The Newcomer _ Spring 2021_ Inaugural Issue

VOLUME 1 ONTARIO LEARNING DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION INC.
ISSUE 1 COVER STORY: A FIRST-GENERATION CANADIAN’S BUSINESS
SPRING 2021
VISION COMES TO LIFE WITH EYEWEAR STORE

ISSN 2563-7886 © 2021 OLDF Inc.

The Newcomer is a bi-annual Editorial matter may be reproduced only
magazine published by OLDF Inc., by stating the name of this publication,
Toronto, ON Canada. date of the issue in which material appears,
and the byline, if the article carries one.
Publisher
Ontario Learning Development To contact us:
Foundation Inc. [email protected]
416-628-3786
Executive Editor
Sheri Adekola, PhD Ontario Learning Development
Foundation Inc.
Learning Developer 120 Norfinch Dr #39
Barbara Guerrero Toronto, ON
M3N 1X3
Managing Editor
Ramona Leitao Website
www.thenewcomer.ca
Contributing Editor Instagram
Rameesha Qazi @thenewcomermag
Twitter
Copy Editors @thenewcomermag
Joshua Goldschmidt
Lior Kozai All images presented in this issue of
The Newcomer are from the collection of
Creative Editor the Ontario Learning Development
Lea Clarin Foundation Inc. unless otherwise indicated.

Writers Sponsors
Maria Montemayor
Russul Sahib
Michelle Boon
Delaney Rombough
Amanda Owusu
Dara Poizner
Dana Hall
Kathleen Charlebois
Amy Fournier
Emma Siegel

Web Developer
Parker Burck

Social Media Coordinator
Victoria Kanagarayar

Graphic Designer
Reia Tariq

Mazen Ibrahim
Advertising Manager

Educate. Empower. Elevate.

The Newcomer is a bi-annual magazine and an
online educational repository for newcomers
providing how-to guides, informative articles,
stories, resources, and services. Our mission is to
educate, empower, and elevate new immigrants
through information, advising, and entertainment.

The Newcomer seeks to convey reliable,
relevant, and up to date information on various
topics, including life in Canada, education,
employment, and business, among others, to
support new immigrants throughout their journey
to Canada. We hope to provide newcomers with
the information and resources necessary to help
them succeed anywhere in the country.

Land Acknowledgement

4 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

Land Acknowledgement

The Newcomer Magazine acknowledges the
Indigenous land on which we work that has
been inhabited by Indigenous peoples since the
beginning.

As settlers, we’re grateful for the opportunity to
meet here and we thank all the generations of
people who have taken care of this land– for
thousands of years.

Long before today, there have been Indigenous
peoples who have been the stewards of this place.

We wish to acknowledge the traditional territory
of many nations including the Mississaugas of
the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the
Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is
now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and
Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto
is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the
Credit.

We recognize and deeply appreciate their historic
connection to this place. We also recognize the
contributions of Métis, Inuit, and other Indigenous
peoples have made, both in shaping and
strengthening this community in particular, and our
province and country as a whole.

As settlers, this recognition of the contributions
and historic importance of Indigenous peoples
must also be clearly and overtly connected to our
collective commitment to make the promise and
the challenge of Truth and Reconciliation real in
our communities, and in particular to bring justice
for murdered and missing Indigenous women and
girls across our country.

thenewcomer.ca 5

Meet the Team

Meet

RAMONA LEITAO BARBARA
GUERRERO
Managing Editor
Learning Developer

RAMEESHA QAZI JOSHUA LIOR KOZAI LEA CLARIN
GOLDSCHMIDT
Contributing Editor Copyeditor Creative Editor
Copyeditor

MARIA RUSSUL SAHIB MICHELLE BOON DELANEY
MONTEMAYOR ROMBOUGH
Writer Writer
Writer Writer

6 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

AMANDA OWUSU DARA POIZNER PARKER BURCK VICTORIA
KANAGARAYAR
Writer Writer Web Developer
Social Media

Coordinator

REIA TARIQ MAZEN IBRAHIM DANA HALL KATHLEEN
CHARLEBOIS
Graphic Designer Advertising Manager Journalist
Journalist

AMY FOURNIER EMMA SIEGEL TeThaem

Journalist Journalist

thenewcomer.ca 7

Letter from the Editor

Letter from the Editor

Coming to Canada is a courageous undertaking filled with
uncertainty but hope, a sense of adventure and discovery,
learning curves, day-to-day “aha” moments and challenges.
Every story and experience is different: from the reasons behind
our decision to immigrate, to the dreams we were pursuing, to
the risks we had to take, to the sacrifices we had to make, to
the achievements we celebrated along the way.
Some of us embarked on this journey alone, and some of us
came with family or friends. Some of us were shy and nervous
while others were bold and excited. Some had been in the
country before whereas others were discovering it for the first
time. Some spoke and understood the language while others
were learning it. For some of us, the journey started with a
dream many years ago, and for others, it came as a welcomed
opportunity.
Along our way, we made mistakes and corrected them, solved
problems, asked questions and found answers, discarded old
habits and built new ones, learned from others, discovered
and experimented with new ways of life, broadened our
perspectives, rewrote our goals and plans, rediscovered our
identities, and maybe even changed our names.
The newcomer story is the story of many stories, many
experiences, and many beginnings, each one with its tales of
celebrations , teachings, and struggles.

8 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

While some of us are just starting our journey and are preparing
to come to Canada, others have already arrived in Canada
and are adjusting to Canadian life. Some of us are becoming
familiar with the culture whereas others have started a life in
Canada and are already celebrating key milestones.
Wherever we are in our path, The Newcomer is a space for
all of us to find information and resources to help us navigate
the uncertainties of our journey, to share our stories and inspire
each other, and to learn new strategies to prosper in Canada.
For this inaugural issue, we wanted to highlight some of the key
steps in our journey and share important information, advice,
and strategies on a variety of topics related to each phase,
including but not limited to immigration, education, day-to-
day living, language, finance, mental health, and Canadian
culture, among others. Recognizing the unique situations that
newcomers face, the articles aim to incorporate different
perspectives and offer a variety of recommendations for a
wide range of situations.
In reading this issue, I hope that you will find relevant information
to help you continue your brave journey with a renewed sense
of confidence and optimism.

