‘It’s very stressful’: With expenses high and wages low, many P.E.I. newcomers are struggling to get by

The reality of life on Prince Edward Island is very different from what Rupinder Kaur imagined when she moved here last spring. Coming from India, Kaur, like many foreign workers on P.E.I., expected to settle for a low-wage job after finishing her studies elsewhere in Canada. However, the harsh truth she faced was having to work two jobs, seven days a week, for 60 hours just to cover her groceries and rent, which amounted to $700 for one room in a four-bedroom house on the outskirts of Charlottetown.

Initially, Kaur tried working at McDonald’s, but soon realized that one job was not enough to make ends meet. She also took up a weekend job at Dollarama to supplement her income. The financial stress she experiences is shared by most of her coworkers, who are also from other countries and working in low-wage positions that many local businesses struggle to fill.

The ultimate goal for Kaur and many others in her situation is to work enough hours to qualify for one of the few permanent residency nominations offered by the P.E.I. government. However, with minimum wage being insufficient to maintain a quality standard of life, the struggle to make ends meet is a constant battle for these newcomers.

A recent CBC-Pollara survey on newcomers’ experience in Canada sheds light on the financial difficulties faced by many. The high cost of living in Canada makes it challenging for newcomers to settle in the country, with almost half of the respondents stating that the affordability of rent or a mortgage is a significant hurdle.

Joe Byrne, who works with the Cooper Institute to support migrant workers on P.E.I., sees firsthand the struggles faced by newcomers working in low-wage jobs. Many end up living in overcrowded accommodations, sharing rooms with multiple adults just to make ends meet.

International students like Saugat Shrestha, who moved from Nepal to study at the University of Prince Edward Island, also face financial challenges. Higher tuition fees for international students mean that Shrestha has to work 15 hours a week in addition to being a full-time student to cover his expenses. Many of his friends work the maximum allowable 24 hours a week to make ends meet.

Sajid Oyon, another international student from Bangladesh, believes that colleges and universities could do a better job of educating prospective students on the financial realities they will face in Canada. Oyon also notes the rising cost of living and housing challenges on P.E.I. have led to some blaming newcomers for economic problems, which creates a sense of alienation and mental pressure.

Despite the daily financial stress, long work hours, and uncertainty over permanent residency, Kaur remains hopeful that her hard work will pay off in the end. She plans to switch jobs soon to improve her chances of receiving a permanent residency nomination, all while continuing to work weekends to make ends meet.

Byrne advocates for higher minimum wages and better protections for foreign workers to prevent exploitation by employers and landlords. He believes that sustaining immigration in the province is essential for maintaining a workforce and economic stability, emphasizing the need to ensure that newcomers are not forced to live in poverty.

In conclusion, the struggles faced by newcomers on Prince Edward Island highlight the need for better support systems and policies to ensure their successful integration into Canadian society. By addressing issues such as low wages, affordable housing, and pathways to permanent residency, the province can create a more sustainable and inclusive environment for all residents.