I know a family who has just immigrated. What information would help them?

The resources below will give newcomers to Canada a good idea of what it’s like to live in Canada. They include information about newcomers’ rights and responsibilities, the legal issues they may face as they settle, and how to access and apply for community and government services, as well as links to further resources and information.

Helpful resources

• British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services (Government of BC): This provides information about employment, health care services, banking, and many other issues that people need to consider when moving to BC. It’s available in multiple languages.
• Immigrate to Canada (Government of Canada): This page helps newcomers to Canada find a place to live, work and go to school, access health care, connect with their community, and manage money and finances in Canada.
• Settlement Immigration for Newcomers: Useful Immigrant Settlement Guides and Websites (NewToBC): Find guides, videos, and websites that cover a range of topics related to settlement and immigration.
• Find Free Newcomer Services Near You (Government of Canada): This links to services for a variety of areas including but not limited to daily life, employment, and preparing for the citizenship test.

Helpful services

• 211BC (United Way): The service provides information on community, government, and social services in BC.
• Legal Advocacy Program (MOSAIC): Find information, summary advice, referrals, and legal representation to low-income immigrants and refugees. Limited interpretation services are available.
• AskJES (Justice Education Society): Provides help in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Hindi, and French. Clients can use Ask JES Multilingual to learn about several topics including cyber safety, contact with the police, wills, rights of tenants, and more.
• Find more services.