As of June 2024, the unemployment rate in Canada stands at 6.4%, reflecting a slight increase from earlier in the year. In Ontario, the unemployment rate is slightly higher at 6.7%, highlighting significant economic challenges within the province. The employment rate in Ontario has shown fluctuations, particularly in sectors such as health care, social assistance, and construction. For instance, employment in health care and social assistance increased by 30,000 jobs in May 2024, while the construction sector saw a decline of 30,000 jobs in the same period.
These trends are particularly challenging for newcomers like Ahmedin, who are trying to establish themselves in a new country. Rising unemployment rates make it more difficult for individuals without Canadian work experience to secure jobs, emphasizing the critical role of community support systems. Faced with these challenges, Ahmedin decided to volunteer at Good Neighbours.
“I moved to Canada from Nairobi, Kenya, a few months ago. The transition’s been really tough, especially since my family is still back home. I was feeling lost and stressed, not knowing what to do with myself. Everyone kept saying I needed Canadian experience to get a job, but I had no clue where to start.
One day, feeling really down and aimless, I wandered into Good Neighbours and met Father Roberto (Executive Director of Good Neighbors). I told him my situation, hoping he could help. He said, ‘we don’t have jobs, but we have volunteer opportunities.’ After listening to him explaining the process of volunteering, I felt like it was the right step, a way to get some purpose back in my life.
Since then, Good Neighbours has become like my second home. I am here every day from Wednesday to Saturday, putting in around 30 hours a week. The work is hard, but it gives me a purpose and connection that I desperately needed. I’ve been volunteering for three, maybe four months now, and I haven’t missed a single shift.
At first, I was just watching and helping here and there. But soon, they asked me to join officially. Now, I help provide food to families who don’t have enough money—families from all over the world, like Africa, Europe, and Asia. I’ve learned so much about different cultures and even picked up a bit of Arabic, some Asian languages, and Spanish. Recently, I’ve been helping an Afghan lady named Sultan.
Living far away from this location is my biggest challenge now. I used to live closer, but I had to move, and the commute is tough. I still plan to keep volunteering until I find a job. Good Neighbours has given me so much—a sense of community, purpose, and a place to belong. Even when I get a job, I will still come here, at least for a few hours a week.
Volunteering at Good Neighbours has really changed my life. It is not just about handing out food; it is about building a community. I’ve found a sense of belonging here, which I really needed. This place has shown me that even in a new country, far from home, I can find a family and a purpose.
Every week, I see more people coming in, needing help. The number of families who rely on Good Neighbours for food, keeps growing. It’s clear that food insecurity is rising, and more people are struggling to get by. We do our best to help everyone, but the demand keeps increasing. Seeing so many new faces each week makes me realise how important our work is and how much more there is to do.”
Good Neighbours has been greatly supported by 5N2, a long-standing partner providing significant food support. Their contributions have been crucial in enabling Good Neighbours to assist many families in need.
Resources for Newcomers and Unemployed Individuals
For newcomers and those seeking employment, several resources are available:
- Job Bank – The Government of Canada’s Job Bank provides a comprehensive list of job opportunities and resources for job seekers. Job Bank
- YMCA Employment Services – Offers job search assistance, resume workshops, and employment counselling. YMCA Employment Services
- Settlement.Org – Provides information and resources for newcomers to Ontario, including job search help and community services. Settlement.Org
- Ontario Immigration – The Ontario government’s portal for newcomers, offering a wide range of information on settling in Ontario, including employment resources. Ontario Immigration
These resources can provide valuable support to individuals navigating the job market and seeking to build a new life in Canada.
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