Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA)

Information Session: Newcomer Services in British Columbia: WorkBC and Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants Programs
2025-09-19 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Vancouver)
Date & Time: 19 September 2025 • 8:00 am – Pacific time (Vancouver time)
Description: In this session, you will learn about programs and supports available to help you settle and find meaningful employment in British Columbia, including an overview of WorkBC Employment Services, the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program, steps to access these services, and what to expect after registration.
Presenter: Vaneza Villaceran, WorkBC Catchment Manager; Vivian Rafla, Coordinator – Employment Programs -MOSAIC
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session: New Country, New Start: 9 Reasons Volunteering Helps Immigrants Succeed in Atlantic Canada
2025-09-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: September 18, 2025; 1pm AST
Description: Volunteering can help you settle successfully in Atlantic Canada. Through volunteering, you gain Canadian work experience, improve your English or French skills, build a network, understand Canadian culture and much more! Join us to learn about the benefits of volunteering, and where to find volunteer opportunities in Atlantic Canada.
Presenter: Debra Power, SOPA Atlantic Intake Counsellor
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

My City: Alberta - Edmonton with Careene McCallum
2025-09-15 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Regina)
Date & Time: September 15, 10 am MST.
Description: Are you new to Canada or considering Edmonton as your new home? Join us for My City Event: Edmonton, a special session designed to help newcomers and immigrants learn more about life in our city. This interactive session will cover: Community resources and opportunities in Edmonton, Navigating life in a new city (driving, weather, and more), Tips to make your settlement journey smoother Personal experiences from community members who now call Edmonton home.
Presenter: Careene McCallum: International Education Consultant, Digital Learning Coach and Computer Science Educator.
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Meet the Employer: Ontario - Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
2025-09-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 10th at 10 a.m. Eastern Time
Description: Working at RBC – Careers Panel and Story Telling. Join us at this SOPA employer event to learn more about the Canadian employer RBC. You will hear directly from experienced RBC branch managers and staff as they share insights about working at RBC, discuss their career journeys, and answer your questions live. Limited spots available, register now!
Presenter: RBC Staff
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session: Saskatchewan Daycare
2025-09-09 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Regina)
Date & Time: September 9, 2025 (9 am-10 am, Saskatchewan time zone)
Description: Join us for an informative session where the presenter will share details specific to childcare in Saskatchewan. This session will cover important topics such as the different types of child care available, age groups and the number of children in care, how to choose quality child care, tips on finding childcare services, the cost of regulated child care, and childcare options for LINC students.
Presenter: Marzieh Fathi- Community Childcare Liaison/School Counsellor
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session: Understanding AI in Recruitment: What Job Seekers Need to Know
2025-08-29 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: August 29th, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM (AT)
Description: In this session, you will gain essential knowledge about common technologies used by recruiters today, how these technologies influence hiring decisions, and what job seekers need to be aware of when applying.
Presenter: Liyana Johan (she/her) Customer Success & Education Manager at Jobscan.co
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Conversation Circle: IT Networking Event- Digital Nova Scotia
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: August 28th, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am AST
Description: This session will include a short presentation from Vimbayi Handara of Digital Nova Scotia, who will speak about programs and supports for newcomers in the ICT industry. There will also be time for discussion to share job search tips, industry insights, and helpful resources.
Presenter: Vimbayi Handara is a passionate advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the tech sector. As the Program Manager for Diversity & Inclusion at Digital Nova Scotia, she works closely with underrepresented groups, industry partners, and newcomers to ensure equitable access to opportunities in the province’s growing ICT ecosystem.
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

My City: Vancouver with Behzad Aeinevand
2025-08-28 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: August 28th, 2025 (08:00 am -09:00 am PST)
Description: A newcomer shares their journey settling in Vancouver, including tips, lessons, and local resources you can use, and build connections with other newcomers moving to Vancouver.
What to expect:

An overview of life in Vancouver from a newcomer’s perspective
Tips on housing, transportation, healthcare, and community services
Insights into schools, family life, and recreational activities

