Starting over in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. Newcomers often face unfamiliar financial, professional, and social systems while working to create stability for themselves and their families.
Together, the Y and our long-time partner Desjardins are introducing two new programs to help newcomers learn, connect, and build confidence:
- Networking Events for Newcomers
- Workshops To Understand the Financial System in Canada
These programs are based on a simple idea: when people have clear information, trusted support, and strong relationships, they can succeed.
Making connections easier: Networking Events for Newcomers
Professional networks can help people find jobs and opportunities. For many newcomers, however, building these connections in Canada can be challenging.
To help, the Y and Desjardins will host two interactive networking events each year at Desjardins’ downtown Toronto office. Each event will welcome up to 100 newcomers and immigrant professionals to learn, connect, and support their career growth in Canada.
The first event, Building Your Future in Canada: Newcomers Networking Event, will take place on June 2, 2026. Newcomers will:
- Meet professionals from a range of industries
- Hear stories from immigrants who have built careers in Canada
- Learn practical tips for networking
- Build confidence and new professional connections
These events are more than just networking. They are welcoming spaces where participants can feel supported and encouraged.
Building financial knowledge with confidence
Understanding how the Canadian financial system works is an important part of settling in a new country. Newcomers make many financial decisions, from opening bank accounts to planning for the future. Without clear information, this can feel overwhelming.
Through this partnership, Desjardins will offer free banking and financial workshops, available both online and in person, through the Y’s Newcomer Information Centre and the Next Stop Canada pre-arrival program.
In-person workshops are offered year-round at YMCA Newcomer Information Centre locations in North York, Downtown Toronto, and Scarborough. These sessions are practical, easy to follow, and focus on the questions newcomers ask most often.
Workshop topics include:
- Daily banking in Canada
- Understanding credit, savings, and registered plans, such as:
- RRSPs (retirement savings)
- RESPs (education savings)
- FHSAs (first home savings)
- Buying your first home in Canada
- Fraud awareness and financial protection
- Basics of insurance, including car, home, and life coverage
For those preparing to come to Canada, Next Stop Canada offers these workshops online to help people feel informed and ready before they arrive.
A shared commitment to welcoming communities
At its core, this partnership is about more than programs. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, dignity, and opportunity.
By combining the Y’s experience in newcomer services with Desjardins’ leadership in financial education and inclusion, we help newcomers feel more confident, connected, and empowered as they begin this important chapter.
We are grateful to Desjardins for their ongoing partnership, generosity, and trust in the potential of every newcomer who calls the GTA home.
Together, we’re building communities where everyone has the tools and support they need to thrive.
Learn more
To find out more, join us with Desjardins for pre-arrival information sessions organized with Next Stop Canada. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nextstopcanada /
Post-arrival, register for in-person workshops taking place at Newcomer Information Centres in North York, Downtown Toronto, or Scarborough or Register for the in-person Building Your Future in Canada: Newcomers Networking Event, taking place on June 2, 2026.
