I spent a recent afternoon in conversation with a few friends and acquaintances about Canada’s changing attitude towards im/migrants and refugees-decreasing support and open xenophobia; the decreasing support for Pride and other queer initiatives nationally and locally especially from corporate Canada; and the increasingly vocal debates happening in feminist spaces on transgender rights.
La campagne du Centre francophone du Grand Toronto (CFGT), “Voix francophones en actions” met de l’avant des témoignages authentiques illustrant l’impact des services du CFGT dans la vie des personnes et familles qui y ont eu recours. À travers des visuels forts et des messages sensibles et rassembleurs, le CFGT souhaite briser l’isolement, favoriser l’accès aux services essentiels, et réaffirmer le droit de chaque francophone à se sentir accueilli, soutenu et représenté.
The Centre Francophone of Greater Toronto (CFGT) campaign “Francophone Voices in Action” showcases authentic testimonials that reflect the real impact of its services on the lives of individuals and families who have turned to the Centre. Through powerful visuals and thoughtful, inclusive messaging, CFGT aims to break isolation, promote access to essential services, and reaffirm every Francophone’s right to feel welcomed, supported, and represented.
Shaping Equity in Ontario’s Immigrant and Refugee Services Sector. Participate in the 2025 OCASI Compensation and Benefits Survey! This important initiative seeks to gather up-to-date insights on compensation trends across Ontario’s not-for-profit immigrant and refugee-serving sector, specifically for organizations dedicated to serving immigrants and refugees. Deadline: Friday, July 18, 2025.
Sondage 2025 d’OCASI sur la rémunération et les avantages sociaux
Favoriser l’équité dans le secteur ontarien des services aux immigrants et réfugiés. Participez au sondage 2025 sur la rémunération et les avantages sociaux d’OCASI ! Cette initiative importante vise à recueillir des données actuelles sur les tendances en matière de rémunération dans le secteur sans but lucratif de l’Ontario, en particulier au sein des organismes œuvrant auprès des immigrants et des réfugiés. Date limite : vendredi 18 juillet 2025.
The Newcomer Donation Network (NDN) website connects people who wish to donate to help their communities with local agencies and, through them, with newcomers in need. We are currently accepting donation offers of temporary housing for newcomers in need.
Le site web du Réseau de Dons pour les Nouveaux Arrivants (RDNA) met en relation les particuliers qui souhaitent faire des dons pour aider leurs communautés, avec les organismes communautaires et, à travers elles, les personnes nouvellement arrivées dans le besoin. Actuellement, nous acceptons les propositions d’offres de logements temporaires pour les personnes nouvellement arrivées dans le besoin.
Unlock Your Agency's Potential with the OCASI Client Management System (OCMS)!
OCMS is a cloud-based data management system that streamlines client services and saves time for workers and clients alike. It was developed by and for the immigrant and refugee-serving sector and is known for its high quality and responsive service. To join our growing list of clients, contact us at ocmssupport@ocasi.org
SECTOR HAPPENINGS
Participate In A Research Study: Paid Sick Days For Workers
A research team lead by Dr. Monika Dutt, McMaster University, is looking for participants for a study about the impact of having/not having legislated paid sick days on workers. There is a draw for a $50 electronic gift card to a retailer of the participant’s choice. For more information, and recruitment notice in English, Spanish, Punjabi, and Tagalog contact sickdays@mcmaster.ca.
Toronto Police Public Advisory: Impersonation of Community Support Organizations
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) is making the public aware of scammers impersonating community support organizations. Complaints are being received involving scammers who are impersonating community outreach organizations and legal services designed to support new immigrants, with a particular focus on targeting members of the Chinese community. TPS urges everyone, especially newcomers to Canada, to remain vigilant.
Apply To Be A Director - College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada is seeking applicants for the Board of Directors of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. The purpose of the College is to regulate immigration and citizenship consultants in the public interest and protect the public. Closing date July 25, 2025.
CLEO has released a new set of plain-language tipsheets to help workers and their clients understand how to prepare for a refugee hearing. These practical resources include steps for gathering evidence, what to expect during the hearing, and how to navigate next steps after a decision is made.
