Welcome to Canada and the beautiful Bay of Quinte region!
We are so happy to welcome you here and want to make sure that your transition is as easy as possible.
This web site is full of great resources to help you get to know your community.
Here are some other resources that will help you get the most out of your new life in Canada:
Welcome to Canada publication - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pub/welcome.pdf
The website www.settlement.org has a guide to help newcomers understand how better to settle in Canada. It’s available in 20 different languages on the internet: http://settlement.org/ontario/health/mental-health-and-addiction/stress/alone-in-canada-21-waysto-make-it-better-a-self-help-guide-for-single-newcomers
In My Language - InMyLanguage.org provides multilingual information for newcomers to Ontario, Canada. All translations have been completed by certified translators.
http://english.inmylanguage.org/
Tips for Settling in Canada
You came to Canada for a reason and it was likely not an easy decision. If you are already in Canada, you have started the process of meeting your goals and dreams.
Try to remember this when you are frustrated or saddened by things like: lengthy waiting times, cultural differences, weather, loneliness, paperwork, unemployment, language difficulties or other challenges to settling in Canada. This is a part of immigration faced by almost all immigrants.
Here are some tips to help you manage the challenges of living in a new country:
- Stay Positive. (A Key Tip For New Immigrants) Coming to Canada, finding work and integrating into a new society can be very challenging. People who stay positive about their new experiences or see them as an adventure will be more able to handle the stresses of settling in Canada.
- Learn English. Many new immigrants speak English but they need to perfect their English to communicate with others and do well in the Canadian workplace. Other than ESL/LINC classes, make friends with native speakers, or join groups to improve your English.
- Embrace Canada. You have made a big move to come to Canada – be a part of your new country and know as much as you can about it – whether it be news, sports or politics. This is your country now.
- Have Another Plan (Plan B). Everyone comes to Canada with the goal of working in the profession they had in their home country. Canadians would call that “Plan A”. To ensure that you are successful, you need to also have “Plan B”. Plan B is something else that you would do if you couldn’t meet your original goals in Canada. Be open to the idea of taking risks and changing your original plans.
- Make Friends with People Outside Your Ethnic Group. Immigrants who integrate into the Canadian workplace and Canadian life the best are those who make friends with people from all ethnic groups. Canada is a very multi-cultural country. Be open to making friends with people from all religious and cultural groups.
- Volunteer, Mentor, Network. The way to finding work and succeeding in Canada is being involved in the community, volunteering with different professional associations, charities and causes that are important to you. This will build a network of people that will help you ensure your success in Canada in the present and future.
