Welcome to the Newcomers website page !
Welcome to Canada and welcome to Ontario: Immigrating to Canada permanently is an exciting opportunity. However, there are many things you need to do when you settle in a new country.
Upon arrival in Canada you should:
• Contact immigrant-serving organizations in your community. They can help you find the information and services you need to start your new life, including language training and help finding work.
• Apply for Canadian identification, such as a driver’s licence and a health insurance card, which you should carry with you at all times.
• Apply for a health insurance card from your provincial or territorial government as soon as possible after you arrive in Canada.
• Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a health insurance card.
• Look for a job.
How do I get my Skills Recognized?
Newcomers may face challenges finding a job in Canada. Statistics Canada identifies four labour market challenges faced by newcomers to Canada. One challenge is foreign credential recognition.
Some credentials obtained outside of Canada may not be recognized as equivalent to Canadian credentials. This is often because of contextual differences between countries, particularly in regulated occupations where health and safety are important.
Getting professional and educational credentials recognized in Canada can take time. Organizations that assess foreign credentials include: credential assessment agencies, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies.
For some jobs, mostly regulated occupations, newcomers will need to have their foreign credentials assessed.
There are two types of jobs in Canada: non-regulated and regulated.
• Non-Regulated: If you wish to work in non-regulated occupations, employers will be interested in learning about your education and work experience. This information can be summarized in a resume. In addition, employers may be interested in the Canadian equivalency to your educational credentials that were obtained outside of Canada.
The non-regulated job market is an excellent place to begin your career in Canada.
• Regulated: Credential assessment and recognition is usually completed by a regulatory body.
Tip: A credential assessment costs money. Check with a regulatory body or other organization to determine if you need an assessment before spending money on an assessment that is not required or recognized.
Tip: A credential assessment costs money. Check with a regulatory body or other organization to determine if you need an assessment before spending money on an assessment that is not required or recognized.
Credential Assessments and Continuing Education:
If you apply to college or university, you may need to have your foreign educational credentials assessed. This may either be done by a credential assessment agency or by the specific educational institution.
Canadian Equivalency to Foreign Credentials:
The Canadian government offers information about foreign credential assessment and recognition processes through the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO). To learn more, visit the FCRO Web site or call Service Canada at 1-888-854-1805 or TTY 1-800-926-9105 (in Canada only).
Provincial credential assessment services assess academic credentials for a fee. The assessment will tell you how your education compares with educational standards in the province or territory where you are planning to settle. An assessment may help you in your job search.
Assessment Services in Ontario:
In your first few weeks you will likely need to:
• Exchange your money for Canadian currency.
• Explore your housing options.
• Get a map of your area and find out about public transportation.
• Do some shopping for you and your family.
• Get a telephone book from the local telephone company. You can find out how to contact your local telephone company by dialing 411 from any phone.
• Learn more about traveling in Canada.
• Register your children in school.
In your first few months you will likely need to:
• Practice and improve your language skills.
• Find a place to live.
• Explore your options for communications services.
• Get a family doctor.
• Have your children immunized.
• Find out more about what services are available in your new community.
• Find out where the Language Instruction for Newcomers (LINC) assessment centre is in your community and register for language classes. In French, LINC is called CLIC (Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada).
• Apply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit.
• Apply for the GST/HST Credit.
Lake Ontario
In your first year you may wish to:
• Get a driver’s licence.
• Register for adult continuing education classes.
• Understand your rights and responsibilities under Canadian law.
Applying for Canadian Citizenship:
Canadians are proud to hold one of the most prized citizenships in the world. Every year about 170,000 people become new citizens of Canada.
