today, Labour Day is a statutory holiday across Canada and most workers will get the day off.

Labour Day in Canada

Today, most people see Labour Day as the holiday that comes at the end of summer. While the holiday still reflects what it originally stood for, many Canadians don’t know the significance behind the holiday. It originated as a day for workers to rally together and campaign for better working conditions and that has made it a unique holiday. Unlike the rest of the Canadian statutory holidays, Labour Day is not much of a festive holiday. Rather, it consists of activities such as parades, picnics, speeches and competitions.

Celebrations usually take place throughout the Labour Day long weekend. Since most Canadians also get Monday off, the Labour Day Weekend has three days. Many Canadians use the Labour Day weekend as a way to enjoy the company of family and friends. It is common for families to go on a picnic before the summer ends.


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The first day of school usually follows the Labour Day holiday for most elementary, secondary, and university students. So, the Labour Day weekend in Canada is an opportunity for students to celebrate the last long weekend of the summer and prepare for the exciting new school year.

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Is Labour Day a Statutory Holiday?

Yes, Labour Day is a federal statutory holiday. Unlike most other statutory holidays, labour day is pretty straightforward. All government offices and almost all retail stores will be closed. Some convenience stores and restaurants may remain open but it is mostly pretty straightforward. Because the day after Labour Day marks the first day of school for students, many people refer to Labour Day weekend as the end of summer in Canada.

When is Labour Day in Canada in 2023?

Labour Day falls on the first Monday of September every year. In 2023, Labour Day will fall on September 4th.

Celebrating Labour Day Weekend in Canada

Now that you know a little bit about how Labour Day came to be and how Canadians celebrate it, let’s talk about some of the popular events that take place on the Labour Day weekend in Canada. Two of the biggest and most anticipated events that happen around Labour Day are the Pacific and Canadian National Exhibitions. The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) takes place in Toronto while the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) takes place in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Canadian National Exhibition

The CNE is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Every year, the event comes to Toronto in the weeks leading up to Labour Day. This year, the CNE will start on August 18 and run until Labour Day on September 4. To many, the exhibition is Toronto’s signature end-of-summer event, receiving around one and a half million visitors each year.

Pacific National Exhibition

The PNE is Western Canada’s equivalent of the CNE. Like the CNE, the PNE comes to Vancouver every year and runs for around two weeks leading to Labour Day. PNE will open on August 19 – September 4, 2023.

The PNE is full of entertaining performances, music concerts, and lots of food. This year, some of the events the PNE will be hosting include:

  • Summer Night Concerts
  • Barkade from the SuperDogs
  • Knights of Valour, a real live jousting event
  • The Flying Fools High Dive Show.

Both exhibitions are jam-packed with exciting activities and displays and are sure to give you an excellent time. They are a great way to spend time with family and friends while having the time of your life. The CNE and PNE might be the two biggest Labour Day events but they aren’t the only ones. No matter where you live in Canada, there will likely be a couple of events in the area. Many professional sports leagues also hold special games over the Labour Day Weekend.

With all of the exciting events that take place on the Labour Day weekend, let’s remember to celebrate the workers, including immigrants, who built the country it is today and who continue to fight for workplace equity.

Types of Resumes that are Common in Canada

Types of Resumes that are Common in Canada

A man is sitting at a computing and smiling while working on his resume. There are different types of resume formats to use for a job application.

For newcomers, it’s important to choose the right type of resume format because this can play a key factor in getting hired in Canada. And a well-written resume is vital to grab the attention of Canadian employers. A good resume highlights all of your best skills and accomplishments in a way that is relevant to potential employers. This is why there are different types of resume formats for jobs, each useful in its own way.

Writing a Canadian-style resume is important. And it’s vital to invest the time. Otherwise, you can send out hundreds of resumes that go unnoticed and this will only be frustrating and lengthen your job search. Also, it’s helpful to know that there are many free settlement services that can help you to write a Canadian-style resume.


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When you know what elements are important, you can convey this information and increase your chance of employers contacting you for an interview. Here, I’ll discuss the three main types of resume formats and when to use each one. 

Three Main Types of Resume Formats


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These three types of resume formats each look different and highlight aspects of your education, skills, and experience. Let’s take a deeper look at each of these resume formats.

  1. Chronological resume

2. Functional resume

3. Hybrid resume (also known as combination)

1. Chronological Resume

A chronological resume format lists all your experience and previous jobs in reverse chronological order. This means that you will list your jobs in order from when you did them. Your most recent job will be at the top of your resume, followed by your second most recent job, and so on. 

A chronological resume is the most common and practical resume format. Employers usually prefer this type of resume format because it:


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  • shows your growth and previous work experience
  • is easy to read as it follows a linear design. 

You should use a chronological resume wherever you can. It is the most preferred by employers and recruiters and is the most likely to get you invited for the interview. This is because employers usually value experience over qualifications. Experience indicates that you have all the skills necessary to complete the job. However, there are situations in which a chronologically formatted resume may not be the best option for you.

Chronological resumes are very straightforward. They list your work experience in order starting with your most recent employment along with the dates. Canadian employers prefer this type of resume because it allows them to quickly assess your employment history. It shows when and for how long you were unemployed as well as what type of work experience you have.