Barbara Guerrero

Learning Developer
and Fellow Immigrant

thenewcomer.ca 9

Table of Contents 14
16
Contents
22
Success Stories 28
32
A first-generation Canadian’s business vision 36
comes to life with eyewear store
Susmita Dutta: Creating impact and 42
changing lives 50
52
Preparing for Life in Canada

Immigrating to Canada: An overview of
supportive immigration programs
5 things you should do as soon as you arrive
in Canada
Validating international credentials
Home hunting: how to find the right housing
option for you

Overcoming Challenges

Learning English as a second language:
A how-to guide on ESL programs
Dealing with debt in Canada
Coping with stress in Canada

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Adjusting to Life in Canada 58
64
Grocery shopping 101: The basics 70
Health Cards: What are they and how to get them 72
Gaining Canadian work experience 76
A guide to rights and freedoms in Canada 78
Strategies for socializing as an adult newcomer 82
to Canada
A guide to your first winter in Canada 88
A Newcomer’s guide to the social aspects 94
of school 100
104
Succeeding in Canada

Arts and culture events and venues in Canada
Pursuing higher education: A guide to post-
secondary education in Canada
5 ways to build your credit score
How to build your business in Canada

thenewcomer.ca 11



SuSctocreiesss

Success Stories

A first-generation Canadian’s
business vision comes to life
with eyewear store

RUSSUL SAHIB

photos courtesy CRYSTALLINE EYEWEAR

Opening a business is a risky move for After the initial shock, Janmohamed worked hard
anyone. Starting a business means to do everything required to practise as an optician
investing countless hours of dedication in Canada. He went back to school to complete a
and energy to making sure everything goes course that updated his credentials and allowed him
smoothly. to work in Canada. While taking the course, he was
given a student licence to work under a licensed
Murtaza Janmohamed knows the realities of optician.
opening a business well. Since opening his eyewear
shop, called Crystalline Eyewear, in 2011, he has While his first job did not pay very well, Janmohamed
seen a lot of success. However, he has not forgotten took the opportunity in order to provide for his
the difficult road he had to take to get there. family.

Janmohamed was born and raised in Kenya. When “Basically, they were getting me as a fully-fledged
he completed high school, he moved to England to optician with a lot of experience at a student rate [of
pursue an optician’s degree. After completing his pay],” he said.
program, he returned to Kenya where he opened his
first eyewear store and eventually started a family. Despite the pay, the optician who Janmohamed was
After having three kids, he and his wife decided to working with had been impressed by his work, so he
move to Canada in hopes of providing a better future referred him to another optician looking for a full-
for their young children. time employee. Janmohamed continued working
both these jobs for 10 years before finally pursuing
In October 2001, Janmohamed and his family his ultimate goal of opening his own eyewear store.
arrived in Canada. He recalls being shocked when
arriving and having to adjust to new expectations. Janmohamed had planned to open his own business
in Canada for many years before he finally did. His
“When you come to Canada, everybody talks about inspiration was his father who was an entrepreneur
‘Oh, you need Canadian [work] experience,’ and back in Kenya. Between raising his children and
‘You need this, and you need that,’ ‘In Canada, we paying his mortgage, he put his aspiration to open a
do things differently,’ so I had to kind of go with business on hold until it was the right time.
that,” he said.
“The inspiration was always there that, ‘Listen, one

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The Newcomer

day I need to get my own business. I don’t want to be
working for anybody,’” he said.

Although passionate about his dream to open his store,
he encountered a few challenges at the beginning.

“The way that business is done in Canada is very
different from the way we used to do it in Africa. One
of the biggest things that needs to be done here is
marketing. Marketing is the biggest component of
your business in North America, but in Africa, the
population is so much, and you don’t need to market.
People just come to you,” he said.

With lots of trial and error and help from family and
friends, especially with technology, Janmohamed was
able to find useful marketing tools and began enjoying
the rewarding parts of opening his business.

“The most rewarding thing is definitely the financial
part, [having] more independence in terms of finances
[and] the satisfaction of having my own business and
being able to contribute to the economy because small
business is a big part of our economy in Canada,” he
said.

Despite all of his success, Janmohamed remembers
what it took to get him to where he is today, and
he believes other newcomers can also have the
same opportunities.

“My advice to [newcomers] is to persevere
because at the end of the day, you will
end up somewhere in this country … I
sold everything [I had] before I came here
[otherwise] I would have gone back within
the first six months. But because I had
nothing to fall back on, it was a
beautiful thing for me to
persevere,” he said.

thenewcomer.ca 15

Success Stories

SUDSUMTTIATA

CREATING IMPACT
AND CHANGING LIVES

MICHELLE BOON
graphics LEA CLARIN

16 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

Susmita Dutta has an intimidating LinkedIn profile. “You have to try ten different things.”
She is an author, project manager, instructor, and The U.S. market turned out to be too restrictive for
founding partner and CEO of her own company, Dutta to develop her business through trial and error.
Global Book Publishing.
“I had more freedom here [in Canada] based on my
Dutta’s warmth and joy for connecting with other people status of immigration than in the U.S.,” she said.
is, however, soon revealed when you talk to her. It is no
surprise that she has found success as a newcomer in Global Book Publishing has skyrocketed since launching
Canada. in 2014. Taking an educational approach, Dutta’s
programs train authors on how to write, edit, and market
Moving from India, to the United States, Dutta settled their work. During her career, she has overseen the
in Canada in April 2019. So far, it seems like a perfect publication of hundreds of books. Through Global Book
match. Publishing, Dutta hopes to hit 1000 published books by
next year.
“I love Canada. The people here are so nice,” she said.
“They’re very much like me.” But success did not happen overnight for this newcomer.
Ten years ago, Dutta herself could not have imagined
When asked if she had a least favourite thing about owning a thriving company in a foreign country. For the
Canada, she didn’t have a single answer. Instead, she CEO, her greatest challenge was her own mentality.
reiterated her most favourite things: the people, the
diversity, and the humility of the culture. “The basic problem that I face was my own mindset, and
the mindset of being comfortable,” she said. “If you get
Canada was also a perfect match for her business. After comfortable, you will not grow.”
a few years of developing Global Book Publishing in the
U.S., Dutta kept running into restrictions. So, on Sept. 8, 2014, she quit her full-time job.

“When you own your own company, you don’t think Dutta recalled thinking on Sept. 9, “What did I do?
linear. You have to think in a diverse way,” she said. Why did I do that?” She immediately regretted quitting

thenewcomer.ca 17

Success Stories

a secure job that she enjoyed but remained firm in her
decision.

The business owner had a successful career working in
project management at other publishing companies but
felt too comfortable. She realized that she would never
commit to her business until she had no other choice.

Dutta credits this leap of faith to her early success. “You
have to get into the water to start swimming,” she said.
Without a steady paycheck, it was like her head was
submerged in water, and her survival instincts kicked in.
This sink or swim mentality was the push she needed to
fully invest in her company.

With years of experience in publishing and project
management, Dutta had a strong foundation to build her
business. But it was more than her foundation of skills
that made her success possible.

Her mindset was her greatest impediment, and her
support network helped her overcome it. Dutta thanks
her parents who “never imposed their society rules on
[her].” They never told her to marry early, and they
supported all of her decisions, even if they seemed
unrealistic.

She also thanks her husband for his unwavering support.
She says he was the one praising her skills and giving her
the confidence to strike out on her own. Her husband
was also the person who encouraged Dutta to move to
Canada for her business in the first place.

