My name is Jonathan, but hardly anyone calls me that. Growing up, I picked up a ton of different names, some resembled my actual name, like Jon and Jonny, and some were completely different. It never bothered me, but I can understand how it might bother others.

I'm a big Jays fan, and I still call the SkyDome the SkyDome, despite it having a different name since February 2005 and Lake Ontario will always be Lake Ontario to me.

Many newcomers to Canada change their name when they arrive. They pick something easier for Canadians to pronounce and remember. When my mother immigrated from Malta, she went from Inez to Agnes, and stayed Agnes until she moved back to Malta in 1993, when she became Inez again.

Names are important. They give people an identity. So when I decided to name this community, I wanted something that would not only help define who we are, but that would hopefully never change.

Introducing the True North Collective.

To me, it's more than just a name, it represents us working together to fight the misinformation that's out there and get clarity on which direction we want to go. It represents finding and working toward our purpose, and helping others move toward theirs too.

Together we are stronger, and by helping each other, we become free to grow more ourselves.

Every week, we'll use this newsletter to share more about our growth with you, and we hope you'll grow along with us.

Here's what you can expect from us:

We're starting small, and things may change as we grow, but one thing we hope remains the same is our name.

As a person, I'm Jon, Jonny, and Jonathan. As a community, we are the True North Collective.

To help you get together, network and socialize IRL.

Toronto Newcomers Brunch & Network 2026 | A brunch and networking event for new immigrants, international students, and work permit holders who arrived in the last three years. | Saturday, Sept 12 at 10 AM - 12 PM | JOEY Eaton Centre (1 Dundas St West) | $35 + fees | Register here

Fast Friends in Vancouver | This event helps people aged 25–45 make new friends. You will do guided conversations and icebreakers. Most attendees come by themselves. | Sat, Sept 12 at 7:00 PM | Library Square Pub (300 West Georgia St) | $11 + fees | Get tickets

Move. Mingle. Connect | A free fitness workout followed by socializing with food, drinks, and music. | Sat, Sept 12 at 11:00 AM | Cold Beer & Pizza (1019 17 Ave SW #102 | Free admission | Learn more

Mundo Lingo Montreal - Latin Quarter | Participants use flag stickers to show their language fluency levels and chat about any topic in a casual bar setting. | Tues, Sept 8 at 7:00 PM | Abreuvoir Bar et Terrasse (403 Ontario Street East) | Free admission | Learn more

Reading & Conversation Circle | A reading and conversation program designed specifically for newcomers to practice English and meet others. | Thurs, Sept 10 at 10:00 AM | Keshen Goodman Public Library (330 Lacewood Drive) | Free admission | Learn more

To help you find your next role.

Fruit Farm Worker | Full time | Lake District, BC | $18.25 per hour | Full Description

Construction Worker | Full time | Edmonton, AB | $20 per hour | Full Description

Operations Manager | Full time | Collingwood, ON | $36.92 per hour | Full Description

Food Service Supervisor | Full time | Portage la Prairie, MB | $18 per hour | Full Description

Assistant Manager, Retail | Full time | Kenora, ON | $39 per hour | Full Description

*Every response to a poll or correct answer to a quiz gets paid subscribers an automatic entry for our monthly prize draw.

The prize for September 2026 is a $25 gift card of your choice.

Simply reply to this email and let us know. We strive to respond to 100% of the emails we receive.