Although there are several tasks involved in moving to Canada, a few of the most important ones are emphasized below as part of a checklist to make things simpler. You can get in contact with any local settlement agency to go through the settlement checklist and work on achieving your goals.
You can look for Settlement Agency in your area, using your residential address at: https://ircc.canada.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp
Settlement agencies provide free services to newcomers and are funded by the Government of Canada. There are settlement specialists/counsellors who can speak with you one-on-one about your difficulties and offer precise, trustworthy information on your objectives for settling in Canada. Some of the settlement agencies have workers who may speak your language and make it a smooth transition for you.
How Settlement Workers Can Assist You
So, find a Settlement Professional, who can work with you on your Settlement Plan with short-term and long-term goals. Settlement Worker will be your first contact for any settlement needs or challenges that arise in your day-to-day life in Canada. Settlement worker can also assist you with the following things to do in Canada in a smooth way:
- Find a place to stay – different types of housing available, and you need to learn about housing, your rights in Canada as tenants and your responsibilities
- Visit the Newcomer Information Centre or go to the nearest Settlement Agency for Newcomers to start working on your Settlement Plan in Canada, in regard to Employment and other aspects of life.
- Apply for Social Insurance Number with Service Canada – you can apply online or in-person, as it is an important document to work and receive benefits in Canada.
- Apply for Ontario Health Insurance Plan – health coverage card at the Service Ontario location. Health Coverage Plans vary in Canada from province to province, so if you are planning to move to a different province, work with your Settlement Worker to find accurate information.
- Apply for eligible government benefits, for individual or family
- Find a bank and learn about different banking services
- Test English skills, if needed and look for Free English Classes (LINC – Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada program)
- Work with your Settlement Worker to find places to shop for food, clothing, medicine or day-to-day supplies
- Find information about School Registration process or Daycare for toddlers and the Education System in Canada, if needed. There are Settlement Workers in schools as well to assist your child with the registration process and transition to school process.
- Learn about your city, transportation, fares, routes, cultural activities, and services.
- Find places of worship for faith and spirituality – ethnic places to go, religious places nearby etc.
- Consider Educational Needs and goals. Find more information from your Settlement Worker and make a plan
- Consider Volunteer Opportunities to build Canadian Work Experience
- Learn about new society and culture. Discover your new home!
Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre – Our Story
The Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Drop-In Centre (DBNC), was founded in 1988 by concerned members of the community to enhance the quality of life of those residing in the Dixie Bloor area. Located in the Burnhamthorpe Library building, DBNC has been an institution in the Peel region for our timely and responsive service delivery to newcomers, families, youth, children, seniors, and job seekers. All our programs are free of charge and strive to meet the needs of the community.Staff and volunteers work together to identify and discuss issues and concerns, develop and provide services and programs to meet the needs of the community and promote community participation.
Mission: To enhance quality of life with impactful services and engaging programs that build stronger and progressive communities.
Vision: Build a stronger progressive community
DEI Statement – We uphold and advance principles of diversity, equity and inclusion across the organization – every individual that engages with DBNC feels that their diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures are valued. Safe spaces and opportunities are created for all to voice their thoughts respectfully to learn and develop a deeper understanding of one another.
