I am an Account Manager for one of the banks here in Canada
If you are looking for a loan after coming to Canada, the bank will primarily look at your credit history and also your debt servicing, ie can your income sustain the payments. Now as you are new to the country the likelihood of getting a loan with limited credit will be remote. Its individual on every application but you may have to secure money for the first year to prove yourself for payments
I myself am an immigrant to Canada from the UK and had this problem.
Other recommendations would be to get a rogers wireless cell phone as they are the only cell phone company that report your monthly payments to the credit bureau (equifax and transunion)
Also set yourself up with a pre paid VISA/MASTERCARD card, certain banks need $1000, but other companies may only need as little as $90. This will also help you to set up a good credit. Try not to get too many cards or seek credit too often as this can have a negative affect on your credit
Banks often go on relationship values aswell so set up a savings scheme, this is huge
Also stability is a big factor, proving you have had the SAME job for at least a year and havent moved houses too many times
When it comes to mortgages it would be easier than an unsecured loan due to the collateral.
Any other questions just shout