New Canadians making new connections. Abdaallah Siidi has just arrived in London, Ont. from Morocco last week. “I’m just a tens day in Canada,” said Siidi. He is here looking for a new life and hoping to land a job using his background in carpentry and urban planning. “I am looking for I am the new opportunities, and I am looking for my integration in Canada,” added Siidi. “I think this day is very good for me for a newcomer like me.” The City of London has rolled out the welcome mat with a one-stop shop to discover everything they have to offer from jobs, to transit and services. “Today is a great opportunity for somebody who’s new to the city, whether you be from somewhere else in Ontario or from around the world, to come and discover what London has to offer,” said Robert Collins, co-chair of the London Newcomer Strategy Advisory Body “What are those services that can help you feel really welcome? Whether it be in employment, whether it be in recreation, whether it be the school boards, they’re all here. It’s really important for us to make sure that we are making sure that people do understand how things work, and then to be able to actually make that difference for themselves and their families.” Newcomers at the event were able to connect with more than 50 service clubs and organizations. “We’ve already had some great conversations with people who have been here anywhere from one year to ten days,” said Mike Sherlock, president of Knighthunter.com “We’re helping employers promote the opportunities that they have and then we’re also hoping that candidates are going to go to our site and apply directly to the employment opportunities that we have there.” As families settle in London, the event is intended to help them connect, thrive and seek employment. “I got some emails and business cards,” said Mohammed Rajah, who came to London from Syria in the past year. “I will contact them later when I go back home. I’m looking for new opportunities for me and my wife and making connections here.”
