Many newcomers arrive in Canada with very little knowledge of Canadian financial practices. To help address this situation and invite these new residents to participate in daily life, the Newcomer Welcome Center will be hosting a financial workshop this February.
Taking place through four separate classes, the workshop will start on Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. Two of these courses will be taught by Robyn Watson on Feb. 1 and Feb. 8, followed by two further courses taught by Abdul-Lateef Alabi on Feb. 22 and Feb. 29. Each respective date will have a 10 a.m. and a 5 p.m. intake to accommodate everyone’s busy schedule. Advanced registration is a must.
Watson is the organization’s employment readiness co-ordinator. She pointed out that money is seen differently in various parts of the world, and that the Canadian perspective is not universal. Many new residents can get confused as they begin to live and work in an entirely new system.
“Sometimes it’s the very first time we’ve actually had the chance to (show) some of these individuals how to budget their money or how to have their own money. How do you take care of yourself (and) pay your bills? How do you actually establish credit? How do you actually save money for a rainy day? …How much money should I have in the bank as a backup?”
In Watson’s portion of the workshop, she will cover earnings, understanding your paycheck, and budgeting on Feb. 1, followed by a discussion of borrowing and debt servicing on Feb. 8.
When Alabi continues the program, he will discuss interest, debt management, and budgeting on Feb. 22, followed by credit, savings, and financial goals on Feb. 29.
The course is only open to permanent residents, individuals with open work permits, or with closed work or study permits. To enrol in the course, everyone must present their ICT (Immigration and Career Training) documentation obtained by registering with the Newcomer Welcome Centre. These documents are used to register for programs such as this and for reporting purposes.
The course is taught in-house, and it’s important to note that it only holds value on a personal level. Still, Watson explained that the course is valuable.
“When we’re students, especially Sask. Polytech students, or even a refugee as a permanent resident, we live on limited funds. How can we actually manage with very little and live comfortably, and still be okay?”
After completing all four classes within the workshop, participants will receive a certificate of completion. This certificate holds no academic weight but can be used on a resume.
Watson also pointed out that any new members of the community who have ongoing financial questions are welcome to call or stop by the Newcomer Welcome Centre during regular business hours to seek advice. This is a resource that remains open to the community on an ongoing basis.
“Sometimes, money is a scary topic, and we don’t know how to ask these questions. Hopefully this will take some of the fear out of it. Knowledge is the way to get out of fear in my opinion. If they have the knowledge, then maybe they won’t be so afraid to reach out to that bank (and ask for information),” Watson said.
The Newcomer Welcome Centre is located at 432 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-692-5892.
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