(Photo by National Park Service via Rawpixel/CC 1.0 DEED)
Note: Portions of the included interview have been edited for brevity and clarity.
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Canada welcomed just under 500,000 immigrants in 2023, with 234,758 of them—nearly half—identified as men. To better understand the unique challenges they face when integrating, I sought an interview with a newcomer man. Through my Spheres of Influence colleague, I was able to converse with Bilal, who moved to Canada from the Middle East a decade ago.
How old are you? What do you do for a living? Do you have a family in Canada?
I am 33 years old. I have a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in engineering. I currently work as a production manager. I don’t have family in Canada.
When and why did you move to Canada?
I moved to Canada in 2015, shortly after graduating from university in Jordan. My main motivation was to pursue a master’s degree in engineering. Canada offered a high standard of education and opportunities to grow both academically and professionally. I saw it as a place where I could expand my knowledge, gain international experience, and build a career in a supportive and innovative environment. Over time, as I became more integrated into Canadian society and built a life here, I decided to stay and continue my career after graduation.
As an immigrant man coming to Canada, what did you expect, and what was your reality?
Before coming to Canada, I expected a multicultural and open society where I could study, work, and build a better life. I was also prepared for some challenges, such as adjusting to a new environment, weather, and possibly facing cultural differences. My expectations about Canada being diverse and inclusive turned out to be true, especially in a city like Vancouver, where you meet people from all over the world.
However, reality also came with its own set of challenges—like being far from family, navigating the immigration process, and adapting to a different work culture. But overall, the experience was positive. I appreciate how Canadian society respects different cultures, especially at work and in professional settings.
What have been your experiences with the cost of living and housing in Canada?
The cost of living and housing in Canada has definitely been one of the more challenging aspects of settling here. When I first arrived as a student in 2015, things were relatively manageable, especially since I was living on a limited student budget and in shared accommodations.
However, over the years, I’ve noticed a sharp increase in the cost of living—especially housing. Now, as someone who is married and building a life here, the rising cost of rent and home ownership has become a serious concern. It’s difficult to find affordable housing, even for people with stable, full-time jobs. Other living costs like groceries and transportation have also increased. Overall, while Canada offers many opportunities, the high cost of living and housing definitely adds stress.
In your country of origin, what are some expectations of you as a man? Since your arrival in Canada, have these expectations changed? How have these expectations changed?
In my culture, as in many other cultures, there are traditional expectations placed on men—being the primary provider, protector of the family, and someone who upholds the family’s reputation. There’s often an expectation to be strong, emotionally reserved, and not openly show vulnerability.
Since moving to Canada, I’ve noticed a shift in how masculinity is perceived. There’s more openness around men expressing their emotions and seeking support. While my core values have not changed, living in Canada has helped me understand that being a man doesn’t have to mean being emotionally distant or solely focused on work. It’s more accepted here to speak about mental health and to be vulnerable, which has influenced how I approach my own well-being and relationships, especially now as a husband.
What has been easier and more difficult in Canada as a man?
One of the easiest and most positive aspects of living in Canada has been the diversity and inclusion. The multicultural environment makes it easier to integrate, especially as someone coming from a different cultural and religious background. I found that people are generally respectful and open-minded, which helped me feel comfortable being myself without needing to compromise my values. This inclusive atmosphere made settling in much smoother than I expected.
On the other hand, one of the more difficult challenges was starting from scratch, alone, without the direct support of family that exists back home. Coming to a new country on your own means you have to build everything—social network, professional life, and emotional support—completely from the ground up. That can be overwhelming at times, especially when my extended family is not nearby.
Another major difficulty was finding a job after graduation. I found that many employers put a high value on “Canadian experience,” which can be frustrating for newcomers who have strong educational backgrounds and international experience but are still seen as less qualified simply because they are new to the country. That was a real barrier early on in my journey.
How do you feel you are perceived as an immigrant man in Canada, and how has that impacted you?
Overall, I feel that I’ve been perceived in a positive and respectful manner. I’ve never felt that I was seen through a lens of stereotype or judged based on where I come from. In both academic and professional settings, people have treated me based on my qualifications, character, and contributions, rather than making assumptions about my background.
