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Settlement Resources
If you have recently arrived in Canada, navigating the various systems and services can be challenging. Newcomer Information Centre (NIC) provides you with a list of resources and referrals to help you settle into your new life. Whether you need information on immigration, housing, healthcare, education, or employment, we are here to assist you. We understand that settling into a new country can be overwhelming, and we hope that this page will make the transition a little bit easier for you.
Please take some time to explore the resources and referrals listed here, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need additional support. Welcome to Canada, and we wish you all the best as you embark on this new chapter in your life.
Community & Recreation Centres
Ottawa is a vibrant city with a variety of community and recreation centers available to its residents. These centers provide a wide range of services and activities for people of all ages, such as fitness classes, sports leagues, art programs, and much more. To help you find the best centers in your area, we have compiled a comprehensive list of community and recreation centers in Ottawa.
Recreation and Culture
Links
Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre
Links
Education & Language Training
Use the resources listed below to enhance your language abilities, enroll in educational programs to acquire new skills, and obtain guidance for enrolling yourself or your family members in educational institutions.
Adult Literacy and Essential Skills
Video
G1 Drive Test Preparation (Ukrainian)
Video
Supportive Care Assistant Program
Video
The Ontario Education System: Supporting Newcomer Students & their Parents in Ottawa Schools
Video
Employment
If you're in search of a job, we can help you discover sources for job search support, training, and career counseling. We also offer access to employment programs and entrepreneurship opportunities to assist you in finding a job that meets your needs.
Adaptation Culturelle
Video, PDF
Canadian Workplace Culture
Blog
Canadian Workplace Culture
Video, PDF
Canadian Workplace Culture Webinar
Video
Empowering Newcomers: How the YMCA's Power of Trades Program is Shaping Skilled Workers in Ottawa
Blog
How to be successful in a Virtual Interview
Blog
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Family Services
Need help for your family to overcome challenges and thrive? Explore the range of family services, including counseling, financial assistance, parenting programs, child and youth services, and crisis intervention support. These resources can improve your family's well-being by enhancing mental and physical health, strengthening relationships, and promoting overall wellness.
BGC Ottawa
Links
Incubator 13
Links
Kids Help Phone
Links
Locations - Thrift Store Salvation Army
Links
Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies
Links
Teen Talk: SERC's Youth Health Education Program
Links
The Children's Aid Society
Links
Finances & Taxes
Are you looking for financial assistance or guidance in Canada? We have compiled a comprehensive list of the resources that cover different social assistance programs, rent, housing and utility assistance programs. One of the most important resources on our list is free tax clinics. If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, you may be eligible for free help with your tax return. Please have a look and see if any of these resources can help with your financial needs.
CRA - Free Tax Clinics
Links
File Your Taxes Online
Links
Learn About Your Taxes
Links
Food & Clothing
Access to healthy food and appropriate clothing is important for your family's well-being and can help them feel secure and happy. We offer valuable resources and referrals for food banks, community kitchens, cooking classes, and free or low-cost meal programs, as well as guidance on where to find free or affordable clothing. Our goal is to support you and your family in accessing the resources you need to thrive in your new community.
Free Store
Links
Gender Specific
Let us direct you to resources, programs, and safe spaces in our community that are open, helpful and inclusive for everyone. Our community together can work to eliminate gender-based factors and help everyone feel supported.
About Family Violence
Links
Free Programs for Disadvantaged Women
Links
Get Help for Yourself or a Friend — OCTEVAW
Links
Immigrant Women Services Ottawa
Links
National Office for Victims
Links
Neighbours, Friends and Families - Western University
Links
Government & Legal
Do you need legal help? Our knowledgeable team can connect you with relevant resources, services that can assist you with your legal matters and provide you with information about your rights in Canada.
University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic
Links
Community Legal Services of Ottawa
Links
Legal Aid Ontario
Links
Ticket Defence Program (TDP Ottawa)
Links
Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum
Links
By-Law & Regulatory Services
Video
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Health & Mental Health
Relocating and settling into a new place can be a challenging experience, but there's no need to worry as there are professionals who can assist you and your family with your physical and mental health needs. Check out the resources below to explore your options and learn more about the available services that can help make you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings.
Teen Talk: SERC's Youth Health Education Program
Links
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Links
Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region
Links
Healthcare for the Newcomers in Ottawa
Video
SAIF
Links
Signs of Bullying | PREVNet - Canada’s Authority on Bullying
Links
Ottawa Ukrainian Mental Health
Links
Mental Health Commission of Canada
Links
Kids Help Phone
Links
Housing
Housing can be a major factor when settling in a new city. Use the resources below to make the transition smoother for you and your family. With the resources below, you can tackle/address the housing concerns and furnish your house to make it your new home.
Housing | City of Ottawa
Links
Matthew House Ottawa
Links
Housing Search in Ottawa
Video
Preparing to Find Housing in Ottawa
Video
Shelter Movers - Ottawa
Links
Carty House – A First Home & Helping Hand for Female Refugees in Ottawa
Links
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Immigration & Settlement Services
Are you looking for assistance with immigration and settlement issues in Canada? We understand that settling in a new country can be challenging, so we have compiled a list of settlement organizations that could help you integrate and build a successful life in Canada. Connect with these organizations to receive guidance and support for a smooth transition to a new community. With the resources below, you can tackle/address the housing concerns and furnish your house to make it your new home.
The differences between pre-arrival and post-arrival services
Blog
Tips for learning Canadas official language
Blog
Choosing your first home in Canada
Blog
Mental Health Resources for Newcomers
Blog
A Pre-Arrival Success Story
Blog
Transit
Video
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