In this episode, we bring another installment in the occasional series where leaders at Scotiabank interview experts on an issue that resonates with them. Today, you'll hear a conversation about economic resilience for newcomers to Canada hosted by Scotiabank’s Group Head of Canadian Banking, Dan Rees, with the CEO of charity Windmill Microlending, Claudia Hepburn. They talk about what newcomers to Canada need to be successful, the roles employment and housing play, some surprising stats on re-accreditation and much more. 

Other episodes of the Leadership Series: The power of allyship in the workplace 

Read more about how Windmill Microlending helps newcomers to obtain accreditation and training to work in their field.  

Key moments this episode: 

1:40 — What Claudia thinks is necessary to make opportunities for newcomers 

2:47 — What is Windmill Microlending?  

3:27 — Claudia’s favourite example of a Windmill client 

6:10 — How Dan sees the role of banks and corporations in Canada helping newcomers 

9:26 — Why newcomers can struggle with financial literacy and how to help overcome it 

14:29 — Why newcomers are often shocked when they arrive in Canada 

15:15 — How to create a healthy and more vibrate employment environment for newcomers 

16:44 — The particularly unique challenges faced by women as newcomers 

19:23 — Dan’s thoughts on how companies and institutions can support newcomers with housing 

23:44 — Dan’s final thoughts on newcomers to Canada and his hopes for the future