Dutta’s mentor, Armand Morin, along with her

18 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

entrepreneur support group, helped Dutta navigate business owner hopes to make a social impact on
Canadian work culture. women. With the exception of one staff member, all of
her employees are women. Her goal is to impact at least
“You have to tell the world who you are; otherwise, 10,000 women by November 2021 by empowering
people aren’t going to know,” she said in regards to authors whose books will in turn empower readers.
what being surrounded by other business-minded
people taught her. She says this is in stark contrast to the As for next steps,Dutta says she has plans to expand
culture she grew up with in India, where self-promotion her global reach. She intends to open branches of her
was discouraged. company in the United Kingdom, and, in a full-circle
moment, her home country, India.
Through her skill, courage, and the support of her
personal network, Dutta has become a successful When she’s not supporting other authors, Dutta is an
newcomer. But how does she define success? online instructor training entrepreneurs, small business
owners, and leaders. She is also an author herself with
“Creating impact and changing lives has been my biggest books on leadership, emotional intelligence, and oil-
success,” Dutta said. free cooking. She recently wrote a children’s book on
the power of unity, which will be released on March 28,
Through Global Book Publishing’s programs, many of 2021.
Dutta’s clients have used their books as tools to build
careers as consultants and life coaches. Every newcomer’s path to success will be different. But
Dutta, as a successful newcomer, says to concentrate on
Dutta says she often wakes up to messages from her giving your absolute best, and success will automatically
clients thanking her for newfound confidence, a new follow.
lease on life, or the skills to start businesses of their own.
“It’s OK if you are finding the challenges today. Time
“That is the biggest success for me. I cannot measure it flies. Keep doing what you are doing; keep your dreams
on any scale,” she said. in mind; keep moving forward.”

For Dutta, people are her priority. Canada was both the To read more about Susmita Dutta or Global Book
right market for an immigrant business owner to thrive, Publishing, visit her website:
and the right place for her to make the most impact on
people. https://globalbookpublishing.com

Other than continuing to publish quality books, the

thenewcomer.ca 19



Preparing
for Life in
Canada

Success Stories

Immigrating to Canada:
An overview of supportive

immigration programs

DELANEY ROMBOUGH

photos courtesy KYLIE ANDERSON (UNSPLASH)
AND ANDRE FURTADO (PEXELS)

There are many different paths newcomers can take
when immigrating to Canada. The path you take may
depend on your education, work experience, skills, and
family. It is important to note that there are application fees
associated with applying for visas, permanent residency,
and citizenship. Below, we outline some of the ways you

can come to Canada and stay long-term.

IMMIGRATION ROUTES • Employer-Specific Work Permits state the name of
the employer, how long you can work, and the location
In order to apply for a visa, you can apply online on the of employment. Your employer must complete certain
Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada website steps and provide you with a copy of a Labour Market
or visit the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. Visa Impact Assessment or a job offer. If you have a job offer
requirements change often so check the Government of from a Canadian company, your employer will assist
Canada’s website for the latest, up-to-date, information. with the visa paperwork.

Work visas • Open Work Permits allow you to work for any
employer in Canada with few exceptions. You can only
Work visas or work permits allow you to legally work in apply for an Open Work Permit in specific situations
Canada. The type of work visa you can get depends on your such as being an international student who recently
skills, education, and current occupation. graduated, if you are a dependent family member

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The Newcomer

or spouse of a permanent resident or international or investment reasons. The four groups of business
student, or if you are a refugee. people considered under CUSMA are:
• If you are 18–35 years old, you also may be eligible
for a Working Holiday visa under International 1. Business visitors (can stay a from a few days
Experience Canada. This visa allows you to travel to six months)
around Canada and work at the same time. If you are
coming to Canada to travel, you don’t need a job offer 2. Professionals (work in a qualifying job, have
to apply for this visa. a job offer, and have a work permit)
• Business Professionals can come and do business
under free trade agreements. For example, under the 3. Intra-company transferees (work for the same
Canada-United-States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), company in a different country)
citizens of Canada, the United States, and Mexico can
gain quick and easy access to each country for business 4. Traders and investors (need a work permit). 
These same groups of people are often covered in
free trade agreements with other countries.

thenewcomer.ca 23

Preparing for Life in Canada

Student visas Family members coming to Canada via sponsorship must
provide:
If you are studying at a Designated Learning Institution in
Canada, you are eligible for a student visa. To apply for a • Documents such as passports, marriage or divorce
student visa, you need the following: certificates, birth certificates, national identification
cards, or other civil documents
• Proof of enrollment or acceptance at a Designated
Learning Institution • Medical exams and biometrics

• Identification Provincial Nominee Program
• Proof of financial support: You must be able to pay for
The Provincial Nominee Program is a program for workers
your tuition, your living expenses and any other family who:
members who come with you, and return transportation
for yourself and any other family members who come with • Have the skills, work experience, and education to
you contribute to a province or territory’s economy
• A police certificate to indicate you have no criminal
background • Want to live in that province
• Proof a being in good health and a medical examination (if • Want to become permanent residents of Canada
required)
• Proof of departure once your study permit expires Each province has its own immigration programs that
target certain groups (called “streams”) and requirements.
The study permit indicates the length of the study period and For example, provinces and territories might target
the expiry date. Student visas usually allow students to work students, business people, skilled workers, or semi-skilled
20 hours per week during the school year and 40 hours per workers. The application process varies depending on the
week during scheduled school holidays. Student visas also province and the stream you are applying to. The paper-
typically have a 90-day extension after the program ends, so based process is as follows:
students can prepare to leave after graduation or re-apply
to extend their stay or change their immigration status in • Apply to the province or territory for nomination under
Canada. a non-Express Entry stream. Application packages are
available on the Government of Canada’s website.
Family sponsorships
• Meet the eligibility requirements.
If you currently live in Canada, you may be able to sponsor • Submit a paper application for permanent residence to
your family living overseas. To sponsor a family member or
relative, you must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada once
citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, or a person you are nominated.
registered in Canada as an Indian under The Indian Act. You • Pass a medical exam and get a police record check.
can download an application package from the Government of
Canada’s website. If you sponsor a family member, you must: Express Entry
• Be able to support them (and their dependents) financially
• Be able to provide them and yourself with basic needs (for Express Entry is for skilled immigrant workers who want
to become permanent residents of Canada. Skilled workers
example, food, clothing, shelter, etc.) upon arrival are chosen based on their skills and ability to contribute to
• Prove they don’t require social assistance from the Canada’s economy. Express Entry manages applications
for three economic immigration programs: The Federal
government

24 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades • Get a letter of support from a designated organization
Program, and Canadian Experience Class. The minimum • Meet the language requirements
application requirements for these programs are: • Have proof of financial support

• Skilled work experience You will also need to give biometrics, fill out the
• Language ability application package with the appropriate documents,
• Education complete a medical exam, and get a police certificate.

