2026 Welcoming Ottawa Ambassadors

Since arriving in Canada more than 20 years ago, Reverend Joseph Kiirya has helped many newcomers in Ottawa, particularly by providing housing.

One such newcomer, says that Joseph’s incredible support and guidance was instrumental in his successful integration when he arrived in Ottawa in 2024 as a refugee from Uganda.

After being in Canada a few months, Hakim met Joseph at an event at the Reverend’s church, where he had told his story as a guest speaker. The fact that they came from different faiths made no difference. Joseph asked Hakim how he could help.

“I could sense that he had the flexibility and adaptability that would help him to succeed,” remembers Joseph.

“During this difficult period, Joseph stepped in and made me feel welcomed, supported and valued,” explains Hakim. “Moving to a new country comes with many challenges, including finding shelter, adjusting to a new environment and trying to establish financial stability”.

“One of the greatest things Joseph did for me was to provide shelter at a time when I had nowhere to comfortably start,” says Hakim. “He gave me peace of mind and allowed me to focus on rebuilding my life and planning for my future in Canada.”

Joseph, who had worked for the UN in Africa, knows firsthand what it’s like to arrive in a new country and start over again. His first job was delivering newspapers. “When I first arrived in Canada, I learned many things, made new friends and found references,” explains Joseph.

Eventually Joseph shifted his attention to dealing with Ottawa’s housing situation. “I challenged myself to see what I can do to help with the homeless crisis in this city, specifically among refugees and newcomers,” explains Joseph. “Living in homeless shelters isn’t the best way to welcome newcomers to Canada. We need to make sure our city’s existing homeless population is served and also remember that newcomers aren’t homeless, they are just new.”

Joseph is the Executive Director of Stepstone House, established in 2019 a transitional shelter for refugee claimants and newcomers. Over the course of a year, Stepstone House acts as a short-term home to over 110 residents across 10 houses in Ottawa and nearby communities.

“It’s important for refugee claimants and newcomers to receive peer support and find solutions to their needs,” explains Joseph.

Like many newcomers, Hakim found it difficult to find a job, as the often requirement for “Canadian experience” stood in the way. He did the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System training, so he could become a cleaner.

Joseph provided Hakim with a space in one of his shelters and offered him experience as a cleaner at Stepstone House. “He kept motivating me and introduced him to some resources in Canada,” says Hakim. “He gave me hope.”

With Joseph’s guidance, Hakim started looking for more work. He was well on his way after completing the Maintenance Services Training Program (MSTP) offered through the Ottawa Mission.

“The MSTP was added value,” explains Hakim. It was not just about cleaning, but also covered general maintenance and renovations. I graduated from that class and never looked back.”

 Joseph believed in Hakim’s potential, providing him with the startup capital to create his business, Chisel General Maintenance Inc.

“His support did not end there, he continued to mentor and monitor the growth of the business, offering encouragement, advice, and motivation whenever needed,” adds Hakim.

What started as a small business with only one employee has now grown into a company with more than ten employees, many of whom are immigrants.

“Through this business, I have also been able to support and help other newcomers settle into work and adapt to life in Canada, remarks Hakim. “Joseph’s kindness not only impacted me personally, but it also created opportunities for many others in the immigrant community.”

Joseph admires Hakim’s adaptability and humility. He had been a civil engineer and Uganda and has transformed himself into a general contractor operating a small business in Canada.

“It’s very refreshing to see him succeed and he’s an inspiration to other newcomers,” says Joseph. “He has an engineering background, and yet he’s flexible. He hasn’t forgotten about it but has humility to work in other areas as a general contractor and a sort of jack of all trades.”

Joseph sees an important role for people who have been in Ottawa for a while to give back to other newcomers who are facing challenges. “You understand their story better than anyone else,” he explains. “It’s especially incumbent for people who have succeeded to make Ottawa a welcoming city and reach out to help.”

“He accepts refugees from all parts of Canada,” remarks Hakim. “I have a friend who was stuck in Toronto. He was referred to Joseph, who booked him a flight to Ottawa. He has such a big heart and went an extra step to help him. It’s beyond humanity.”

To Hakim, Joseph represents the compassion, leadership, generosity and community spirit of a Welcoming Ottawa Ambassador.

“He truly embodies the values of welcoming newcomers, empowering others and helping people feel at home in Ottawa,” concludes Hakim. “His actions continue to inspire me every day.”