Settlement Community FAQs |
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Information for settlement counsellors:
What information and resources are available to help newcomers adapt to life in Canada?Welcome
to Canada: What You Should Know This guide provides information for newcomers adjusting to life in Canada. As well as providing an overview of Canadian values and way of life, the guide provides details on such issues as health services, housing, finance and taxation, employment, language training, education, Canadian law, and transportation. Checklists detailing what newcomers will need to do at various stages in their settlement experience, a list of key immigrant serving organizations across Canada, language training assessment centres and key information sources for newcomers are also provided. A
Newcomer's Introduction to Canada Explains to visa-ready newcomers abroad what Canada is like and the Canadian way of life. Topics include: getting ready before you leave, employment, housing, education, geography, economy, shopping, and rights and responsibilities. Available in English and in French (38 pages). Fact
Sheets A
Look at Canada Although this book is intended for people applying for Canadian citizenship to help them prepare for the citizenship test, orientation session participants will also find topics such as Canadian history, geography, government, rights and responsibilities of citizenship, etc. Helpful and informative. Available in English and French (34 pages). The publications listed above can be obtained from - Citizenship and Immigration Canada The following are also available: Cultural Profiles A series of profiles on several countries from which Canada receives the majority of its newcomers. Designed primarily for settlement workers and volunteers to help them gain an appreciation of the culture and country of the immigrants. Countries currently available: Guatemala, South Africa, Ukraine, Egypt, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Peru, India, Trinidad & Tobago, Iran, Ghana, Serbia & Montenegro, Mexico, Lebanon, Romania, Kenya, Vietnam. Pakistan, South Korea, Philippines, Taiwan, Sudan, Brazil, Kuwait, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Jamaica, Poland, China, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Israel, Bangladesh, Croatia, El Salvador, and Afghanistan. There is also one on Canada that will be of particular interest during orientation sessions. Available in English and in French. For more information contact: AMNI Centre Who is eligible for Canada Child Tax Benefit?If newcomers have children under 18, the Government of Canada may be able to help with some of the costs of raising them. This monthly tax-free payment is called the Canada Child Tax Benefit. The amount of the benefit is based on family income, the number of children and their ages. If newcomers or their spouses are not Canadian citizens, they must provide proof of their Canadian immigration status and proof of birth for any of their children born outside of Canada. These forms and more information on the Child Tax Benefit can be obtained by calling Canada Revenue Agency's toll-free number: 1-800-959-2221, or by visiting the following Web site: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/benefits/cctb/menu-e.html What is the GST/HST credit?The GST/HST credit (goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax) is a tax-free payment to help individuals and families with low or modest incomes offset all or part of the GST or HST that they pay. Residents of Canada are eligible for the credit if they are 19 or older. For more information visit the following Web site: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/benefits/gsthst/menu-e.html Application forms can be obtained by calling: 1-800-959-2221 What about medical care coverage for refugees?Essential medical care for refugee claimants can be paid for the by Interim Federal Health (IFH) program administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). The program has been put in place for humanitarian reasons to allow refugee claimants, Convention refugees, humanitarian classes and others under immigration control to receive essential health care. It is not meant to replace provincial health plans and does not provide the same extent of coverage allowed to permanent residents. The IFH program covers essential health services for prevention or treatment of serious medical and dental conditions, as well as contraception, prenatal and obstetrical care. It does not cover all routine medical or dental services. Refugees resettled from overseas including those government-assisted or privately-sponsored are eligible for full benefits under the IFH program until coverage under their provincial health plan begins. Depending on the province of destination, the waiting period for provincial health-care coverage can be up to 90 days after the refugee has arrived in the province. Once provincial coverage has started, refugees are eligible for partial benefits under the IFH Program from 12 to 24 months from the time of arrival in Canada. To find out more about the IFH Program, call Citizenship and Immigration Canada toll-free at 1-888-242-2100, or at (416) 973-4444 in Toronto, (514) 496-1010 in Montreal, or (604) 666-2171 in Vancouver. You can find more information on IFH on the CIC web site. ESL NewspapersThe following publications are intended for adults who are working on improving their English reading skills: Ontario Reader (an annual publication) The English Express (a monthly publication) Where can I find information on Citizenship and Immigration Canada's programs and policies?The CIC Web site and the CIC publication You Asked About...Immigration and Citizenship provide comprehensive information on all CIC’s programs and policies. | |
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