You may also be assessed on age, whether or not you have a Refugee and asylum
valid job offer, English and/or French language skills, and
adaptability (how likely you are to settle in Canada). These You can apply for refugee status from within Canada.
criteria are assessed on a points-based system out of 100. Canada offers protection for some people who fear
The highest-ranking candidates in the applicant pool are persecution or who may be at risk of torture, threat to
then invited to apply for permanent residency. their life, or cruel and unusual treatment or punishment in
their home country. The Immigration and Refugee Board
Self-employed visa of Canada makes decisions on refugee and immigration
claims and whether you are a convention refugee or person
The Self-Employed Persons Program allows those who in need of protection.
are self-employed in the arts or athletics to immigrate to
Canada permanently. If you are interested in this program, • A convention refugee — has a well-founded fear
you must have relevant work experience in athletics or of persecution based on race, nationality, religion,
cultural activities and be willing and able to contribute to political opinion, or being part of a social group (for
the cultural and athletic life of Canada. Selection criteria example, women, LGBTQ+).
for this program includes:
• A person in need of protection — can’t return to their
• Relevant experience (at least two years) home country safely due to the danger of torture, risk
• Age to their life, or risk of cruel and unusual treatment
• Education
• Language ability To file a refugee claim, you can send an email and start
• Adaptability your claim online or go to a designated port of entry to
• Medical exam and police record check for you and your make your claim in person. You will need to fill out an
application form detailing your background, your family,
family members and why you want to make a refugee claim.
• Ability and willingness to be self-employed in Canada
Job-specific immigration pathways
Start-up visa
If you have a specific job or work in a specific industry,
Canada’s start-up visa program targets immigrant there are options for visas that can put you on the path to
entrepreneurs with the potential to build a business in permanent residency and citizenship.
Canada that is innovative, can compete globally, and can
provide jobs for Canadians. In order to be eligible for the • Caregivers – If your job is providing care for children,
start-up visa program, you must: the elderly or those with medical needs, or if you work
as a live-in caregiver, there are options for you to
• Have a qualifying business immigrate to Canada and work temporarily or become

thenewcomer.ca 25

Preparing for Life in Canada

a permanent resident. receive social benefits including healthcare, apply for
• Agri-Food Pilot – The Agri-Food Pilot program was Canadian citizenship, and receive protection under the
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Permanent
created to address the needs of Canada’s agri-food residents can’t vote or run for political office. They may
industry. Eligible industries and occupations include also not be able to hold some jobs that require high-level
things like cattle ranching and farming, poultry and security clearance. Permanent residents also  have to pay
egg production, hog and pig farming, and similar taxes and respect laws at federal, provincial, and municipal
industries. This pilot program is for full-time, non- levels. In order to apply for your permanent resident (PR)
seasonal jobs. card, you have need to have lived in Canada for 730 days
in the last five years. PR cards are valid for five years and
Region-specific immigration can be renewed. You also must carry your PR card with
you when you travel or have a Permanent Resident Travel
Various regions of Canada also have specific immigration Document if you are outside Canada.
pathways in order to encourage immigrants to settle
in different areas and contribute to the economic Applying for citizenship
development of various communities and regions.

• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot - This program Once you’ve lived in Canada as a permanent resident for
is community driven. Its goal is to encourage three out of the last five years (1,095 days) and you’ve
immigration to smaller communities by creating a path filed your taxes, you can apply to become a Canadian
to permanent residency. Some of the participating citizen. You have to fill out an application form with the
communities include: Sudbury, Ont., North Bay, Ont., appropriate documents, attend an interview, and pass a
Timmins, Ont., Moose Jaw, Sask., Brandon, Man., and citizenship test.
Vernon, B.C.
The citizenship test consists of 20 multiple choice or
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot – This program is for recent true/false questions that test your knowledge of Canadian
graduates who attended a school in Atlantic Canada history, geography, symbols, laws, economy, and
(New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, government. The Government of Canada recommends
or Newfoundland and Labrador). You must receive using their free official study guide, “Discover Canada:
a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship,” to
Canada to participate in the program. prepare for the test.

• Quebec Selected Skilled Workers – This is a two- The last step in the process is attending your citizenship
step application process for immigrant skilled ceremony. During the ceremony, you can expect to take
workers who want to reside in Quebec and become the Oath of Citizenship, get your citizenship certificate,
permanent residents. Applicants must first apply to the sign the Oath or Affirmation of Citizenship form, and
Government of Quebec for a preliminary assessment. sing “O Canada.” That’s it, congratulations, all your hard
If Quebec accepts you, you then apply to Immigration, work and years of waiting has paid off. You are officially a
Refugees, and Citizenship Canada for permanent Canadian citizen!
residence

Getting your permanent residency
card

In Canada, a permanent resident is someone who lives
in Canada but is a citizen of another country. Permanent
residents in Canada can live and work anywhere in Canada,

26 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

thenewcomer.ca 27

5Preparing for Life in Canada
THINGS YOU
SHOULD DO
AS SOON AS
YOU ARRIVE
IN CANADA
DANA HALL
illustrations LEA CLARIN

28 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

MOVING HERE IS ONLY STEP ONE!

There are a few things you need to do You will need to pay for these services if you
when you arrive in Canada. Having a visa make an appointment.
lets you live here, but you also need to
register to work and to get health care. You will 3. Transfer your driver’s license
also need a provincial driver’s licence if you can
drive. Other things, like opening a Canadian If you are planning on driving in Canada, you
bank account and getting a cell phone plan will will need a Canadian driver’s license. You
help you get established in Canada as quickly as cannot use a foreign license for more than 60
possible. This article will give you information days in most provinces. The process to transfer
on how to do all of these things. for your license is different in every province,
so please refer to your province guide for more
1. Get your Social Insurance Number information.

Getting a Social Insurance Number (SIN) Your province guide will also give you
is a requirement to work in Canada. When information on how to get a driver’s license if
you get a job, you need to provide your SIN you cannot drive.
to your employer, who will disclose it to the
government. It will be used to track your income 4. Get a bank account
and determine your taxes. It will also give you
the ability to apply for government benefits. Opening a bank account in Canada is easy.
You will need two pieces of identification. One
2. Apply for a health card of these needs to be issued by the Canadian
government. If you are a permanent resident,
In Canada, visits to the doctor and hospital are you can use this as your official Canadian
free. To get free health care, you need to apply identification. If you are not a permanent
for a provincial health card. The instructions to resident, it is a good idea to apply for your SIN.
apply depend on the province you live in. You Your SIN card is issued by the government and
should register for health care as soon as you counts as an official Canadian document.
can.
This website tells you three different ways
Please refer to your province guide for you can apply. They are listed as “Option 1.”
instructions on how to apply. “Option 2” and “Option 3.”

It is important to know that visits to the dentist, Some banks will let you open a bank account
optometrist, and physiotherapist are not free. online. If you do this, you will need to be OK

thenewcomer.ca 29

Preparing for Life in Canada

with having a background check by a credit need to pay again. These plans are often more
bureau. A credit bureau is a company that looks expensive than a “postpaid” plan.
at your credit history and gives this information
to your bank. Some credit bureaus might not be A postpaid plan is when you pay for your services
able to run a background check for countries at the end of the month. If you use more data and
outside of Canada, in which case you should calling minutes than you are allowed, you will
apply in person. To do this, you will need to be charged extra. This means that your phone
make an appointment with a bank of your service will never be cut off.
choice.
To get a postpaid phone plan, you will need a
Here are some of Canada’s largest banks: Canadian bank account, Canadian address, and
a credit history. A credit history is a record of
Royal Bank of Canada your ability to pay bills on time. You will need to
TD Canada Trust live in Canada for a little while before you have
CIBC a credit history. This is why most newcomers
Bank of Montreal cannot get a postpaid plan right away.
Scotiabank
In Quebec, Banque Nationale is also popular. Here are the most popular cell phone companies
in Canada:
5. Get a cell phone plan
Bell
Be prepared to pay a lot of money for a phone Telus
plan. Canada has some of the most expensive Koodoo
cell phone rates in the world. They are so high Virgin Mobile
that the government is trying to force phone Rogers
companies to make them cheaper!
Moving to a new country can be overwhelming,
Most newcomers will need to get what is called a but following these five steps will help you help
“prepaid” phone plan. This is when you pay for you get your life started in Canada. It’s a lot of
your plan at the start of each month. This gives paperwork, but it’s worth it.
you a set amount of data and calling minutes.