If you want to become a Canadian citizen, you must:
1. Determine if you are eligible to become a citizen.
2. Apply for citizenship.
Use the citizenship study guide entitled Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship to prepare for your test
4. Take the citizenship test, if you are between the ages of 18 and 54.
5. Attend a citizenship ceremony, if you are 14 or older.
Canadian National Anthem
Ontario Day-to-Day Guide:
For English version, click HERE
For Arabic version, click HERE
Durham Region:
The Region of Durham is situated in the highly developed and populated economic centre of Ontario, known as the Golden Horseshoe, that stretches from Oshawa to Niagara Falls. Durham Region lies immediately to the east of the City of Toronto within the Greater Toronto Area and encompasses an area of approximately 2,590 square kilometres. The area is characterized by a variety of landscapes and communities. A series of major lakeshore urban communities contrast with a variety of small towns, villages, hamlets and farms which lie immediately inland. The relatively flat lakeshore area marked by the bluffs, wooded creeks and ancient shoreline, features contrasts with the hummocky topography of the Oak Ridges Moraine running parallel to the shoreline only 15 miles to the north. This diverse landscape of woods, headwaters, ridges and hollows gives way to rolling farmlands and lakes to the north. Here the Municipality spreads into the prime recreational lakelands of Simcoe, Scugog and the Kawarthas.
A recent report by the Planning Department estimates that the population of the Region of Durham was 531,000 in May 2001. A target of 760,000 people has been estimated for the number of people living in the Region by the year 2011, and a target of 970,000 people by the year 2021 - more than double the 1991 population.
Vision:
The Vision statement of Durham Region: Durham will be a united group of vibrant and diverse communities recognized for their leadership, community, spirit and exceptional quality of life.
Mission:
The mission statement describes the fundamental purpose of the Region’s role in service delivery to the public: Meeting the needs of the Durham community through leadership, co-operation and service excellence.
To access Durham Region's website, click HERE
Durham Services:
1. Durham District School Board:
The DDSB is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The Board employs more than 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the Board accommodates more than 70,740 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses.
For more information regarding your child's school designation, please contact DDSB Property and Planning Department via e-mail at: Planning_Department@durham.edu.on.ca or by phone 905-666-6421 or 1-800-339-6913 ext. 6421
To check Durham District School Board's website, click HERE
2. Durham Catholic District School Board:
The DCDSB, as followers of Jesus, is a Catholic learning community committed to educating students to contribute their God-given talents in service to others. The DCDSB mission is to building and sustaining the Catholic capacity of educators through the development and provision of high quality Catholic curriculum, resources, support and professional development.
The Catholic Curriculum Corporation is a consortium of seventeen Catholic school boards across central and western Ontario.
As an important partner in Catholic education, they recognize that Catholic education exists to provide a holistic formation of people as living witnesses of faith. They demonstrate their mission when they engage with, and support their member boards in sustained, substantive school improvement and student growth that is reflective of a Catholic professional learning community.
For more information, click HERE
3. Private Schools in Durham Region:
Great Beginnings Montessori School (GBMS) and Durham Elementary Private School (DEPS) are independent schools. GBMS and DEPS are members in good standing of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
In GBMS, each of the Montessori classes operates on the principle of freedom within limits. Every program has its own set of ground rules that differ from age to age, but is always based on core Montessori beliefs: respect for each other and the environment.
Children are free to work at their own pace with materials that they have chosen, either alone or with others. The teacher relies on his or her observations of the children to determine which new activities and materials are appropriate to introduce to an individual child, to a small group, or to a large group. The aim is to encourage active, self-directed learning and to strike a balance of individual mastery with small group collaboration within the whole group community.
DEPS is an academically focussed school which helps students regardless of ability, to attain their personal best. This is achieved through small class sizes and individual attention from caring, dedicated teachers in an environment conducive to learning.
DEPS provides a quality education based on traditional values and morals. Their individual classes provide a quiet, controlled, stimulating environment where each student develops at his/her own pace.
For more information, click HERE
Schools Boards in Durham Region:
Durham Region Transit (DRT):
DRT is an integrated transit system serving all communities in Durham Region. The service area is divided into Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge service sectors. Door to door transit for disabled passengers is provided by Specialized Services.
To know more about bus routes, schedule, and customer service, please click HERE
Pickering Public Library:
To borrow materials, a valid Pickering Public Library card is required. Library cards are FREE to the following groups:
• Residents of Pickering (proof of residence is required such as a driver’s license or utility bill)
• Employees of Pickering businesses (proof of employment is required such as a cheque stub with a Pickering address)
• Students attending Pickering schools (School ID card or other proof of enrollment is required)
• Those who own property in Pickering (proof such as a tax bill is required)
For more information, click HERE
Ajax Public Library:
Ajax Public Library has three branches through which they offer a wide collection of resources in various formats and languages. They also provide Internet and word processing computers, wireless Internet, room rentals, art display space, and programming for all ages.
