NEWCOMER STORIES

Subia Mahmood: Pakistan

Written by Tiffany Spencer

A group of people standing in a row facing the camera.
Subia Mahmood (3rd from left) and family.

When Subia Mahmood arrived in Belleville from Pakistan, she was full of questions. “For newcomers, the initial period of transition from their home country to Canada can be full of challenges they do not know how to approach,” Subia reflects. “When I arrived in Belleville, I was looking for an opportunity to enter the labour market. I had been a housewife all my life and, for many years, my main job was to take care of my family and home. I was a little bit anxious about starting a job.”

Through Quinte Immigration Services, Subia discovered programs to help her integrate into her new life. “The Skills Training Employment Program helped me gain expertise in business, communication, and computer skills, which proved to be essential for my first job.” Subia found not only a new job in the area but a new place to call home. “Some of my family live in Toronto and I visit them regularly, but every time I return to Belleville, I realize this is my home,” she explains.

“The country is very peaceful, the Bay of Quinte is beautiful, the people are very nice and helpful. This area is very welcoming and supportive of newcomers.”