Show Your Employment Chronologically

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Electrical Engineer                                                                 2015 – 2021

Company Name, City, Province, or Country (if not Canada)

  • Conducted research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of electrical generation and distribution networks
  • Designed electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems, and equipment
  • Supervised and inspected the installation, modification, testing, and operation of electrical and electronic systems and equipment

Computer Programmer                                                          2011 – 2015

Company Name, City, Province, or Country (if not Canada)

  • Created, tested, debugged, documented, and implemented client-tracking software for Company Name utilizing skills in C# and VB.net
  • Worked directly with end-users to maximize efficiencies and user-friendliness
  • Employed strong communication skills to “Train the Trainers”

Customer Service Representative                                          2008 – 2011

Company Name, City, Province, or Country (if not Canada)

  • Answered inquiries from customers in person and on the phone
  • Investigated and solved any customer concerns
  • Accurately processed financial transactions using computerized cash registers in a fast-paced environment.

When to Avoid the Chronological Type of Resume

You should avoid using this type of resume format for jobs if you:

  • have gaps in your work history
  • have insufficient work history
  • are transitioning into a new career with limited relevant experience.

You may want to consider writing a functional resume if the chronological resume format isn’t suitable for your needs.

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2. Functional Resume

The functional resume for jobs highlights your skills rather than work experience. This is the opposite of a chronological resume because the focus is not on your previous jobs. With a functional resume format, you will be able to highlight your most relevant skills and abilities. You will also be able to list your most relevant job experience. This will shade any employment gaps while still showing all your skills that are related to the role.

Functional resume formats for jobs are not the best way to present yourself to a potential employer. In fact, recruiters do not like functional resumes. Not only do they take time to make, but they are also hard to go through on the recruiter’s side. 

This type of resume format is ideal for people that have gaps in their employment history. A chronological resume format will give away any of those gaps but a functional resume will hide them. Instead, a functional resume will present all your skills and accomplishments.

A functional resume format is good for:

  • students, or
  • people with new careers.

The main idea is that if you do not have an employment history relevant to the job you are applying for, functional resumes become useful. Just remember that employers usually value experience more than qualifications. This is why it is best to include at least some relevant experience in your resume.

If you feel like you have a successful work history and you also want to showcase your skills and accomplishments, you can use a hybrid resume.


Highlight Your Skills with a Functional Resume Format

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Manufacturing

  • Set up and qualified new equipment for wafer etching and packaging
  • Utilized statistical process control (SPC) in ISO 9001 2008 manufacturing environment
  • Analyzed failure mechanism (FMEA) to improve MTBF and yield improvement
  • Identified and troubleshot process, equipment, and operation-related issues

Management

  • Managed a construction project team of 2 engineers and 5 draftspersons
  • Supervised drafting of structural drawings, construction specifications and project schedules
  • Verified shop drawings, structural calculations and produced concrete precast element types
  • Reported project progress to customers according to their requirements

Estimating

  • Estimated quantities and costs of pre-cast concrete structures
  • Prepared contract documents and payment claims as well as negotiated with customers regarding cost variation

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Project Chief                                                                                                             2005 – 2016
Company Name, City, Province, or Country (if not Canada)

Structural Engineer                                                                                                  2002 – 2005
Company Name, City, Province, or Country (if not Canada)


3. The Hybrid Type of Resume Format

The third type of resume format for jobs is the hybrid resume, also known as a combination resume. It is a blend of chronological and functional resume formats. This resume format starts off by listing skills, qualifications, and achievements first. Then you move on to your employment history and work experience in reverse-chronological order.

A hybrid resume format for your resume will give you the chance to get the best of both worlds when done right. There are many situations in which a hybrid resume will be the best option for you.

If you are highly qualified in your profession and also have a successful work history, you will want to use the hybrid resume format. This type of resume format will allow you to showcase all of your qualifications as well as your work history. Your skills and qualifications will give the resume an eye-catching element while your employment timeline will show the employer you have the experience necessary for the job. A hybrid resume format is best for people that have both a good employment history and qualifications in their profession. 

One of the best things about a hybrid resume format is that they are extremely flexible. You can include things such as education, training, relevant online courses, experience, previous jobs, and any accomplishments. With a hybrid resume, you can exclude any irrelevant facts about yourself and only include the things that matter to your employer and increase your chances of getting hired.

Key Takeaways

So to conclude, here is a brief summary of what type of resume format you should choose:

  1. Chronological resume format: If you have a successful work history and adequate qualifications, you should choose a chronological resume format.

2. Functional resume format: If you do not have an employment history relevant to the role you are applying for, consider a functional resume format. This will allow you to showcase your qualifications, skills, and achievements.

3. Hybrid resume format: If you have a successful work history, and you also want to highlight your skills and accomplishments, a hybrid resume might be the best option for you.

Once you have chosen a resume format that works for you, you might be looking to build a Canadian-style resume that makes you stand out. Here is a helpful article that will give you 8 tips on how to write a Canadian-style resume.

A great addition to a resume is a cover letter. If you are serious about getting the job, a resume will not be enough. A cover letter is a great way to explain any employment gaps and explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job. Here is an article that will help you write an effective cover letter.

Choosing the right resume format could mean the difference between landing the job and getting rejected. It’s all about how you present yourself in front of your potential employers. Whether it be the skills you want to showcase or your employment history, choosing the right resume format will help you present yourself the way you want.

For information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!