At Canada InfoNet, we believe that preparing newcomers for life in Canada means sharing real stories – the honest, heartfelt and inspiring experiences that paint a complete picture of what settlement can look like. In this beautifully written blog, one of our pre-arrival participants, Antoine – shares their personal journey of settling in a small Canadian community, capturing both the triumphs and the trials with remarkable honesty and warmth. Their story reminds us that awareness and preparation are key to building not just a new life, but a meaningful one.
We invite you to read their story and reflect on the realities and rewards of beginning your Canadian journey beyond the big cities.
A Fresh Start
When I first arrived in Canada with my family in August 2024, I carried with me a heart full of optimism, ambition, and the belief that a new beginning awaited us. We chose to settle in a small town in Manitoba, far from the noise and fast pace of large metropolitan areas. Our dream was simple yet meaningful: to build a peaceful, safe, and stable life where our children could grow and thrive.
Before coming to Canada, I had built a long and diverse professional career across several countries. I worked in both the private and public sectors, and I also served as a consultant for government and developmental projects, helping organizations design strategies for growth, modernization, and efficiency. My work often involved leading teams, developing public policies, and advising institutions on how to improve their systems and services. Through these experiences, I gained not only technical expertise but also a global understanding of how development projects can transform communities and strengthen economies.
Academically, I hold a Doctorate in Business Administration from the United States, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. I also completed a Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and earned the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. With these qualifications and an international portfolio of experience, I arrived in Canada ready to contribute, confident that my background would be an asset to the Canadian workforce.
Adjusting to a New Reality
However, the reality has been far more complex than I anticipated. After more than one year and three months, I am still struggling to find a stable and suitable position that reflects my skills and expertise. I have sent out dozens of applications, participated in professional development programs, and attended workshops on how to integrate into the Canadian job market. Each step has been a lesson in patience, humility, and resilience.
Even though I speak both English and French fluently, I have noticed that in smaller communities, people often have their own unique local accent and expressions. It takes time to adapt to that cultural nuance, especially when trying to build professional connections.
I am learning to listen closely, to speak gently, and to understand the subtle differences that make every community in Canada special in its own way.
Volunteering and Integrating Into the Community
In an effort to integrate and give back to my new community, I am currently volunteering, contributing my time and energy wherever possible. Volunteering has helped me connect with kind and supportive people and has given me a sense of belonging. However, I still find it difficult to see how I can fully apply or transfer what I have learned and achieved internationally to this new environment. Despite my experience in leadership, public management, and development consulting, I often feel disconnected from the professional world I once belonged to.
In my previous work, I was constantly in touch with large organizations, ministries, and international development partners. I was part of a wide professional network where ideas and innovation were part of daily life. Here, in a small town, I feel somewhat cut off from that world. I have ideas and strategies that could contribute to enhancing the Canadian economy, especially in areas of management, innovation, and community development, but I lack the platform and connections to share them or put them into practice.
Keeping Faith in the Journey
Despite these professional frustrations, there is a bright and beautiful side to this new life. My children are thriving. They love their schools, have made new friends, and feel completely safe walking around our neighborhood. The community is welcoming, and people here treat newcomers with kindness and respect. Every morning, as I watch my children go to school with smiles on their faces, I remind myself why we made this move. Safety, education, and a sense of belonging are priceless gifts that Canada has already given us.
Living in a small town has also reshaped my understanding of success. It is no longer only about titles, projects, or financial achievements. It is about balance, growth, and contribution. I am now focusing on finding ways to rebuild my career from the ground up, possibly through new certifications, volunteer work, or collaboration with local organizations. I am open to exploring different paths, whether in management, education, or community development, as long as they allow me to share my experience and create a positive impact.
Sometimes, I compare my Canadian journey to climbing a very tall mountain. The climb is slow, tiring, and full of unexpected turns, but I know the view from the top will make every step worthwhile.
I have learned that success in a new country is not a destination; it is a process of transformation. It requires patience, adaptability, and a constant willingness to learn, unlearn, and start again.
I may not yet have achieved my professional goals, as I am still a jobless here, but I have found peace, safety, and purpose. I have discovered that true strength lies in perseverance and in keeping faith that every small step forward matters. My journey in this small community has taught me that change takes time, but it always begins with belief.
Conclusion
Sharing my story is my way of saying to others who may be on the same path: do not give up. The road may be long, but every challenge is also a chance to grow, to understand, and to become part of something greater than ourselves. Canada offers space for everyone’s story, and this is mine, one of resilience, hope, and the quiet determination to contribute meaningfully to the country we now call home.
Canada InfoNet supports pre-arrival participants on this journey — offering mentorship, career guidance and resources to help you explore opportunities and make informed decisions before arriving in Canada. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your journey.
