From Crisis Response to Financial Governance: TS2023 Families Rooted in Service and Professionalism

I would like to share my and my husband’s journey under the TS2023 temporary measures. While we are still building our future, we believe our experience reflects the spirit of resilience, dedication, and community contribution that TS2023 was designed to support.

I, Hilal currently working as an Executive Assistant to the Regional Vice President at IG Wealth Management in Toronto —one of Canada’s most respected financial services firms, serving Canadians for over 95 years through comprehensive wealth and investment planning.

Before coming to Canada, I worked for over three years as a Procurement and Logistics Officer with major U.S.-based international NGOs and United Nations agencies. My work focused on humanitarian relief and development programs in conflict-affected areas. I managed multimillion-dollar procurement portfolios, coordinated emergency response operations, and supported disaster recovery efforts, including the response to the 2023 Türkiye-Syria Earthquakes.

My husband, Furkan, served for over a decade as a Detective Inspector in the Turkish National Police, specializing in criminal investigations and public safety. After the devastating earthquakes, we arrived in Canada in September 2023 under the TS2023 open work permit program, seeking safety and a chance to rebuild our lives.

Starting over was far from easy. We left behind stable careers, sold everything we owned, and faced the uncertainty of resettlement. We worked multiple part-time jobs, including food service and warehouse roles, while adjusting to a new country, culture, and cost of living. Furkan now works as a delivery driver with FedEx, and I’ve been fortunate to secure a professional role in line with my background—something many newcomers struggle to achieve.

Beyond our careers, we were eager to give back to the community that welcomed us. Furkan volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross as a transportation driver, helping elderly and disabled individuals access rehabilitation centers. I contributed to the Red Cross Friendly Calls Program, supporting isolated seniors, and also volunteered with The Salvation Army’s Food Bank and Toy Mountain initiatives, helping vulnerable families during the holiday season.

Despite all we have achieved in a short time, our future here remains uncertain. Our open work permits are due to expire in September 2026. We have cut most of our ties with our home country and committed ourselves entirely to building a new life in Canada. We are working, volunteering, paying taxes, and contributing to society, but without a pathway to permanency, everything we’ve built remains fragile.

We sincerely hope for a compassionate policy approach that recognizes the value TS2023 families bring to Canada—through hard work, civic engagement, and a strong desire to belong.