“I Belong You Belong” - CCMW National Employment Conference
Canadian Council for Muslim Women (CCMW) is holding a two-day hybrid conference on November 6-7, 2025 in Toronto. The event aims to foster equitable and inclusive work environments for Canadian Muslim and racialized women. Join employers, community workers, researchers, advocates, and policy leaders for plenaries, workshops and networking. Early bird registration is open.
Survey Design for Everyone: Collecting and Managing Participant Data
Practical and beginner-friendly workshop, presented by Canadian nonprofit, LogicalOutcomes, focused on building strong surveys and managing participant data with confidence—no tech skills needed! Ideal for anyone involved in program delivery, evaluation, or outreach, this session will help you gather meaningful feedback and make informed decisions using simple and accessible tools. July 17, 2025 from 1:30 PM–3:00PM EST.
Immigration and housing prices across municipalities in Canada
This study uses census data to analyze the relationship between new immigrants and housing prices in Canada from 2006 to 2021. Over the study period there was a rise in house values and monthly rental rates, with variation with time and by region. A joint research report by Statistics Canada and IRCC, published online June 20, 2025.
New Report: Unlocking the Potential of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
Future Skills Centre has released findings from its Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) initiative, highlighting innovative models that connect learners—especially equity-deserving groups—to meaningful employment pathways. The report explores how tailored WIL approaches can bridge education and work, reduce systemic barriers, and support a more inclusive workforce.
Transforming Seniors’ Care—A Roadmap for Creating Healthy Ageing Community Hubs in Ontario
This policy paper from the Ontario Community Support Association identifies six key policy recommendations: integrated and flexible funding, expansion of existing models, streamlined regulation, digital health integration, empowered local leadership, and province-wide service mapping. These hubs are already demonstrating improved outcomes—from reduced hospital use to higher client satisfaction—but scaling them requires system-level action.
Charity Insights Canada Project New data from the Charity Insights Canada Project shows that more than a quarter of charities report that less than 10% of their overall funding is unrestricted, including 7% who have no unrestricted funding at all.
What coverage do charities carry — and can they afford it? Insurance is a critical safeguard for charities, but how accessible and affordable is it? A new survey by Charity Insights Canada Project explores what kinds of coverage organizations rely on, what barriers they face, and how confident they feel in their current insurance plans.
Love and Belonging: How Immigrants Find Romantic Partners in Canada
For newcomers, building romantic relationships can be uniquely complex. How do immigrants find love in a new country? In a new research brief, Prof. Yue Qian, Professor of Sociology, Centre for Migration Studies, University of British Columbia, reveals the potential of online dating platforms to facilitate interactions and cultural exchanges between immigrants and Canadian-born individuals.
Seed Grant: Build capacity and prepare for future programming
Community investment opportunity for nonprofits, municipalities, and First Nations. Organizations can apply for funding to carry out projects focused on piloting a new program, conducting organizational planning, and building capacity to prepare for future programming. Grant application period: July 23 to August 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST.
2025 Creative Communities Projects—Toronto Arts Council
The Toronto Arts Council is offering funding through the 2025 Creative Communities Projects grants. This initiative supports projects that use arts and culture to enhance community engagement and address social issues. The program encourages projects that involve diverse groups and aim to make a positive impact on the local community. Deadline to apply: August 5, 2025.
Are you an organization with a passion for positive change and building a more sustainable future for Ontario? If so, we want to hear from you! Apply now for a Province-wide Empowerment Grant and be a partner in our mission to power progress through meaningful partnerships and transformative projects. Deadline: November 15, 2025.
The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF)’s National Anti-Racism Fund (NARF) is currently accepting applications from organizations who are leading anti-racism projects across Canada in 2025-2026. Projects must be implemented between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. Submit an Expression of Interest before August 29, 2025.
Le Fonds national de lutte contre le racisme (FNCLR) de la Fondation canadienne des relations raciales (FCRR) accepte actuellement les demandes d'organismes qui mènent des projets de lutte contre le racisme au Canada en 2025-2026. Ces projets doivent être mis en œuvre entre le 1er avril 2026 et le 31 mars 2027. Soumettez une déclaration d’intérêt avant le 29 août 2025.
Ontario Community Changemakers is a multi-generational leadership and micro-grant program for people with bold ideas to activate public space, enhance civic engagement, and foster social inclusion in their communities. Applications for the 2025 – 2026 program are now open. The deadline is 5:00 PM (EDT) on August 25, 2025.
Voix francophones en actions