Once your data and calling minutes run out, you

30 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

thenewcomer.ca 31

Preparing for Life in Canada

Validating
international
credentials

DARA POIZNER

photos courtesy KELLY LACY (PEXELS)

People educated in another country and who want
to work or study in Canada will need to have their
international academic credentials assessed by
Canadian standards. The Canadian Information Centre
for International Credentials (CICIC) is an organization
that helps people who want to get an assessment by
providing information, resources, and referrals to
other organizations. The CICIC does not do credential
assessments itself but is a good place to begin the process.

During the international academic credential assessment
process, the qualifications you received in your country of
origin are compared with the qualifications needed to work
or study in Canada. The most common reasons for needing
an assessment are:

• Finding employment
• Getting a license to practice in a regulated profession

(e.g. medicine, teaching, or law)
• Getting admission to a post-secondary school

(university or college)

According to NewYouth.ca (an online community for
young immigrants and refugees in Ontario), examples of
academic credentials include:

32 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

• Secondary (high) school diploma that someone’s qualifications meet their requirements
• College diploma or certificate for employment, licensing in a regulated profession, or
• Bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree admission to a school, organizations use a recognition
• Professional school degree process, discussed below.
Getting your credentials validated can be confusing
because there is more than one process for validating What does the recognition process check?
international credentials in Canada. The process depends
on many factors including the reasons for having to validate The recognition process checks your academic credentials
your credentials (e.g. for a job or education), the area of and professional qualifications. It makes sure that the
work or study you are applying for, your country of origin, schools you attended have a record of you, and if relevant,
and the province or territory you plan to work or study in. tests your skills and experience as a professional. It also
This article provides basic information on how to validate compares your qualifications with the ones that someone in
your credentials. an equivalent job or educational program in Canada would
need.
Credential assessment services
Working in Canada
Many organizations in Canada cannot evaluate
international credentials themselves, so they use an To continue working in your field after moving to Canada,
external service. The Alliance of Credential Evaluation there are processes you must go through to get certified.
Services of Canada (ACESC) has six member organizations Though these processes are different depending on your
that assess the quality of academic credentials from outside job, province or territory, and education and work history,
of Canada: there are general steps you can take to begin.

• The Comparative Education Service (University of Approving someone to work in a specific profession
Toronto School of Continuing Studies) can take several months. In the time between, many
internationally trained professionals work in related jobs or
• International Credential Evaluation Service (British volunteer in their field to gain Canadian work experience.
Columbia Institute of Technology)
See the CICIC’s “Work in Canada” guidelines for more
• International Qualifications Assessment Service details.
(government of Alberta)
Regulated and non-regulated occupations
• Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation
et Intégration du Québec (Québec Ministry of The organization recognizing your credentials will depend
Immigration) on whether your occupation is regulated or non-regulated.

• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada Regulated occupations are managed by provincial or
• World Education Services territorial (and sometimes federal) law. To work in
a regulated occupation (e.g. nurse or engineer) or a
Their reports compare international credentials with skilled trade (e.g. plumber), you need recognition from a
Canadian standards. Professional regulatory authorities, regulatory authority in your province or territory. You may
educational institutions, immigration authorities, and
employers use them to decide whether internationally
educated applicants have credentials that are equivalent to
the ones needed to work or study in Canada. To confirm

thenewcomer.ca 33

Preparing for Life in Canada

need to complete other requirements to practice regulated documents while you are still in the country where you
professions or trades, including exams related to your received them.
occupation, proof of English language proficiency, or a
Canadian work placement. Academic credentials are given by an educational
institution and include diplomas, degrees, certificates,
Non-regulated occupations do not need a legal license or transcripts, or course outlines.
certification. If you work in a non-regulated occupation,
the employer decides whether or not to recognize Professional qualifications are usually given by an
your credentials. Depending on the job, you may need occupation’s professional regulatory association. These
recognition from a professional association in your documents may include a certificate of competency,
province or territory. For example, some employers professional qualification, or a license to practice.
need their human resources managers to have a Certified
Human Resources Professional designation. Check for a mutual recognition agreement

Use these resources to find out if your occupation is Some regulatory and professional associations in Canada
regulated or not: have mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with
organizations (and sometimes countries or regions)
• The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is outside of Canada. If you have a license, certificate, or
Canada’s system for describing jobs. registration with one of these organizations (or in one
of these countries or regions), this can help get your
• The CICIC has a Directory of Occupational Profiles. qualifications recognized in Canada. For example, the
You can also find employment resources and medical laboratory technologist occupation is listed as a
information about the labour market. profession with one or more MRAs.

Decide what organization to approach The Directory of Occupational Profiles can help you find
information about MRAs for your occupation.
Determine which organization is responsible for assessing
and recognizing your credentials. Each regulatory Apply for financial assistance
authority, professional association, or employer has its own
requirements: They are different for every occupation and There are fees for credential assessment programs. As an
often different in each province and territory. Contact the internationally trained professional, you may be eligible
specific organization for information on how to become for financial assistance. The CICIC has a list of micro-loan
recognized in your profession. programs available in each province.

You can use the NOC and CICIC Directory to learn more Studying in Canada
details about specific jobs in Canada.

Gather the relevant documents While some people who move to Canada want to transfer
their existing career skills, others hope to pursue an
After determining which organization needs to recognize education. As with those who want to work, you will need
your credentials, find out which documents are needed your international credentials assessed to study in Canada.
for the assessment. It is usually easiest to gather these
See the CICIC “Study in Canada” guidelines for more

34 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

detail. You can use the CICIC website to search for Alternative procedures
educational institutions and find their contact information.
There are alternative assessment processes for refugees
Admission requirements and people in similar situations, when it is not possible
to get all the verifiable documents needed for a typical
Every educational institution in Canada has its own assessment. The processes are often determined on a case-
admission requirements. The school you are applying by-case basis. One or a combination of approaches may be
to will evaluate your previous education as part of the used.
admission process, and each school has the authority
to decide whether or not an applicant meets their Country profile and comparability statement: the
requirements. Some are general requirements, and country profile is the profile of the education system
some are specific to the program you are applying for. and institution where an applicant got their original
Requirements may include: credentials, and the comparability statement offers a
comparison between those credentials and the equivalent
• A certain level of previous education and grades credentials of the province or territory where they plan to
• Prerequisite courses be recognized.
• Proof of proficiency in the language of instruction
• Standardized test scores Background paper: an assessment based on the
• A portfolio of work applicant’s description of their studies, courses, grades,
and it is confirmed by a sworn affidavits or other evidence.
To learn about program requirements, visit the website
or contact the admissions office of the school you are Some documentation: an assessment based on some
interested in applying to. documentation (that may be incomplete or unverifiable),
a background paper, sworn affidavits, or other evidence.
Credential assessment and recognition If the applicant has some verifiable documentation, they
may use some regular and some alternative procedures to
You will need to provide documents (e.g. degrees, validate their credentials.
diplomas, transcripts) to verify your previous education.
If your academic records are not in the language of Testing of skills and competencies: an assessment based
instruction (in Canada, this will be either English or on learning outcomes from interviews, testing, portfolio
French), you may need to have the documents translated. development, or other methods.

