Dear Team BlackMigrantGirl Blog,
I am eager about celebrating my black sisters and brothers who have migrated on their own terms from wrongly perceived ‘third world’ countries to Canada. This newly introduced guest feature will on a month to month basis share the inspiring stories of these everyday people. Their courage in leaving all that they know behind and their drive to begin all over again, in a new country; new region is worth celebrating.
This 1st guest feature is by Miss P. She was introduced to me by a mutual Nigerian friend, and she arrived in Canada in May 2018. I have written about her previously- here and here. As fellow JJCs (Johnny Just Come) in Ontario, we have gone on picnics together and eaten a lot of badly cooked Jollof rice. Miss P went through a really tough time renting a place in the GTA. She eventually had to pay for 4 month’s advance rent (which is an illegal practice perpetuated by home owners) to secure a place.
She writes about it below…
1. Introduce yourself in an artistic way (You can choose to give your government name or not)
For the purpose of this blog post, I shall be masking my government name. But you can refer to me as ……….. Miss P.
I enjoy good food, great company, love, and laughter because simple pleasures rule :). Love my mum to a fault. Trust me, she’s the best thing to happen to me.
2. When did the idea of moving to Canada first strike you?
So I did not learn about migrating to Canada until April 2017, and I was not entirely open to the idea until after about 6 months after – October 2017 precisely.
3. What method did you arrive in Canada? (Student, PR, Canadian Citizen by birth, Refugee, other)
Came in through the Federal Skilled Workers Program, as a Permanent Resident.
4. How did you decide on the city you finally settled in?
It’s not possible to incorporate all of your desires into one place – this is an unavoidable fact of life. They have to be a few trade-offs, which might be agonizing to decide between. However, some of the factors which ranked high on my priority list were:
- Employment Opportunities: From my research, there are a number of manufacturing companies in GTA (Greater Toronto Area). So it was almost impossible that I settle elsewhere
- Transportation: Access to public transportation was a big deal for me, at least until I am able to get the appropriate driver’s license and afford a car.
- Nearness to amenities: You’d be surprised at how life might become slightly difficult if you can’t get groceries in a timely manner. Proximity to stores was key for me.
- Crime Rate: In today’s world, crime is inevitable, sadly. However, some places are safer than others. With every house viewing, I went for, I had to check out the crime rates in those locations.
5. Did you continue in the same profession here that you practiced in your home country?
So Engineering is a licensed profession here in Canada, and it takes a minimum of 4 years to be a fully licensed Engineer. It is my wish to continue with Engineering, however, I am open to exploring any other field that might spark my interest in the interim.
6. What mistakes have you made while on this journey?
Depositing all my USD in the bank. I have learned that there are a few companies that offer better exchange rates out there. Secondly, my bank gave me a credit card monthly limit of $500, which is like the lowest offer out there 🙁
7. What are you most thankful for in your journey?
I am thankful first off, for the opportunity to have a fresh start in life. Thankful to all who made this big move possible, and for the beautiful friendships I have made thus far.
Also, I have been able to rent a house after 2 months of The Ultimate search. This wasn’t easy in any way, as a number of landlords don’t want to transact business with you once they learn you’re a newcomer.
8. #OtherThingsNoOneTellsYouWhenYouRelocate?
Relocating is a BIG move you make only when you are ready for it – physically, mentally and emotionally. I mean, I took pride in the seemingly vast research I did before arriving in Canada. But I can tell you clearly that there are a number of things that nobody or the internet tells you. In Canada, everything is tied to everything. You can’t open a bank account if you don’t have a proof of address. You can’t rent a place if you don’t have an employment letter or a credit report. Which is the one thing I want to touch on – CREDIT REPORT. I cringe upon hearing those words. I have heard them more times than I bargained for. I am well aware that Canada operates a credit based system, but then it is almost IMPOSSIBLE for a new immigrant to have a credit history. It takes between 6-12 months to build. I would have thought that there might be some caveat for new immigrants in this regard. I really hope somehow there is and it’s just me who has not found this out because it can get a bit frustrating when you’re asked to provide something you do not have.
9. Knowing what you know now, would you still relocate to Canada? Why?
Yes, I will. I say this because I am here for better opportunities, which I have not lost sight of, regardless of the obstacles along the way.
10. Sign Out 🙂
I am so cool, Akata allowed me to post this without signing out 🙂
11 comments
Best feature to introduce.
My Questions
1. How did you finally get to rent a place, with all those requirements
2. Is the life in Canada worth the decision to move
3. In GTA what is the minimum, on rent
Hi Fure, thank you for your contributing questions. Miss P answered your second question in the feature. Regarding your 1st & 3rd questions I answered in part when I wrote about my rent experience. The idea of the feature is to open your eyes to the challenges you should focus on when relocating here. No one can answer all the questions you possibly have. This is why I would advise you continue your own research online. Also, no two stories are alike. Keep striving!
Nice.. it’s really a big step though , the thought of been away from my mum scares me.. it’s different when you know she just a couple of hours away . But it is for a greater course
It sure is DDD. Also, we need to understand that there is a system of doing things here in Canada. One has to learn about it through and get used to it.
I mean, this is really why we’re here, right? I love this blog because it’s very hands-on. No sugar-coating an experience or explaining things from years of experience. It’s live and direct as it’s being experienced so many of us can really understand how it really happens on the streets.
This guest feature segment is going to be one of the best parts of the blog. Great idea!
Nice to finally hear from Miss P. Aluta Continual is our shout always. You guys keep plugging on and keep giving others hope that a better life’s a possibility and relocation might well be worth it in the end.
Enjoy the rest of the week.
Thank you so much. I’m really glad you enjoy reading the blog and also you get it. Sugar coating things or having unrealistic expectations is sure to back fire here. I do hope anyone making the journey knows what they are getting themselves into. Thank you for your support and please keep spreading the word
This was a great feature. Can’t wait to read interesting stories from other people. Great job Akata.
Thank you Lady S ??
Nice addiction!
It is nice hearing other immigrants journeys too.
How have you been?
Thank you Tamie for reading and leaving a comment. I’ve been swell, thank you
[…] me still. Fun fact- Nanya is siblings with Miss P who was the very first guest feature here. For what this feature does not possess length wise, it definitely compensates for, in pidgin […]