The library offers new programs for the newcomers - Click HERE for more information.
For more information about the other activities of Ajax Public Library and their locations, please click HERE
Whitby Public Library:
Whitby Public Library offers many programs and events for all ages
For Library hours, branches, and all activities, click HERE
Oshawa Public Library:
The Oshawa Public Library enriches the lives and potential of the people of Oshawa by connecting them to the world of information and each other. Oshawa Public Libraries strives at all times to provide its resources and services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. They are committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access its resources and services, allowing them to benefit from the same services, in the same place and in a similar way as other customers.
For more information, click HERE
Durham Region's Parks and Recreation:
Here are the top 15 in order of most popular:
1. Lakeview Park, Oshawa (waterpad)
2. Rotary Sunrise Lake Park, Whitby (waterpad)
3. Rotary Park, Ajax (waterpad)
4. Willow Park, Whitby
5. Beachfront Park, Pickering (waterpad)
6. Folkstone Park, Whitby (behind McKinney Arena)
7. Vipond Park, Brooklin
8. Greenwood Conservation Area ,Ajax
9. Kinsmen Park, Whitby (splash pad)
10. Whitburn Park, Whitby
11. Portage Park, Whitby (Portage Ave, Whitby Shores area)
(splash pad)
12. Jack Wilson Park, Whitby
13. Beatrice Park, behind the Oshawa Central Library
14. Frenchman’s Bay, Pickering
15. Williamsburg Park, Whitby
Durham Region's Top Parks for Summer Fun:
One of the families' favorite summer activities is park hopping. They pack a picnic, and their bathing suits and head off to a different park each week across Durham.
Iroquois Park Sports Centre (IPSC):
The Iroquois Park Sports Centre (IPSC) is Canada’s largest municipal sports and recreation complex. Boasting over two million visitors annually, the IPSC is the largest single destination for minor hockey and lacrosse events in Canada. IPSC is home to the majority of Whitby’s hockey and lacrosse sports groups. And, by virtue of its size and available facilities, IPSC is a choice destination for large scale tournaments, athletic events, shows and special events. These events draw a substantial number of visitors from the Greater Toronto Area, Central Ontario and beyond, each year.
Spanning 240,000 square feet, the IPSC houses six arenas – including a 1,500 seat feature arena, – two swimming pools, a 600 seat restaurant, and a Pro Shop. The Centre is situated on 47 acres of parkland offering 4 softball diamonds, 1 senior level baseball diamond, a skateboard park, soccer pitch, playground area, 6 tennis courts, open spaces and parking for 900 cars.
For more information, click HERE
Oshawa Recreations:
Oshawa features over 1,200 acres of passive and active parkland. Their trails total almost 22 km of paved surface that provide citizens and visitors with an active and environmentally friendly way to discover Oshawa’s internationally recognized parks, culture and natural treasures.
With a wide variety of indoor and outdoor facilities including arenas, recreation complexes, athletic fields, beaches, trails, playgrounds and pools, the City of Oshawa has something for all ages! Explore, play and get active!
For more information, click HERE
For any questions / inquiries,
please e-mail us to:
newcomers@smarysjohn.org
Pickering Recreations Complex:
Pickering Recreation Complex offers Tennis on 4 courts. Equipment is available free of charge for anyone wishing to use the courts. In addition, it offers private, semi private and group swimming lessons to all ages and abilities. You can also enjoy Group Fitness in 3 new high-tech studios, as well as the pool. Pickering Recreation Complex offers programs for every ability and interest.
For more information, click HERE
Ajax Community Centre:
The Ajax Community Centre indoor facilities include 4 arenas, offering year round ice and summer floor activities, 25 metre swimming pool, a top notch fitness centre, the Ajax Rock Oasis: Fun, indoor rock climbing for kids and adults. Birthday parties, school holiday programs, camps and lessons available.