According to Settlement.Org, an Ontario newcomer To learn more, research the Assessing the Qualifications of
information website, elementary and high schools can Refugees initiative.
usually evaluate a student’s previous education themselves
if they have their educational documents. However, Final tip!
post-secondary schools (universities and colleges) have
their own processes and cannot always do the assessment When getting your international credentials validated,
themselves. In this case, you need to get an external it’s very important to know what the specific organization
assessment from one of the ACESC members. Make sure needs so they can recognize the credentials. You can then
to ask the post-secondary school which assessments use the CICIC to find the right contacts and begin your
they will accept. journey towards working or studying in Canada.

thenewcomer.ca 35

Preparing for Life in Canada H

Home

As a newcomer, finding the perfect home for you and your family means considering many things, from location to
price point to space. Not to mention that different housing options can offer different benefits and disadvantages
for newcomer families. Many new immigrants may also face difficulties when it comes to learning about the
types of housing options there are, how much they cost, as well as what is included in their monthly rent. Yet, whether
newcomers settle in an apartment, condo, or house, their home must be well-suited for their needs and lifestyle.

Apartments and studios possibility of renting an apartment together, or you can
print and distribute flyers or post an advertisement online
An apartment building is a building composed of different to let people know that you are looking for a roommate.
residential units. People live in separate units, called
apartments. Unlike regular apartments, studio apartments In Canada, big cities charge higher amounts of rent, while
may not have separate bedrooms from the living and smaller cities can provide a cheaper alternative. In October
kitchen spaces. Choosing to live in an apartment or studio 2019, the average price of rent in Canada was $1,574 a
means that you have to pay monthly rent to the person or month.
company who owns the building. For people living alone,
it’s also an option to find a roommate to help split rents Robert Mundie, a retired professor, and researcher who
costs. A roommate is someone who shares the apartment studied immigrants and housing, said in an email response
with you and helps cover the costs of rent or even other that the pricing of housing in these big cities is the biggest
utilities. You can ask friends or people you know about the challenge faced by recent immigrants.

36 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

Hunting
How to find the right housing option for you

RUSSUL SAHIB

photos courtesy TIMUR SAGLAMBILEK (PEXELS)

“Housing markets such as Toronto and Vancouver, where such as a swimming pool or playground, which can offer
many immigrants end up, are very expensive. The housing fun entertainment for young children or the whole family!
market in Montreal and smaller centres is generally less
expensive and therefore more accessible,” Mundie said. Generally, apartments are a great option for smaller
immigrant families or single individuals who do not need as
Other cities in Canada, such as Quebec City or Saskatoon, much space.
offer one-bedroom apartments for an average monthly rent
ranging between $870 to $969. “Rental apartments, especially newer builds in central
city areas, tend to be relatively small and are not
While some cities in Canada have pricier rent costs, suitable for large immigrant families, thereby leading to
Mundie said apartments are still generally more affordable overcrowding,” Mundie said.
than other housing options.
However, some apartments have multiple rooms which
Another good thing about apartments is that the costs could be a solution for larger immigrant families.
of other utilities, such as electricity and water, are often
included. This means newcomers often do not have to Condominiums
pay extra for these, as they are included in their monthly
payments. However, it is always important to double- Condominiums (condos) are very similar to apartments,
check what is included in the rent of the signed rental except that you can own your condo! You can typically pay
agreement. Many apartments also come with amenities, a monthly rate until you have paid off the full price of the

thenewcomer.ca 37

Preparing for Life in Canada

condo. When this is done, you become the owner of the semi-detached homes are not. The price of the home
home! For newcomers looking for long-term investment will vary depending on whether your house is attached
options, condos can be a great option, as it allows them to to others or not.
pay for their home over a period of time and ultimately own
their home. In December 2019, the average sale prices of a house in
Canada ranged between $186,000 to $1.6 million for
According to Remax Canada, “financing” or paying for Canada’s most expensive city, Vancouver.
your condo means that you have to first pay five to 20 per
cent of the condo’s overall value as a down payment, when “The major advantage of a house over rental apartments
signing the condo agreement. You must then continue to and condos is size. Houses are larger and therefore tend to
pay the remaining amount as a monthly expense, similar to be more suitable for larger immigrant families. They also
how a mortgage is taken out on a house. These payments usually contain a backyard space that is ideal for younger
are added up until you are finally able to own the condo. children,” Mundie said.
However, living in a condo means that you also have to pay
monthly maintenance fees to keep amenities, such as gyms In October 2019, survey results showed that one in five
or swimming pools, clean and functional. Canadians buying a house was a Canadian newcomer
who had arrived within the last 10 years. As much as 75
In December 2019, the average sale prices of condos in per cent of the newcomers surveyed came to Canada with
Canadian cities ranged greatly. Generally, the sale prices savings reserved for the purchase of a home. The results
of condos ranged from around $170,000 to $670,000 also showed that on average, it takes about three years for
across various Canadian cities. newcomers to purchase a house in Canada.

“Condos are often newer and generally larger than rental For newcomers who may not have the financial means
apartments” Mundie said. “Because they are often newer to buy a house, there are also opportunities to rent a
and contain more amenities than rental apartments the house. Newcomers typically make arrangements with the
monthly cost for maintenance is higher,” he said. homeowner to pay a monthly price to live in the house for
a specified period of time. There are also opportunities for
Despite being a little pricey, condos are a great option for newcomers to rent someone’s basement if they do not have
newcomers hoping to own their home rather than rent. enough money to rent a house.
Many condos are much cheaper than actual houses, giving
newcomers more leeway and flexibility. Renting a basement can be a cheaper alternative for
families or individuals who cannot afford to pay more.
Houses TorontoRentals.com is a website that lists the different
properties up for rent in major cities in Ontario. For
Lastly, houses are another housing option that some example, a basement in the Greater Toronto Area is
newcomers may consider. There are many kinds of houses typically rented for $1200 to $1500 per month. Houses
newcomers can choose from, ranging from townhouses, for rent in the GTA range between $2000 to $4000
semi-detached houses, and detached houses. These terms monthly, depending on the number of rooms in the house.
simply refer to whether your house is connected to another
house or not. Detached houses are physically separated There are many housing options available for newcomers
from surrounding neighbours, while townhouses and to consider and choose from. While the cost of housing can

38 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

be difficult for newcomers to deal with, options for housing live in. After choosing the region they live in, newcomers
usually increase as they settle in and find employment. can click on the “Housing Assistance” link, and this will
“As their time in Canada increases and they achieve more provide them with an entire list of housing organizations
stable employment, many will be able to improve their around them. New immigrants can learn more about each
housing position,” Mundie said. organization, such as their application processes, eligibility
requirements, and contact information, by clicking on the
There are also many organizations and services available links to each housing organization.
that help match newcomers with cheaper housing options
as well as offer support for paying rent and handling Newcomers struggling to find appropriate housing can get
the legal aspects of lease agreements. For example, the in touch with organizations and settlement agencies that
Housing and Help Centre offers many services, such as the provide housing assistance and resources to receive help.
Toronto Rent Bank, which provides interest-free loans for It is often difficult to find housing on your own, especially
those unable to pay overdue rent or provide a rent deposit. if you are unaware of where to look or who to ask. Make
They also offer programs that help newcomers pay for use of any help that is available to you, and don’t be afraid
their electricity and gas if it is not covered in their rental to ask for more help if you need it. At the end of the day,
agreement. This website also allows new immigrants to housing is a human right, and everyone deserves help in
find affordable housing services based on the region they finding the right home for themselves.

