Connector Stories

Connector Stories

We are pleased to feature great Connectors from across Canada, and share their stories as to why they are involved in the Connector Program.

Alex Gibson

Connector NL, St. John’s office presented by St. John’s Board of Trade

“Making connections with people comes naturally to Alex Gibson, and he has been using that skill in his role as a human resources professional…”


Heather White Brittain

ONB Connects presented by Opportunities New Brunswick

“For Heather White Brittain, making connections goes far beyond helping newcomers find jobs; her mission is to…”

Kurt Benson

Halifax Connector Program presented by the Halifax Partnership

“Kurt Benson knows what it’s like to be the new guy in town. After moving from Zimbabwe to Toronto as a teen and discovering everything was different…”


Chris Pulfer

Ottawa Connector Program presented by Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OSICO)

“The person who motivated Chris Pulfer to start helping newcomers to Ottawa is younger than the average influencer;…”


Valerie Bradford

WR Connectors Program presented by Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre

“For Valerie, the WR Connectors program is an extension of the work she already does in the region, primarily using her wide range of networks in local industries to make connections for newcomers in…”


Paul Biggar

Winnipeg Connector Partnership presented by Success Skills Center

“Moving from Nigeria to Winnipeg is a shock to the system, especially if you land in the Prairie city as the coldest winter in 40 years sets in…”

Lana Sheppard

Connector Program presented by Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan (CÉCS)

“A natural Connector, Lana Sheppard has been connecting people since she was a teen in Saskatoon, Sask., in the late 1970s…”


Ron Graham

ERIEC Connector Program presented by Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council

“Ron Graham helps newcomers because he loves helping people. But Ron can also thank his love of connecting people for a personal connection…”


Arnoldo Soto

Calgary Connector Program presented by Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC)

“Arnoldo Soto immigrated to Canada many years ago, and he found that having worked for American companies in the 1990s in Venezuela…”


Richard Takai

Regional District of Central Okanagan Connector Program (Kelowna)

“As a busy contractor in Kelowna, B.C., Richard Takai has the opportunity to meet a lot of people in the Okanagan region…”