WHY CANWORKS EXISTS

When my family immigrated to Canada in 1992, we arrived with hope for a better future.  A failed investment wiped out my parents' life savings. Our family of six lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and we worked minimum-wage jobs  in a country where we had no network, no Canadian experience, and little hope.

One memory has stayed with me for more than 30 years.

My sister and I once walked 40 minutes through a snowstorm to a telemarketing job interview. By the time we arrived, we were soaked. Embarrassed by how we looked, we never went inside. Instead, we sat together and shared a single cup of hot tea because we could not afford one each.

Those experiences taught me that everyone needs a breakthrough opportunity. A meaningful career offers more than food on the table and roof over your head—it provides dignity and hope for a better future.

After graduating from the University of Toronto, I struggled to enter the workforce until a specialized training program opened my first door. That led to leadership roles at some of Canada's largest organizations and eventually a successful consulting practice.

Yet I never forgot how difficult it was to get started.

For decades, I mentored students, reviewed resumes, conducted mock interviews, and connected people to opportunities whenever I could. But as youth unemployment continued to rise and employers struggled to find talent, I realized individual acts of mentorship were not enough.

What came next was not an easy decision. By nature, I am a private and introverted person. Building a nonprofit meant stepping far outside my comfort zone—reaching out to strangers, attending events, sharing my story publicly, and asking others to join a cause I deeply believe in.

But some challenges are bigger than our comfort zones.

Canada does not have a talent shortage. We have an opportunity and coordination gap.

In November 2025, I founded CanWorks Workforce Development Non-Profit helping post-secondary students launch meaningful careers through real-world experience, networking, and labour market intelligence.  Canada does not have a talent shortage. We have an opportunity and coordination gap. CanWorks seeks to help employers, educators, mentors, and community partners work together more effectively to develop the workforce Canada needs for the future.

I believe Canada's future prosperity, competitiveness, and sovereignty depend on our ability to connect talent to opportunity. 

When young people gain meaningful career pathways and employers gain access to emerging talent, we build the skilled workforce needed to drive innovation, economic growth, national resilience, and a society of meaningful futures for all.

If that vision resonates with you, we invite you to join us.

Warmly,

Winnie