thenewcomer.ca 39



Overcoming
Challenges

Overcoming Challenges

Learning English as a
second language:

A how-to guide on ESL programs

MICHELLE BOON

photos courtesy KAMPUS PRODUCTION (PEXELS)

A s a newcomer to Canada, you are eligible for English as a Second Language (ESL)
classes. There are many ESL programs available for adults and children. These
courses are government-funded and available for free. Learning English through
these programs will help you connect with new people, navigate everyday life, and
communicate in the workplace. 
This article will show you how to access ESL programs and walk you through the different

kinds of ESL programs available.

42 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

To be eligible for ESL programs, you must be one To get started:
of the following:
1. Find a language assessment near you. The Centre for
￭￭ A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident Canadian Language Benchmarks website is a great
￭￭ A refugee place to find a language assessment centre near you.
￭￭ A participant in the Ontario Immigrant Nominee
2. Book an appointment online or over the phone.
program 3. Bring identification such as a passport or driver’s
￭￭ A particiant in the Live-in Caregiver Program
licence. The identification you need to bring will be
Where to begin: different depending on your immigration status.

An online language test ￭￭ If you are a Canadian citizen, you may be asked to
provide:
Take an online test to determine your English language •• A Canadian passport
skill level. This is an unofficial test with unofficial results. •• A certificate of citizenship
It will help you decide if you need ESL training and will
also give you an idea of the types of questions that you can ￭￭ If you are a permanent resident, you can provide
expect to see in a formal language assessment. the following:
•• A record of landing
Newcomer services •• A confirmation of permanent residence
•• A permanent residence card
Accessing ESL programs can be overwhelming.
Settlement advisors at your local newcomer service centre ￭￭ As a Convention Refugee or Protected Person, the
will assist you through the process. Newcomer services following documents are acceptable:
will help you book a language assessment appointment •• A letter of Notice of Decision from the Refugee
and register for ESL classes. You can also use these Board of Canada confirming that you are
services to look for jobs, find a place to live, enrol your considered a Convention Refugee
children for school, and learn about other community •• A letter issued by Immigration, Refugees,
services. The Government of Canada provides a list of and Citizenship Canada indicating that your
free newcomer services available at various locations. You application for protection has been allowed
can find a centre near you by entering your location and •• A document confirming your protected persons
selecting the types of services that you are looking for. status
•• A permit to come into or remain in Canada
Language assessment
￭￭ If you recently applied for Permanent Residence,
Before you start your ESL classes, you must complete a you can provide the following documents:
language assessment. Language assessments are free to
take, and you cannot pass or fail them. The test determines •• A letter stating that you have been approved in
your English skills and helps decide what level of ESL principle and have met the permanent residence
training is best for you. eligibility requirements

•• A work or study permit stating that you have

thenewcomer.ca 43

Overcoming Challenges

received initial approval for your Application for ￭￭ Some language assessments are currently online
Permanent Residence due to COVID-19.

￭￭ As a refugee claimant, you can provide: What you need to know about your results:
•• A refugee protection claimant document
￭￭ You will receive a rating based on the Canadian
￭￭ If you have applied for the Live-In Caregiver Language Benchmarks (CLB)
program, the following document would be •• The Canadian Language Benchmarks describe
acceptable: the English language skills of adult immigrants.
•• A live-in caregiver work permit •• All government-funded ESL programs use the
Canadian Language Benchmarks. This allows for
What you need to know about the consistency across different classes, programs,
assessment: and institutions. If you have to switch ESL
programs, you should have no trouble adjusting,
￭￭ The test will take up to three hours. as the curriculum is relatively similar.
￭￭ You will be tested on reading, writing, speaking, •• Official language tests, such as the Canadian
Language Proficiency English Program
and listening. (CELPIP) and the International English
￭￭ You will be able to ask the language assessor Language Testing System (IELTS) are also
based on CLB. Learning English based on CLB
questions if you are unsure of anything. standards will better prepare you for these tests.
￭￭ You will receive your results as soon as you finish

the assessment.

44 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

￭￭ You will receive a separate rating for the listening, Services Near Me is a helpful tool to find ESL programs.
reading, writing, and speaking components. You can also use this search engine to find language
assessments centres in your area.
￭￭ Once you receive your CLB rating, some language
assessment centres will refer you to an ESL This list of free, government-funded programs will help
program. you find the type of ESL classes that are best for you.

Types of ESL programs English as a Second Language (ESL) for adults

After you have completed your language assessment, you General ESL courses are available to adult permanent
can find the right ESL program for you. There are many residents and refugees. The purpose of ESL is to give adult
different kinds of ESL programs. They are made for all skill newcomers essential language training to thrive in Canada.
levels and individual goals. This is a great option for people who want to improve
their communication skills for daily life. ESL is also a
ESL programs are available through many organizations, good way to develop language skills necessary for finding
including: a job, pursuing education, and taking an official language
test. ESL programs are extremely flexible. You can enrol
￭￭ Community information centres in courses throughout the year, and classes are available
￭￭ Community organizations during the day, evening, weekdays, and weekends. General
￭￭ School boards ESL programs can help you reach personal goals. Take as
￭￭ Public libraries many or as few classes as you need.
￭￭ Universities and colleges

thenewcomer.ca 45

Overcoming Challenges

Here are some examples of what you will learn as an ESL Through this program, you will find out about helpful
student, according to CLB standards: topics such as:

￭￭ At CLB 1, you learn basic language skills for ￭￭ Housing
everyday life, including: ￭￭ Banking
•• How to fill out paperwork ￭￭ Local services in your area
•• How to speak to people in banks, schools, or ￭￭ How to get a job
stores
•• How to read labels, numbers, and signs If you are interested in LINC, ask about it at your language
assessment centre, or contact your local newcomer service
￭￭ When you reach CLB 12, you will learn: centre for a referral.
•• How to lead meetings
•• How to give complex instructions ESL and English Literacy Development (ELD)
•• How to follow a meeting in the workplace for students:
•• How to understand complex media, like
government announcements on the news Newcomer children can access English language support
•• How to write a procedural manual or promotional services through their school. To determine the type of
material language support service your child needs, they need to
•• How to edit minutes from a meeting complete an assessment arranged by the school board.
Similar to the language assessment for adults, children
If you are interested in a general ESL program, mention are also tested on their speaking, listening, writing, and
this at your language assessment, or contact your local reading skills in English. Additionally, they are also tested
newcomer service centre for a referral. on their mathematics skills.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to There are two main types of English language support
Canada (LINC) services available for elementary and high school students:
ESL and ELD.

