When you leave Canada, you don't just leave a geographical location behind — you leave behind a network of professional and personal relationships that may have taken years to build. Maintaining these connections is critical not only for personal reasons, but also for professional ones: Canadian contacts can be a source of future career opportunities, business partnerships, referrals, or simply support during difficult times. In today's globalized world, geographical distance does not have to be a barrier to maintaining strong professional and personal relationships. However, it requires a strategic approach, ongoing effort, and the use of modern technology.
Canadian communication culture has its own characteristics: Canadians value honesty, politeness, and long-term relationships. They tend to maintain relationships based on mutual respect and trust, even across long distances. Understanding these cultural nuances will help you maintain more effective relationships with your Canadian colleagues, friends, and acquaintances after you move.
Using technology to maintain relationships
Video calls and instant messaging
Modern technology has made staying in touch easier than ever before. Video calling platforms such as Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allow you to have “virtual meetings” with your Canadian contacts in real time. Regular video calls create a sense of presence and allow you to maintain more personal relationships than text messages alone.
Instant messaging via WhatsApp, Messenger, and Viber allows you to exchange messages, photos, and videos instantly. These platforms are especially useful for quick updates and informal communication that keeps you feeling close even when you're far apart.
Social media as a tool for staying in touch
LinkedIn remains the most powerful platform for maintaining professional connections. Regularly updating your profile, commenting on your Canadian contacts' posts, and sharing your own professional achievements will help you remain visible in their professional network. Facebook and Instagram allow you to maintain more personal relationships by following the lives of your friends and colleagues.
Keeping your Canadian phone number
One of the most practical ways to remain accessible to your Canadian contacts is to keep your Canadian phone number. There are several cost-effective ways to do this:
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VoIP services: Platforms such as Voip.ms allow you to port your Canadian number for a minimal monthly fee (approximately $1 per month). This allows you to receive SMS and calls.
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Prepaid plans: Freedom Mobile offers annual plans for $99–119 that include free international texting.
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Fongo: One-time fee for number porting with no monthly fees, including the ability to receive calls and texts.
Bus trips and individual tours to the Canadian Rockies!
Professional networks and associations
Membership in Canadian professional organizations
Maintaining membership in Canadian professional associations is an effective way to stay abreast of industry trends and maintain connections with colleagues. Many associations offer:
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Virtual conferences and webinars
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Online forums for discussing industry issues
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Remote mentoring programs
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Digital publications and resources
Participation in international Canadian networks
Canada has an extensive network of professional organizations with international reach. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has 174 chapters in various countries, including Canada. The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) has active chapters in many cities around the world, allowing Canadian professionals to maintain contacts through international networks.
University and educational networks
Participation in global alumni networks
Canadian universities have strong global alumni networks. The University of British Columbia has alumni in over 145 countries, and the University of Toronto has alumni in over 190 countries. These networks organize:
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Regular alumni meetings in various cities around the world
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Professional networking events
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Joint projects and initiatives
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Alumni mentoring programs
Local alumni chapters
Many Canadian universities have official alumni chapters in major cities around the world. For example, the University of Alberta has active chapters in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, London, Paris, and Singapore. The Canadian Alumni Network Singapore brings together over 16,000 graduates of Canadian universities.
Business relationships and partnerships
Maintaining ties with Canadian companies
If you have worked for Canadian companies, maintaining ties with former colleagues can open up new opportunities for collaboration. Canadian companies often have international operations, and your knowledge of local markets can be a valuable asset.
Participate in Canadian trade missions
Global Affairs Canada regularly organizes trade missions and business delegations to various countries. Participating in these events allows you to maintain contacts with the Canadian business community and establish new connections.
Cultural ties and traditions
Celebrating Canadian holidays abroad
Organizing celebrations of Canadian holidays such as Canada Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas with other Canadians in your new home creates opportunities to maintain cultural ties. Such events often form the basis for local Canadian communities abroad.
Participate in Canadian cultural organizations
Many countries have Canadian cultural centres, chambers of commerce or community organizations. Participating in their activities helps you maintain your Canadian identity and connect with other Canadians.
Strategies for regular communication
Plan regular contact
Establish a system for regular communication with key contacts. This could include:
- Monthly video calls with close colleagues
- Quarterly updates to a wider circle of contacts
- Annual face-to-face meetings during visits to Canada or international conferences
Providing mutual value
Maintaining relationships should be mutually beneficial. Share information about your new market, offer local contacts and opportunities, and provide expertise on regional issues. This makes your relationships more valuable and sustainable.
Using travel to maintain contacts
Plan visits to Canada
Regular visits to Canada are the most effective way to maintain personal relationships. Plan these trips to maximize the number of contacts you can meet. You can combine personal visits with conference attendance or business trips.
Invite Canadian contacts to visit you
Invite your Canadian colleagues and friends to visit you in your new home. This can be especially appealing if you live in an interesting tourist destination or an important business center.
Use digital tools for networking
Professional online communities
Join online communities of Canadian professionals in your field. Many LinkedIn groups focus on specific industries or regions, allowing you to stay in touch with like-minded people.
Virtual conferences and events
Participating in virtual conferences organized by Canadian organizations allows you to stay up to date on industry trends and maintain professional connections without having to be physically present.
Long-term strategy for maintaining connections
Invest in relationships
Consider maintaining your Canadian contacts as a long-term investment. Even if these relationships do not yield immediate benefits, they may become critical to your career development or personal support in the future.
Adapt to change
Over time, your needs and circumstances will change, as will the needs of your Canadian contacts. Be prepared to adapt your communication strategies and types of interaction in line with these changes.
Staying in touch with your Canadian contacts after you leave requires a strategic approach and ongoing effort, but the results are well worth it. By using modern technology, maintaining membership in professional organizations, and actively participating in alumni networks and cultural communities, you can maintain and even strengthen these valuable relationships. Remember that the best networks are based on mutual benefit and a genuine interest in each other's success. By investing time and effort in maintaining your Canadian contacts, you are creating a solid foundation for future opportunities and support, no matter where life takes you.