Language barriers, employment obstacles, and immigration red tape are more than bureaucratic hurdles. They’re daily realities that shape the health and well-being of newcomers to Canada. Despite arriving with professional credentials, resilience, and hope, many immigrants and refugees find themselves navigating a system that wasn’t built with their challenges in mind. Access to essential services is often tied to one’s immigration status, language fluency, or ability to pay, leaving thousands in precarious situations. For undocumented individuals, even basic support becomes a maze of uncertainty, isolation, and fear. 

In this episode of Canadian Health Equity, host Maggie John sits down with Liezl and Patria, two registered social workers at the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Healthcare, who bring both lived experiences and frontline insights to the conversation. Drawing from their own journeys as immigrants from the Philippines and their professional roles, they share how the Centre is helping clients not only access healthcare but also rebuild their lives with dignity. 

From bridging programs to employment counselling, mentoring, and volunteer opportunities, Liezl and Patria work to address the deep social needs that traditional healthcare systems often overlook. Their stories highlight how trust, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy can turn a clinic visit into the first step toward healing and belonging.

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This podcast was brought to you by the Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigrant Healthcare, located in Scarborough, Ontario. This series is produced by Lead Podcasting in partnership with Change Made Studios.

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For more information on the Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigrant Healthcare, visit https://www.healthequity.ca