LINC is a type of ESL program designed specifically for ESL is available to elementary and high school students in
newcomers. This program is very similar to the general kindergarten to grade 12. This program offers language
ESL program. Both of them offer basic language training instruction and support during the school day. This
for adult permanent residents and refugees. LINC program is for children who have developed an age-
programs are another option to develop essential language appropriate level of literacy skills in their native language.
skills for finding a job, pursuing education, and preparing
for official language tests. Most LINC programs offer ELD helps students who have had limited opportunity
classes throughout the year, and courses are available to develop literacy and language skills in their native
during the day, evening, weekdays, and weekends. language. This program is available for students in grades
Additionally, free childminding services for small children 3 to 12. Through this program, students develop literacy
are available at most LINC locations. Because LINC is skills while also learning English.
designed specifically for newcomers to Canada, the classes
might cover more lessons on settlement than the general ESL and ELD programs offer support in the
ESL program. following ways:

46 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

￭￭ Separate classes with other newcomer students ￭￭ It offers language training for the following jobs:
specifically designed for English language •• Accounting
development •• Administration
•• Customer service
￭￭ One-on-one language support from a tutor •• Engineering
￭￭ Core courses such as math, science, history, and •• Financial services
•• Health and wellness
geography taught by a qualified ESL teacher •• Information technology
￭￭ Support from a classroom teacher or ESL teacher •• Sales and marketing

for students integrating into regular classes ￭￭ It is a 14-week full-time program consisting of
eight weeks in class (currently conducted online
Additionally, ESL and ELD students are eligible for due to COVID-19) and six weeks in a work
modifications and accommodations. If the student has placement.
trouble completing tasks due to language difficulties, their
teacher can modify task expectations or provide additional ￭￭ They also provide 12 weeks of job support, where
resources. Accommodations will vary depending on the a mentor will help you search for jobs and prepare
student and situation. Types of accommodation include: you for job interviews.

￭￭ Adjusting expectations for an assignment ￭￭ The program requires you to have:
￭￭ Providing more time to complete a test •• A CLB 6 or higher
￭￭ Using extensive visual cues during lessons •• A resumé
•• A language assessment
Note that high school level ESL and ELD courses count
towards the student’s high school diploma. Occupation Specific Language Training
(OSLT):
Ask about ESL and ELD when you enrol your children in
school. OSLT is another option for newcomers with professional
qualifications from their home country. Similar to ELT,
Enhanced Language Training (ELT): you will learn how to communicate in the workplace and
receive instruction on how to search for jobs and succeed
ELT provides language training for tradespeople with in job interviews. Most OSLT programs require a CLB
an advanced level of English skills. Most ELT programs level of 5 to 8. The biggest difference between ELT and
require a CLB level of 6 to 10. Like the general ESL OSLT is that OSLT programs are only available through
program, you will develop essential language skills, but Ontario colleges.
you will also develop professional language skills. If you
have professional qualifications from your home country, OSLT offers language training in the following sectors:
ELT will help you strengthen your language skills to ￭￭ Sales and marketing
engage in networking and mentorship opportunities once ￭￭ Project management
you start working. ￭￭ Health care
￭￭ Technology
The ESL program offered by the Toronto District School
Board for adult newcomers is a great example of what an Through this program, you will learn:
ELT program looks like:

thenewcomer.ca 47

Overcoming Challenges

￭￭ How to communicate through email If any of these are of interest, ask your local organization
￭￭ How to communicate over the phone about the options they offer.
￭￭ How to interview for jobs
￭￭ How to network and make connections Conversation groups:
￭￭ All about the Canadian workplace culture
As you learn English, conversation groups are a great
If you are interested in an OSLT program, contact one of resource to practice speaking and listening outside of
the following colleges: class. Here are some ways to find conversation groups for
adult ESL learners.
￭￭ Centennial College (Toronto)
￭￭ Collège Boréal (Toronto) Meetup
￭￭ George Brown College (Toronto)
￭￭ Humber College (Toronto) Meetup is a website that you can use to look for in-person
￭￭ Seneca College (Toronto) and online events and gatherings. This is a useful search
￭￭ Algonquin College (Ottawa) tool to find conversation events to practice English. Fill
￭￭ La Cité Collégiale (Ottawa) in your location and type in “ESL” or “practice English”
￭￭ Conestoga College (Ottawa) in the search bar to locate an event near you. Due to
￭￭ Fanshawe College (Guelph) COVID-19, most conversation events are currently held
￭￭ Georgian College (Barrie) online. These events are often free and a great opportunity
￭￭ Mohawk College (Hamilton) to demonstrate your English skills in a relaxed setting.
￭￭ Niagara College (Niagara) There’s usually no formal agenda or curriculum; it’s just a
casual conversation amongst English speakers and other
Specialized classes: ESL learners.

As you advance your English skills and achieve higher Check your local library
CLB levels, you can take special courses to reach personal
goals. These courses allow you to practice English that Many local libraries host free conversation groups as well.
you’ve learned in other ESL courses while learning a They are currently running conversation events online.
specific skill, such as typing or academic writing. Unlike Accessing conversation groups at your local library is an
ELT and OSLT, for most specialized classes, you do not excellent way to meet other newcomers in your community.
need previous professional training. In fact, specialized Like gatherings listed on Meetup, conversation circles
courses are an excellent opportunity to gain skills for the at your local library are relaxed and informal. They offer
workplace. another opportunity to practice and gain confidence while
speaking.
For example, the Toronto District School Board offers
specialized courses in the following subjects: Contact your local library to find out if they have any
upcoming ESL conversation events.
￭￭ Academic Writing (CLB Levels 7 to 9)
￭￭ Business Writing (CLB Levels 6 to 8) Learning English can be difficult, but with the right
￭￭ Keyboarding and Computers (CLB Levels 4 to 8) resources, everyone can succeed.
￭￭ Conversation and Pronunciation
￭￭ Medical Terminology

48 Spring 2021

The Newcomer

thenewcomer.ca 49

Overcoming Challenges

Dealing with debt in Canada

MARIA MONTEMAYOR

photo by MARIA MONTEMAYOR

What’s a four-letter word that strikes fear in Identify how much money you receive, spend, and save
the hearts of many Canadians? Debt. When in a month.
immigrants and refugees come to Canada,
they are often overwhelmed with debt from government ￭￭ Take a look at how much money you previously
loans, immigration fees, and other expenses. The good assigned to your debt per month.
news is that there are steps you can take to lower and
eliminate your outstanding payments in Canada without ￭￭ Calculate how much time it will take for you to pay
compromising your health or peace of mind. the amount owed given your current income, and
find out how much money you need to pay it off
1. List your debts faster.

Make a list of all of your current debts, and for each ￭￭ Decide whether you want to pay off the high-inter-
item, write down the total amount you owe, the inter- est debts (which means less interest to pay in the
est rate, and the minimum monthly payment. Your list long run) or lowest balance debts (which means they
may include government loans, loans from relatives can be paid off the quickest) first.
and friends, student loans, and credit card fees.
￭￭ Communicate with relatives and friends that loaned
you money about a mutually agreed upon repayment
schedule.

2. Create a strategy 3. Stick to your budget

Now that you have identified your financial obliga- Create a budget outlining how much money you will
tions, you can create a strategy for tackling them. spend in a given month. This budget will help you stay

50 Spring 2021