A Healthy Start: How Scotiabank is Bridging Gaps in Care for Newcomers

She came alone, speaking only Cantonese. For many, that might have been a barrier — enough to turn away, to remain unseen. But at the North York Community Health & Information Fair (CHIFs), she found something different.

Amid the bustle of the fair, the newcomer to Canada connected quickly with a member of the CHIFs team — someone who spoke her language, who understood where she was coming from, and why this moment mattered.

She had come for a cervical cancer screening — a decision that may have been quietly nerve-wracking, possibly delayed for years, but one she knew was important. That day, she wasn’t just heard — she was welcomed, cared for, and supported in a way that felt safe.

A month later, she returned. But this time, she wasn’t alone. She brought five friends — all seeking the same screening, all encouraged by her story, and all benefiting from the possibility of a life-saving intervention.

A Healthy Start: How Scotiabank is Bridging Gaps in Care for Newcomers

This is the power of CHIFs — a regular community-based event co-designed by North York General Hospital, the North York Toronto Health Partners Ontario Health Team, and several other community partners.

With the aim of improving access to health and social services for people in high-needs, underserved neighbourhoods, these fairs offer more than services. They offer trust. They break down language and cultural barriers. And they ensure that, as CHIFs organizers promise, “no one is left without answers.”

In the North York region where over 50% are immigrants to Canada, 50% are racialized and 20% have a low income, this kind of grassroots care isn’t just nice to have — it’s essential. And it’s working.

Stronger communities through support

In 2024, Scotiabank became the CHIF’s major supporter through its ScotiaRISE community investment initiative. Through this commitment, these essential fairs will reach even more newcomers in need of health care and social services, support the work of Community Health Ambassadors and allow for a structured schedule of fairs across the North York community.

“We want everyone in our community to have access to the best standard of health care, regardless of who they are and where they may live,” says Dr. Everton Gooden, President & CEO, North York General Hospital. “The CHIFs are one of the ways that North York General and our community partners are working to understand the people living in North York and to foster stronger, healthier communities. We are tremendously grateful to Scotiabank for sharing in this commitment through supporting this program.”

Expanding Access to Essential Services

Since 2022, North York General Hospital (NYGH) along with North York Toronto Health Partners Ontario Health Team (NYTHP) have organized 55 CHIFs in multiple languages, reaching over 70,000 people. The CHIFs – which are funded in part by the Government of Ontario – are tailored to meet the unique needs of each neighbourhood in North York. This ranges from blood pressure and blood glucose checks to cancer screening programs, including on-site cervical cancer screening with a female primary care provider and referrals to breast cancer screening and colorectal cancer screening.
Newcomers and marginalized groups often face other challenges that contribute to poorer health outcomes, so CHIFs also provide access to several other resources such as legal services, settlement services, food banks, caregiver support, local community centre programs, and financial knowledge, such as through Scotiabank’s Startright program.

“At Scotiabank, we are committed to providing specialized banking services and supporting community programs that help newcomers establish a strong foundation in their new home,” says Jason Charlebois, Senior Vice President, Toronto Region, at Scotiabank. “Through ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank’s community investment initiative, our collaboration with North York General Hospital will help ensure newcomers and their families can more easily access the healthcare resources they need to thrive in Canada.”

Now, with Scotiabank’s support, CHIFs will not only connect families to care but also help them build secure, independent lives.

A Brighter Future, One Connection at a Time

For Teresina, Scotiabank’s investment means CHIFs can continue reaching more people who might otherwise struggle to access health care.

“I see young families coming through these doors, and I can imagine how they feel,” Teresina reflects. “A mother trying to get back to work, a father navigating a new system, kids needing health care—it’s overwhelming. If you don’t speak the language, it takes even longer to find help. I’m grateful to see this initiative expand with Scotiabank’s support,” she says. “Ensuring people—especially newcomers—are well-informed and on the right track will be just as important as health care access that we’ve bridged for them through CHIFs.”

For those who attend CHIFs—whether seeking medical guidance, social support, or financial literacy—the impact extends far beyond a single event. It’s about building strong, healthy communities—one connection at a time.

“It’s a very exciting time,” adds Teresina.