‘Welcome to Canada’ series on CBC News dives into newcomer challenges

CBC News kicked off the year with Welcome to Canada, a series that gets real about what it’s like to start fresh in a new country. The series is based on a survey of 1,507 immigrants by Pollara Strategic Insights, offering an in-depth look at the highs and lows of settling in Canada.

From struggles with finding affordable housing to the frustration of being underemployed, Welcome to Canada takes a closer look at the experiences of newcomers, shining a light on challenges that don’t always make the headlines. The series isn’t just about the hurdles though — it also celebrates the resilience and contributions of those who’ve made Canada their home.

The first episode, “Experience Not Wanted,” takes on one of the most frustrating issues for immigrants: underemployment. Imagine being highly qualified but stuck in jobs that don’t reflect your expertise. That’s the reality for almost 90% of newcomers who said they’ve struggled to find work in their field.

The episode highlights internationally trained professionals, like doctors, discussing licensing barriers and features experts offering insights on changes needed to better harness immigrant talent in Canada.

Another episode, “Too Many Immigrants, Not Enough Housing,” dives into the housing crisis newcomers are facing. While most immigrants said they’re happy overall with life in Canada, only half are satisfied with their housing situation. With rents soaring and affordable options hard to find, many are left in tough spots. This episode takes a deeper look at how the housing crunch intersects with immigration, exploring what can be done to ease the pressure.