This respectful attitude has helped me feel accepted and confident in building my life here. It made it easier to focus on my goals without feeling the need to constantly explain or defend my identity. I’ve found that people are often curious and open to learning about different cultures, which has created opportunities for meaningful conversations and connections.
Have you ever been interested in seeking mental health care?
No, I have never thought of seeking mental health care. Every time I felt that I needed emotional support or was going through a difficult time, I turned to my parents. They were always available to talk and offered comfort, advice, and guidance, even from afar. Their support played a major role in helping me manage stress and stay grounded.
In addition to that, my connection to God and regular prayer have been a strong source of inner strength. My faith has always helped me cope during challenging moments and reminded me to stay patient and hopeful, even when life felt overwhelming.
What are some of the stressors in your life that could have led you to consider mental healthcare, or that would lead you to seek it out?
Some of the major stressors I’ve faced include being far from my family and support system back home, navigating the immigration and residency process, adapting to a new work culture, and getting a career started in a new country. These kinds of stress can sometimes build up.
Also, the feeling of being isolated or different due to cultural or religious background can be emotionally challenging. These challenges are manageable, but they’ve made me reflect on the importance of mental well-being and the value of seeking help if needed.
Do you ever discuss mental health with people close to you, such as your friends and family?
In my culture, mental health is not always openly talked about explicitly, especially among men. But with time, and especially after living in Canada, I’ve found that I can talk to my close family and friends about stress, anxiety, or personal struggles. These conversations are not always deep, but even acknowledging that stress or emotional struggles helps a lot in overcoming these challenges.
How are you finding support in Canada, and how are you constructing your new life in Canada?
Support in Canada comes in different forms. Professionally, I’ve had good experiences with colleagues and mentors who helped me navigate the work environment. Socially, building a strong circle of friends has been important. Since getting married, my wife has been a great source of support, and we’re building our life together here. Constructing a life here isn’t just about surviving—it’s about gradually creating stability and a future.
And for my final question, what advice do you have for men who immigrate to Canada, and what changes to the immigration system would you like to see in the future?
My advice for men immigrating to Canada is to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for a fresh start. It’s not just about moving to a new country—it’s about rebuilding your entire life, often without the support systems you had back home. You must be patient, persistent and flexible. Don’t get discouraged by initial setbacks, especially when it comes to finding work. Stay connected to your values and faith—they can keep you grounded through difficult times.
As for the immigration system, I believe it could better support newcomers by recognizing international qualifications and experience more fairly. Many skilled immigrants arrive with strong credentials but are held back because their experience isn’t considered “Canadian.” More bridging programs or mentorship opportunities could help newcomers integrate into the workforce more quickly and with greater confidence.
Preparing for a Fresh Start
Bilal articulates the challenges he faced upon coming to Canada, such as the rising cost of living and housing, finding a job while lacking “Canadian experience”, having to create a whole new support network for himself, and dealing with stress far away from family.
One key commonality Bilal has with many immigrants who come to Canada is the hesitance towards mental health. While mental health stigma has decreased in Canada, it still remains high. One report found that around 60% of people facing mental health challenges won’t seek help for fear of being labelled, and this is pronounced in many immigrant communities. While many immigrants report experiencing stress, they often focus on “more immediate needs”, such as housing and employment.
The increased stigma surrounding mental health also leads to immigrants not considering or actively avoiding mental healthcare. While Bilal stated that he never considered getting mental healthcare, he did also state how facing his challenges in Canada has opened his mind towards mental healthcare. Bilal’s evolution in healthcare could signify a growing shift regarding mental health in Canada, or it could just reflect his own unique experience. Regardless, it is always positive when someone prioritizes their mental health and well-being.
Despite the challenges he’s faced, he also lists a multitude of positives in his Canadian experience. He spoke about how Canadian society’s openness and diversity allowed him to be his authentic self without compromising his core values. That openness and diversity have allowed him to form meaningful connections and engage in conversations with others. Many immigrants to Canada state that the connections they make with people when integrating are “beautiful”. While Bilal’s experience is unique, it shares many similarities with the experiences of other people who have made Canada their home.
Edited by Gustavo Villela
