SOPA Highlights 2025: A Remarkable Year — and a Decade of Impact
As we look back on a remarkable year, we’re thrilled to share our annual tradition. SOPA Highlights – A Year in Review. 2025 was more than just another year — it marked a milestone as SOPA celebrated ten years of impact, innovation, and connection through our pre-arrival program. A decade of preparing newcomers for success in Canada, building bridges, and creating opportunities.
From welcoming new partners to expanding services and contributing to national conversations, this year has marked one of the most transformative chapters in our program’s history.
At a Glance: 2025 Highlights
- 10 Years of Service – A decade of supporting newcomers across Canada.
- Manitoba Start Joins SOPA – Strengthening our national network.
- Expanded Services – New programs like Canada Connect and personalized sessions.
- National Engagement – Active participation in conferences and community events.
- Top 10 Client Stories – Celebrating inspiring newcomer journeys.
- Looking Ahead – Continued commitment to empowering newcomers.
Celebrating 10 Years of SOPA! Preparing Newcomers for Success
Celebrating 10 Years of SOPA!
This November, SOPA proudly marked 10 years of service, helping approved immigrants around the world arrive prepared.
What began as a visionary initiative by ISANS has grown into a nationally recognized pre-arrival program, supporting thousands of immigrants before they land in Canada.
To celebrate, our team created a special anniversary video featuring heartfelt reflections from SOPA staff and partners.
👉 [Watch the Anniversary Video Here]
A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey — our clients, our partners, and ISANS for planting the seed that grew into SOPA.
Here’s to the next decade of empowering newcomers and building welcoming communities across Canada.
Welcoming Manitoba Start to the SOPA Network
One of the biggest milestones this year was welcoming Manitoba Start as a new SOPA partner. Their expertise and community-based approach strengthen SOPA’s national reach and enhance the support newcomers receive as they prepare for life and work in Manitoba.
Expanding SOPA Services in 2025
This year, we grew our service offerings to provide newcomers with more comprehensive and flexible support:
- Launching IEDI Video Series – Strengthening intercultural awareness in Canada’s diverse workplaces.
- Canada Connect Program – Build meaningful connections before arrival.
- Free One-on-One Information Sessions – Personalized guidance for settlement and employment.
- Orientation Sessions – Prepare for life, work, and study in Canada.
- Monthly Events Newsletter – Stay informed and engaged.
SOPA Teams at Events
Our teams were active throughout the year, sharing expertise and contributing to important conversations about newcomer support.
- Soft Skills Facilitators Collaborative Session (May) – A valuable session for Soft Skills course facilitators to exchange best practices and explore innovative strategies for supporting newcomers to Canada. A heartfelt thank you to CCIS for graciously hosting this important meeting!
- Metropolis Identities Summit – Shivam and Rajmonda led a session on Breaking Barriers: Regional Approaches to Foreign Credential Recognition for Workforce Inclusion.
- Pre-Arrival Community Partners’ Committee (CPC) Conference (Hosted by IRCC and YMCA of Greater Toronto) – Anika, SOPA Supervisor, represented SOPA and strengthened collaboration across pre-arrival providers.
- Red River College Polytech Resource Fair and Canadian Mennonite University’s first-ever Career Fair – Inna and Martin actively engaged at these events, showcasing SOPA’s pre-arrival services and building meaningful connections to support newcomers.
- Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) – Anika and Sayed presented on the impact of the Canada Connect Program.
Top 10 Most-Read Stories of 2015-2025:
Over the past decade, SOPA has supported thousands of newcomers on their journey to Canada. We’re -deeply grateful to our clients for sharing their experiences and inspiring others.
Here are 10 of the most impactful and widely read stories from SOPA’s 10-year history. You can explore many more amazing stories on our blog:
- Being Prepared is Half Way to Success
- Small Talk Works!
- Arrive Prepared and Find Success
- An Eye Opening Experience
- Olayemi Olaleye: A CPA’s Journey
- Nigar’s New Home
- How SOPA helped me get started in my Canadian journey
- Focus and Dedication: Important Keys to Success
- Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating the Canadian Job Market with SOPA Services
- From Belarus to Canada: Starting Strong in Logistics with SOPA’s Help
Looking Ahead
From celebrating our 10-year anniversary to expanding services and strengthening partnerships, 2025 has been a year filled with progress and purpose.
We’re grateful to our clients, partners, funders, and teams for their ongoing support and dedication.
Thank you for being part of the SOPA community — and here’s to another decade of helping newcomers arrive prepared!
Post prepared by Albina Ziatdinova, SOPA Communications an Engagement Coordinator