By Jenny Zhang
Moving to a new country is an exhilarating adventure filled with curiosity, yet it’s natural to have concerns about various vital aspects of your journey. Where can you access official information? How do you discover useful resources to aid your study, daily life, and job search? In this article, I’ll introduce a selection of websites designed to assist newcomers to Canada.
To begin, these websites serve as invaluable sources of information and support across multiple facets of settling in a new country. It’s essential to regularly check for the most current information on these websites, as services and resources may evolve over time.
These 2 websites offer information and resources covering different areas of settling in a new country:
1. Settlement.Org (https://settlement.org/):
A comprehensive resource for newcomers to Ontario, including students. It provides information on settlement services, housing, education, and employment opportunities.
2. Skills For Change (Skills for Change):
Provides employment, settlement, language training, mentorship, entrepreneurship and other programs to Newcomers, Refugees, Women, Youth, Seniors, and Canadian employers.
The following websites cover specific aspects of life in Canada:
Health and Healthcare:
- Health Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html):
Official government site for health information and resources.
- Canadian Public Health Association (https://www.cpha.ca):
Advocates for Public Health: Supports policies and initiatives that promote public health and well-being; increases your understanding of public health issues.
Banking:
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) (https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency.html):
Provides information on banking, credit cards, and financial literacy.
- Canadian Bankers Association (https://cba.ca/):
Offers resources and information on banking services in Canada.
Car:
- Auto Trader Canada (https://www.autotrader.ca/):
A popular platform for buying and selling cars in Canada.
- Canadian Black Book (https://www.canadianblackbook.com/):
Provides car pricing and valuation information.
Car Insurance:
- Insurance Bureau of Canada (https://www.ibc.ca/):
Offers information on insurance, including auto insurance.
- Kanetix (https://www.kanetix.ca/):
Allows you to compare car insurance quotes from multiple providers.
Employment:
- Job Bank (https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/):
The official Canadian government job search tool.
- Workopolis (https://www.workopolis.com/en/):
Provides job listings and career resources.
Workshops/Webinars:
- Eventbrite Canada (https://www.eventbrite.ca/):
Lists various workshops, webinars, and events in Canada.
Since many of our students are seniors, the following websites cover various aspects of life for seniors in Canada, from health and finances to community engagement and resources specific to the needs of senior immigrants:
- Canada.ca/Seniors:
This government program supports initiatives that empower seniors and promote their active participation in all aspects of Canadian society. The official website provides information on grants, events, and resources for seniors.
- Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS): HS64-2-2010-eng.pdf (publications.gc.ca)
These are important financial resources for seniors in Canada. The official government website provides information on eligibility and how to apply.
- New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP): New Horizons for Seniors Program – Canada.ca
CARP (Canadian Association of Retired Persons): Home – CARP Advocates for the rights and well-being of older Canadians. Their website offers information on issues affecting seniors and provides access to a range of resources.
- Alzheimer Society of Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada
For seniors and their families dealing with dementia and Alzheimer’s, this website offers valuable information, resources, and support.
- Local Senior Centers and Non-Profit Organizations:
Many communities and non-for-profit organizations have senior centers and programs that offer a wide range of services and programs, including social activities, health and wellness services, and educational opportunities. Be sure to explore the websites of the senior centers or non-for-profit organizations in your local area for specific resources and support.
Living in Ontario? There is a range of specific websites that provide information and resources specifically tailored to senior immigrants in Ontario, covering topics such as healthcare, housing, community services, and social engagement.
- Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat: Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility | ontario.ca
This government agency focuses on issues affecting seniors in Ontario. Their website provides information on various programs, services, and resources for seniors.
- Ontario 211: 211 Ontario
This resource connects seniors to essential community and social services across Ontario. You can find information on various topics like housing, healthcare, and social programs.
- Ontario Health: Ontario Health | Ontario Health
This government website offers information on healthcare services in Ontario, including how to find a family doctor, access healthcare programs, and understand the healthcare system.
- Home and Community Care Support Services (formerly Community Care Access Centres (CCACs)): Home and Community Care Support Services (healthcareathome.ca)
These centres provide information and support for accessing home care and community support services for seniors in Ontario. You can search for your local CCAC at https://healthcareathome.ca/find-my-hccss/.
- Ontario Senior Games Association: Ontario Senior Games Association (OSGA) | (osga55plus.ca)
For seniors interested in staying active and engaged, this organization hosts the Ontario 55+ Summer and Winter Games. Their website provides information on these events and other activities for seniors.
- Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario: Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario (eapon.ca)
This organization works to prevent elder abuse in the province. Their website offers information on recognizing, preventing, and reporting elder abuse, as well as resources for seniors and their families.
- Long-Term Care Homes – Ontario: Long-term care in Ontario | ontario.ca
If you or a senior family member are considering long-term care, this website offers information about long-term care homes in Ontario, how to apply, and what to expect.
- Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA): Ontario Community Support Association (ocsa.on.ca)
OCSA represents organizations that provide home and community support services in the province. Their website offers information on various services for seniors.
In conclusion, embarking on this journey to Canada as a newcomer is an exciting step filled with opportunities and the chance to explore a new world. With the right resources and information, the transition can be smoother and more successful. Remember to stay updated with the ever-changing landscape of policies and services.