Free events to feature expert speakers, resumé clinics and access to local services
Newcomers to Canada seeking guidance on building careers, continuing education and settling into their communities will find a wealth of support and opportunity at the 2025 Canadian Immigrant Fair, returning this spring to both Halifax and Toronto.
Organized by Canadian Immigrant magazine, the fair is a free, one-stop expo for immigrants at all stages of their journey. With a focus on the three pillars of immigrant success — careers, education and settlement — the event connects attendees with employers, recruiters, educational institutions, government agencies and immigrant-serving organizations.
The Halifax edition of the fair will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Now in its sixth year in Halifax, the event continues to grow in size and scope, offering something for everyone — whether newcomers are job hunting, exploring post-secondary programs, or looking to expand their networks.
One of the highlights of the Halifax fair is the engaging Speakers’ Series. Colleen Belle, co-ordinator of the Welcoming Communities program at the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), will lead an interactive session titled From Arrival to Belonging: How to Build Your Support Network. Taking place from 11:30 a.m. to noon, the session will explore what belonging looks like in a newcomer’s journey and offer strategies for building inclusive, supportive communities in Nova Scotia.
Belle, who holds a master’s degree in cross-cultural communication and international relations from the U.K., brings deep expertise in intercultural equity, diversity and inclusion training. As part of ISANS’ Communities Integration Services team, she regularly facilitates workshops and participates in working groups to dismantle systemic barriers faced by immigrants and racialized communities.
In addition to the speaker session, Halifax attendees can visit the popular Resumé Clinic, which runs throughout the day in the tradeshow hall. There, employment counsellors will offer free one-on-one guidance to help newcomers fine-tune their resumés and enhance their job search strategies.
Meanwhile, the Toronto edition of the Canadian Immigrant Fair is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, located at 255 Front St. W. Like its Halifax counterpart, the Toronto fair will feature a tradeshow of exhibitors offering information and support on job opportunities, education options and community services.
Admission is free to both events, and newcomers are encouraged to attend with resumés in hand, ready to connect with local employers and service providers. Whether you’re a newly arrived permanent resident, an international student nearing graduation, or a long-time immigrant looking for a new direction, the Canadian Immigrant Fair offers something valuable.
Speaker announcements for the Toronto event will be released soon. Anyone interested in becoming a speaker or exhibitor is invited to contact the organizing team at info@canadianimmigrant.ca.
For more information, visit canadianimmigrant.ca/careerfair.
