All the WOW events that I went to were great – WOW does give a sense of a community trying to improve its attraction and retention!

Caroline Andrew
Professor, University of Ottawa
Canada has been shaped by people who came from all over the world to build this country. WOW offers a platform for us to celebrate this history and the future it will help…

Alex Munter, Chair of the OLIP Council and President and CEO of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre
The WOW seminar on immigrant women’s nutrition and health was a step in the right direction towards closing the gap between academic researchers and service providers.

Josephine Etowa
Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa
The work and expertise that OLIP brings to our community is so important as it helps us to build bridges and break down silos.  I look forward to our continued work together. 

Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa
The target beneficiary of the work of OLIP is the whole community. In this short period we have planted together important seeds for Ottawa’s development.  

Dick Stewart
OLIP Council
The OLIP Council is committed to leadership.  In only a few years, we have a common vision and priorities, and are up to the task of implementing the Ottawa Immigration Strategy.

Salimatou Diallo
OLIP Council Vice Chair, Assemblée de la francophonie de l'Ontario
My nomination is an indication that our hard work in building Canada is recognized. All we do is to serve the community in return for embracing us when we needed it.  

Mehdi Mahdavi
Ottawa Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards Nominee
In our city’s history, immigrants have always played an important role. They build our economic prosperity, diversify our culture, contribute to our social vitality.

Jim Watson
Mayor of Ottawa
I was happy to see integration to Algonquin territory and indigenous culture related programming in 2014 WOW. Please continue to involve local Aboriginal organisations and…

Linda Manning
WOW 2014 participant, Senior Fellow, University of Ottawa
I’m really impressed with the level of energy and commitment around the Health and Wellbeing table and look forward to continuing collaboration between OLIP and OPH.

Marcela Tapia
Ottawa Public Health

City of Ottawa Trades Manual and Videos

January 15, 2013


In an effort to support the economic integration of immigrants, the City of Ottawa, together with several community partners, has developed manuals to provide immigrants in Ottawa with the necessary information to get into the trades sector. To this effect, two manuals were created and 10 experience-based videos with entrepreneurs and employers in the trades sector were produced.

Introduction to Trades Manual: This guide was created for internationally-trained tradespeople and new/potential immigrants interested in pursuing a career in Ottawa’s skilled trades sectors. Whether they intend to further their career as an experienced tradesperson or are seeking an exciting new occupation in the trades, this guide will provide them with information and resources to prepare them for the realities of working as a tradesperson in Ottawa.

Starting a Trades Business Handbook: The Starting a Trades Business Handbook is a self-help guide that is designed to provide immigrants interested in starting their own business an overview of the information they require and important issues that need to be considered. It also includes helpful information for those in the early stages of growing their businesses.

10 Experience-Based Videos on the following topics:

  • international trained electrician
  • heating, refrigeration and air conditioning
  • construction
  • restoration masonry and truck and coach technician
  • tool and die maker
  • hairstylist
  • motive power sector worker
  • glazier
  • trades regulation and legislation in Ontario
  • trades unions

To download the manual and handbook and watch the videos, please visit the City of Ottawa Immigration portal at www.ottawa.ca/immigration.