Presenter: Behzad Aeinevand, a proud graduate of the SOPA Pre-Arrival Program (British Columbia), now empowers future talents by teaching English and French in Vancouver. With a passion for language and teaching, he helps learners reach their academic goals and thrive in diverse classrooms.
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Employer Session– Ontario: Meet the Canadian Employer Keydata
2025-08-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: August 20th at 10 a.m. Eastern Time
Description: Join us at this SOPA employer event to learn more about the Canadian employer Keydata and careers in the IAM industry. Keydata will introduce the company and share more about the hiring process. Limited spots available, register now!
Presenter: Keydata staff
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session: IWS Programs and Services in Saskatchewan
2025-08-20 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: August 20th, 2025 (9 am-10 am, Saskatchewan time zone)
Description: International Women of Saskatoon (IWS) Inc is a non-for-profit settlement organization established to help improve the status of newcomers, immigrants, refugees and their families residing in Saskatoon and the area by assisting them to become full participating members in all aspects of Canadian Society. We also deliver limited services to clients residing in Regina, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and Lloydminster.
Presenter: Shahin, Assistant Program Manager, IWS Regina. Nomin, Provincial Program Manager, IWS Saskatoon
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Conversation Circle: Talking About The Weather - Small Talk Success in Canada's Work Places
2025-07-31 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: July 31st, 2025, 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Description: Let’s informally and casually discuss with one another what are our expectations for workplace conversations in Canada. Be ready to network, to talk about your past and current experiences, and how you expect them to compare with the future.
Presenter: Martin Blumrich- SOPA Facilitator specializing in Cultural Communication and Job Search Strategies, helping newcomers prepare for the Canadian workplace before arrival
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session: Information & Orientation Session- Understanding Healthcare in British Columbia - MSP
2025-07-25 08:00 - 09:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: July 25th, 2025 (08:00 am -09:00 am PST)
Description: Join us for an insightful webinar on “Healthcare in British Columbia” where we’ll explore the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in British Columbia (BC). Gain valuable insights into how MSP works, coverage eligibility, enrollment process, and important considerations for newcomers to BC.
Presenter: Anna Romaniuk – SOPA Employment Facilitator who helps pre-arrival clients with their professional job search goals
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session: The Halifax Public Libraries as a Settlement Resource – Nova Scotia
2025-07-24 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: July 24th, 2025, at 1 PM (EST)
Description: Halifax Public Libraries are cornerstones of your neighbourhood—bringing together learning, technology, creativity, and community for everyone, every day. “Libraries” means so much more than books. These dynamic community hubs seamlessly blend culture and connection, at no charge.
Presenter: Debra Power, SOPA Atlantic Intake Counsellor
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Foreign Credential Recognition: Navigating Credential Recognition & Career Advancement for Internationally Trained Professionals moving to BC, Alberta and Ontario
2025-07-22 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax)
Date and Time: Tue, July 22nd, 2025, 10 am – 11 am Mountain Time
Description: Join us for an informative and empowering webinar presented by Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society.
This session is designed to support internationally educated professionals on their journey to meaningful employment in Canada.
Presenter: Diksha Chopra, Career and Financial Counsellor, Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Program
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session: Dealing with Stress and Building Wellbeing in Canada
2025-07-17 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: July 17th, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM (AT)
Description: In this Information & Orientation session, you will gain essential knowledge regarding some of the most common stresses people experience when settling into a new country and some of the ways we can protect ourselves from the negative effects of stress.
Presenter: Sara Warkentin, Coordinator of the Newcomer Mental Health Program at Resilia Community Wellness Centre.
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session– Ontario: Discover Your New Home: Building Connections That Last in Ontario
2025-07-08 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 8th at 10 a.m. Eastern Time
Description: Join us to explore the vibrant community life around you—libraries, community centers, immigrant-serving organizations, and local events—where you can meet people, access helpful services, and get answers to your questions in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Presenter: Dragana Mrdjenovic is a dynamic leader based in Ottawa with strong expertise in project management, recruitment, and team development. She has significant experience working with settlement organizations.
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Employer Connection Session: Explore Career at Mars
2025-06-27 11:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: Fri, Jun 27, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Description: SOPA clients are invited to join a national virtual employer connection session with the Talent Recruitment Team at Mars. Mars Inc. is a global company known for its diverse portfolio of confectionery, pet care, and food products, including iconic brands like M&M’s, Snickers, Pedigree, and Uncle Ben’s. Get an inside look at the company’s hiring process, workplace culture, and career opportunities across various departments. Attendees will have an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into what Mars looks for in top talent and how to stand out as a candidate. You can explore their careers here: https://careers.mars.com/global/en
Presenter: Gordon Kufe, Senior Recruiter
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Sector-Specific Conversation Circle: Careers in Real Estate
2025-06-26 10:00 (America/Edmonton)
Date & Time: Thursday, June 26, 2025 10:00 AM (MT) | 12:00 PM (ET)
Description: Interested in a career as a Real Estate Agent in Canada? Join SOPA Alberta’s upcoming Sector Specific Conversation Circle—a virtual event designed to help you build confidence, network, and learn from industry professionals.
Presenter: Ebru Tutkuner, Real Estate Agent at Royal LePage Benchmark, Calgary Ebru will share her inspiring journey from ESL teacher to real estate agent, with practical tips on how to enter this exciting field.
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session – Ontario: Post-arrival Mentorship Program in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) with the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership
2025-06-25 10:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: Wednesday, June 25th at 10 a.m. Eastern Time
Description: Join us to learn how a mentor with a similar professional background can support your job search and help you succeed in Canada. Attending this information session is mandatory before proceeding with the next steps in the registration process for the post-arrival mentorship program in the GTA.
Presenter: Maggie is an experienced mentoring coach at Humber Polytechnic’s Community Outreach & Workforce Development team.
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Employer Connection Session: Explore Career at Staples
2025-06-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: Fri, Jun 20, 2025 1:00 PM – 2:00 Eastern Time
Description: SOPA clients are invited to join a national virtual employer connection session with the Staples’ Talent Recruitment Team. Get an inside look at the company’s hiring process, workplace culture, and career opportunities across various departments. Attendees will have an opportunity to gain firsthand insights into what Staples looks for in top talent and how to stand out as a candidate.
Presenter: Valerie Kogan, Talent Manager and Sumeet Nihalani, Talent Acquisition Specialist
Contact person for this event: Elmira Alim, elmira@ottawa-worldskills.org
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session: Banking in Canada
2025-06-19 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
Date & Time: 19 June 2025 + 1:00-2:00 PM (AT)
Description: In this session, you will gain essential knowledge to help you navigate the Canadian banking system with confidence. Topics include:

