Moving2Canada: Unlocking the Newcomer Experience
Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
Release Date: 09/08/2025
Moving2Canada: Unlocking the Newcomer Experience
Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
What does it take to build a life in a new country? On this episode of Sync or Swim, host Giacomo Ladas speaks with Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada, about the newcomer experience in Canada. Stephanie shares how Moving2Canada grew from a Facebook group into a leading resource for immigration and settlement, and reflects on her own journey from Australia. The conversation covers key housing challenges, from misconceptions about basement suites to differences in rental rules across provinces. Stephanie offers practical advice on preparing documents, avoiding scams, and...
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Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
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Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
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Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
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Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
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Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
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Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
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Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
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Sync or Swim: The Multifamily Growth Show
Canada’s rental crisis is often oversimplified as a mere supply and demand issue. However, for today’s guest, Weiting Bollu, it became deeply personal after losing over $35,000 to delinquent tenants and navigating Ontario’s complex rental compliance laws. Her experiences led her to recognize the critical need for a transparent and cohesive rental ecosystem that rewards responsible behavior, essential for building a fair and sustainable rental market. Drawing on her extensive background in software product management across various sectors including education, telecommunications,...
info_outlineWhat does it take to build a life in a new country? On this episode of Sync or Swim, host Giacomo Ladas speaks with Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada, about the newcomer experience in Canada. Stephanie shares how Moving2Canada grew from a Facebook group into a leading resource for immigration and settlement, and reflects on her own journey from Australia. The conversation covers key housing challenges, from misconceptions about basement suites to differences in rental rules across provinces. Stephanie offers practical advice on preparing documents, avoiding scams, and building credit, along with tips like starting with short-term accommodation before signing a lease. Tune in for insights on what newcomers face and how to make the transition smoother!
Key Points From This Episode:
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Introducing guest Stephanie Ford, Head of Content Strategy at Moving2Canada.
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Moving2Canada’s journey since starting as a Facebook group in 2011.
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Why Moving2Canada’s free immigration resources are vital for accessibility.
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A breakdown of Stephanie’s personal journey moving from Australia.
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Early challenges newcomers face: housing, healthcare, banking, and immigration rules.
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Misconceptions about basement suites and provincial rental laws.
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Exploring stigma around renting in Canada compared to Europe and Australia.
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Why Toronto and Vancouver tend to attract the most newcomers despite high costs.
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Tips for renters: credit scores, references, and landlord expectations.
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Key documents to prepare: references, bank statements, and proof of funds.
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Common mistakes, including scams and signing leases before knowing neighbourhoods.
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Short-term rentals as a safer first step before committing to long-term rentals.
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Tips for building credit from scratch as a newcomer in Canada.
Quotes:
“We're really designed to support newcomers throughout the entire immigration and settlement journey at no cost to them.” — Stephanie Ford [0:04:10]
“Housing can be surprisingly expensive [for newcomers], which can be a really significant challenge, especially in the first few years.” — Stephanie Ford [0:07:49]
“Young people are attracted to cities. We're seeing that everywhere. People are moving from regional areas to cities, ideally for better economic opportunities. That's played out in Canada's immigration as well.” — Stephanie Ford [0:12:45]
“If you're applying for a house, just bear in mind that your landlord wants two things. They want someone who they can trust to treat their property with care and respect, and to pay rent on time.” — Stephanie Ford [0:16:11]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Moving2Canada on Instagram
Moving2Canada on TikTok
‘How to Identify Rental Scams When Searching for an Apartment or Housing’
Rentals.ca
Giacomo Ladas on LinkedIn