Supporting a Newcomer Neighbour or Friend

When we wonder how we can make the people in our lives feel included – the answer most often is a genuine “welcome” or “hello.” Often we meet new people every day, in our personal lives, academic spaces, or areas of employment. The best way to make anyone feel welcome is by starting a conversation.  

Tips For Starting the Conversation 

• Take the time to learn a newcomer’s name – and the proper pronunciation.  
• Ask a newcomer about their country of origin. 
• Extra time on lunch? Invite a newcomer out for coffee at a local spot – help them feel welcomed. 
• Offer to show a newcomer neighbour or friend around their new community or help them find needed services. 
• Help a newcomer with smaller tasks, like shovelling snow! Newcomers might not be familiar with the cold weather or snowy conditions in Canada. 
• Bring over a welcome gift and say hello or use social media to connect with newcomers. 
• Start shopping at businesses owned by local newcomers. 
• Volunteer with a settlement organization. 
• Use any community connections you have to assist a newcomer in finding employment. 
• Hire a newcomer if you are in the position to do so!  

Tips For Creating a Welcoming Environment 

• Learn some common phrases in a newcomer’s language like “hello,” and “thank you.” 
• Learn and understand cultural references! Not everything means the same to everyone. 
• Be aware and patient with language barriers – use appropriate language. 
• Exchange cultural information – share essential aspects of Canadian culture and learn important aspects of a newcomer’s culture.   
• Help a newcomer find free English language classes and conversation classes.  
• Offer to help a newcomer learn English, help them practice or help with homework. 
• Volunteer as an ESL tutor. 
• If you speak another language, help develop multilingual resources at your workplace and in the community.  
• Invite newcomers to community events like parades, festivals and gatherings.  
• Host a gathering and invite newcomers – introduce them to others in the community. 

Tips for Sharing Knowledge and Resources 

• Teach newcomers about emergency services – when to call 9-1-1, take First Aid classes, and prepare for an emergency. 

• Share information with newcomer parents surrounding community daycare and educational services. 
• Explain local community norms like garbage collection, postal services or snow removal – provide contact numbers for these services. 
• Provide information on resources and services offered at public libraries. 
• Give tips on buying high-quality and affordable goods such as food, clothing, electronics, home furnishings, etc.  
• Share information on local medical services such as walk-in clinics, family doctors, dentists, mental health services, pharmacies, etc. 
• Explain or assist the processes of renting or buying housing or home insurance. 
• Teach a newcomer about public transportation, driver’s licences, vehicle purchases or insurances – or what to do in case of an accident.  
• Explain school registration, application and communication information. 
• Assist a newcomer in obtaining a SIN card, internet, and phone services. 

Supporting a newcomer in your life starts with a conversation and a willingness to help. Take the time, listen, understand – and help in any way that you can.