Gius asked me to contribute to this thread. I am in Toronto so here's some thoughts on that scene
Volunteering for the Toronto Fashion Incubator is a great way to start out. Student memberships are reasonable and if you make the effort to participate you will meet a lot of wonderful people
http://www.fashionincubator.com/
Toronto's L'Oreal Fashion Week happens twice a year. Its put on by an organization called the Fashion Design Council of Canada and its a great event to volunteer for if you want to get a crash course in the local scene
http://www.lorealfashionweek.ca/
http://www.lorealfashionweek.ca/fdcc/fdcc.html
The Canadian Apparel Federation is good for garmento and government contacts (they're across Canada)
http://www.apparel.ca/
Toronto Alternative Fashion Week happens once a year - admission is reasonable and its a lot of fun. Much more "indie". Can't find the website right now.
If you can, snag a coveted volunteer position for
Fashion Cares. Everyone who is anyone goes to it and its a terrific show and party!
Try starting your own fashion blog or join a blog like Torontostreetfashion.com or blogTO.com. It will get you out there, going to stores and events and meeting lots of people.
Keep your eye on craigslist and your school's bulletin boards, sign up for newsletters, read the local sites and read the fashion sections in the papers. Keep your eyes open. Be a joiner, but also be selective and pursue the kinds of things that you have enthusiasm for. Think about what you can offer the fashion scene around you. Good luck!
