Supporting newcomers in Canada: Our partnership with Desjardins Financial Group

For generations, newcomers have arrived in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) full of hope, determination, and dreams for the future. At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we support newcomers as they build their new lives — helping them find information, make meaningful connections, and feel at home.

We are proud to do this work in partnership with Desjardins Financial Group, a financial co-operative and long‑time Y supporter.

A partnership rooted in shared values

Desjardins has been a trusted partner of the Y for many years. They support programs that help young people grow their financial literacy and train YMCA employees to deliver money skills workshops. YMCA employees then offer these workshops to young people across the GTA through a program called Personal Finance: I’m in Charge®. 

Desjardins has also helped the Y create a youth entrepreneurship program across Canada. This work shows their long‑term commitment to uplifting communities. 

To recognize this long‑term support, the Y welcomed Desjardins into its City Builders group. This celebrated circle of donors is honoured annually for helping the Y create welcoming programs and spaces for everyone. 

Today, this partnership continues to grow, assisting newcomers during an important time in their lives in Canada.

Supporting newcomers as they build their lives in Canada

Starting over in a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming. Newcomers often face unfamiliar financial, professional, and social systems while working to create stability for themselves and their families.

Together, the Y and Desjardins are introducing two new programs to help newcomers learn, connect, and build confidence: 

• Networking Events for Newcomers 
• Workshops To Understand the Financial System in Canada

These programs are based on a simple idea: when people have clear information, trusted support, and strong relationships, they can succeed.

Making connections easier: Networking Events for newcomers

Professional networks can help people find jobs and opportunities. For many newcomers, however, building these connections in Canada can be challenging.

To help, the Y and Desjardins will host two interactive networking events each year at Desjardins’ downtown Toronto office. Each event will welcome up to 100 newcomers and immigrant professionals to learn, connect, and support their career growth in Canada.

The first event, Building Your Future in Canada: Newcomers Networking Event, will take place on June 2, 2026. Newcomers will:

• Meet professionals from a range of industries
• Hear stories from immigrants who have built careers in Canada
• Learn practical tips for networking 
• Build confidence and new professional connections

These events are more than just networking. They are welcoming spaces where participants can feel supported and encouraged.

Building financial knowledge with confidence

Understanding how the Canadian financial system works is an important part of settling in a new country. Newcomers make many financial decisions, from opening bank accounts to planning for the future. Without clear information, this can feel overwhelming.

Through this partnership, Desjardins will offer free banking and financial workshops, available both online and in person, through the Y’s Newcomer Information Centre and the Next Stop Canada pre‑arrival program.

In-person workshops are offered year‑round at YMCA Newcomer Information Centre locations in North York, Downtown Toronto, and Scarborough. These sessions are practical, easy to follow, and focus on the questions newcomers ask most often.

Workshop topics include:

• Daily banking in Canada
• Understanding credit, savings, and registered plans, such as:
  • RRSPs (retirement savings)
  • RESPs (education savings)
  • FHSAs (first home savings)
• Buying your first home in Canada
• Fraud awareness and financial protection
• Basics of insurance, including car, home, and life coverage

For those preparing to come to Canada, Next Stop Canada offers these workshops online to help people feel informed and ready before they arrive.

A shared commitment to welcoming communities

At its core, this partnership is about more than programs. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, dignity, and opportunity.

By combining the Y’s experience in newcomer services with Desjardins’ leadership in financial education and inclusion, we help newcomers feel more confident, connected, and empowered as they begin this important chapter.

We are grateful to Desjardins for their ongoing partnership, generosity, and trust in the potential of every newcomer who calls the GTA home.

Together, we’re building communities where everyone has the tools and support they need to thrive.

Learn more

To find out more, sign up for banking and financial workshops and webinars organized with  YMCA Newcomer Information Centres, or join pre-arrival information sessions with Next Stop Canada. 

In-person workshops are taking place at Newcomer Information Centres in North York, Downtown Toronto, or Scarborough. 

Register for the Building Your Future in Canada: Newcomers Networking Event, taking place on June 2, 2026.