Understanding the basics of the Canadian banking system
The difference between debit and credit, checking and savings accounts
The importance of building and maintaining a good credit history

Presenter: Liliane Saad, Branch Manager and Advisor with the Atlantic Newcomer Specialist Team at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Information Session: Career Transition Support in Alberta
2025-06-13 10:00 (America/Edmonton)
Date & Time: June 13, 10 am (MST)
Description: Considering a career change or fresh start in Alberta? This webinar will cover the value of upskilling, compare microcredentials and academic degrees, and offer strategies for navigating career transitions. Perfect for newcomers and professionals looking to pivot in Alberta’s evolving job market.
Presenter: Svetlana Miftahov-Rapoport, M.Ed, CPHR
Svetlana Miftahov-Rapoport is an educator, HR professional, and relationship builder dedicated to serving others through teaching, volunteering, and public speaking.
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.

Conversation Circle
2025-05-29 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Halifax)
Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) is facilitating conversations for our clients to gain confidence in building their job search skills through various topics including: cultural communications, networking, motivation, navigating your career during a pandemic, and so much more.
This is a 90-minute virtual event that includes an informational presentation and the opportunity to connect through engaging discussions in breakout rooms. Our conversation circle is an informal event with a relaxed atmosphere which will help you network in a safe, private, and friendly environment!
*To register, email us: info@arriveprepared.ca. If you are not yet a SOPA client, please register as a new client to get employment support.