It also includes outdoor facilities: Ajax Cricket Club pitch and pavilion, 4 public tennis courts, Soccer fields and Ajax Soccer Club clubhouse, and more.
For more information, click HERE
Career Centres in Greater Toronto Area (GTA):
Career Centres are designed to assist with career planning and development and also to provide a wide variety of resources and advice to any job seeker.
To get a list of Career Resources Centres within GTA, click HERE
You can also search a career opportunity by yourself for free through some major job search websites:
1. Workopolis.com: A main job search website that help on how to register, formatting a resume, how to create/edit/delete your CareerAlerts, how to apply for a job, or other relevant services.
Click on www.workopolis.com to search a career opportunity.
2. Monster.ca: Using proven strategies, experts work with you to understand your goals — and craft a resume that gets results. There's no need to repeat your Job Searches each time you log in. You can do the Job Search once and save your search terms. You can even choose how often you want to receive email alerts about matching jobs.
Click on www.monster.ca to search a career opportunity.
3. Charity Village: You'll find every day more than 3,500 pages of news, jobs, resources, how-to articles, volunteer and event listings, educational opportunities, and much more.
To access this website, click HERE
4. Ontario Public Service Careers (OPS): The Ontario Public Service is always striving to be a world leader in public service. The jobs posted on this website are within the approved employment cap for the Ontario Public Service. The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is one of the largest employers in the province, employing more than 60,000 people. They have a wide range of meaningful and rewarding career opportunities in communities across Ontario.
To access OPS, click HERE
5. Job Bank: Job Bank is Canada's one-stop job listing website. Each year, they help hundreds of thousands of Canadian workers, job seekers and employers connect online, and free of any service charges. Their popular and innovative online tools are available to help you find that perfect job. Their Job Search tool allows you to search current job openings from coast to coast, or register with Job Bank to make use of Job Match, Job Alert, the Résumé Builder and the Career Navigator.
Click www.jobbank.gc.ca to visit this website.
Universities in Ontario:
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) is the licensing and regulating body for engineering in the province. Under the Professional Engineers Act, a provincial statute, PEO is responsible for the licensing and discipline of engineers and companies providing engineering services. PEO protects the public by ensuring all professional engineers have met the rigorous qualifications for licensing.
To become a professional engineer, applicants must meet the following criteria:
◦ Be at least 18 years of age;
◦ Graduate with at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited Canadian engineering program, or meet PEO’s education standards;
◦ Successfully complete PEO’s Professional Practice Examination on ethics, practice, engineering law and professional liability; and
◦ Obtain four years of verifiable, acceptable work experience, with at least one year in a Canadian jurisdiction under a licensed professional engineer.
Click on www.peo.on.ca to access all details.
The Steps to your Licence
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO):
Every university in Ontario and its campuses are profiled which include facts and statistics, visiting, applying, tuition fees and financial aid, academics, studying, libraries, research, graduates and careers, student services, housing, student groups, arts and cultural, news and media, sports and recreation.
The Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) processes undergraduate and professional applications for admissions to the province’s universities. The OUAC will forward applications to all requested universities and/or programs regardless of the qualifications of the applicant. The OUAC does not make any admission decisions.
Undergraduate study is the first level of academic work available at a university and leads to a bachelor’s degree. Normally (but not always), undergraduate applicants do not already hold a university degree. Admission to undergraduate study usually requires completion of secondary school qualifications or higher.
A professional program is a program of advanced learning that leads to an occupation governed by a mandatory regulatory body. Practicing members of the profession must complete a licensing exam before they can actively practice and must keep their credentials current, through additional education mandated by the regulatory body. Professional programs processed by the OUAC include medicine, law, teacher education, and rehabilitation sciences.
Here are a list of the programs available OUAC:
* The Ontario Rehabilitation Sciences Programs (ORPAS)
* The Ontario Faculties of Education (TEAS)
* The Ontario Law Schools (OLSAS)
* The Ontario Medical Schools (OMSAS)
To review what Ontario Universities' Application Centre can offer to you, click HERE
For guide to all Ontario University campus websites, where you can find information on admissions, courses, degree programs, student loans, scholarships, grants, online education, student community life and much more, click HERE
