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This guide has information to help you get settled during your first weeks in Ontario. It will not answer all of your questions about Ontario. However, it will give you information about some of your most important first steps. If you have access to the Internet, you can find more useful information on the Settlement.Org website, at www.settlement.org.

In your first weeks in Canada, you may be overwhelmed with the number of things you need to do. You will be filling out many government forms and applying for identification for things you’ve never heard of, such as your SIN, OHIP, CCTB, etc (see below). You do not have to pay for these forms. In many cases you can find the forms on the internet. You should not pay for help to fill them out. You can get free help to fill out the forms and figure out what you need to do to get started from settlement agencies across the city. Find out how to contact them below.

Getting help – Your First Steps
Community Information Centres in the Greater Toronto Area
If you are looking for information about community, social, health and government services, call your local Community Information Centre. When you call them, they will be able to help you find a free service near where you live.

Making local calls
To make a call within a city or town from a payphone, lift the receiver, deposit 25¢ and dial the number. Most telephones accept 5¢, 10¢, 25¢ and $1 coins. You might need to dial the area code first in some areas.
Many telephones also accept pre-paid calling cards and credit cards. You can buy calling cards for $5, $10, $15, $20 or $25 at corner stores, drug stores and news stands. Calling cards and credit cards are an easy way to pay for long distance calls. There are often four parts to a telephone number:
In Toronto you must dial the 416 or 647 area code when calling local numbers.
Their service is free and confidential; you do not have to give them any information about yourself. In many cases you will be referred to the closest Settlement agency near where you live.

Toronto (former cities of East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, Toronto and York)
For information about community programs and services in Toronto and Area, contact 211Toronto by dialing 211 in Toronto or 416-397-4636 outside of Toronto. 211 is available 24-hours-a-day and is a free, confidential service, available in many languages. You can also visit their website at www.211Toronto.ca

Peel Region (Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga)
For information about community programs and services in Peel Region, contact Brampton Library at (905) 793-4636 (press 4); Caledon Community Services (CCS) at (905) 951-2300 or (905) 584-9460, Canadian Mental Health Association - Peel Branch (CMH) at (905) 451-2123, Child Development Resource Connection Peel (CDRCP) at (905) 507-9360, Milton Community Resource Centre (MCRC) at (905) 875-4636 or Malton Neighbourhood Services (MNS) at (905) 677-6270.

Halton Region (Oakville, Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton)
For information about community programs and services in Halton Region, contact Halton Hills Community Support and Information at (519) 853-3310 or Milton Community Resource Centre at (905) 875-4636 or Information Burlington at (905) 639-4212 or Information Oakville at (905) 815-2046.

York Region (Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King Township, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Whitchurch - Stouffville)
For information about community programs and services in York Region and Area contact Information Markham and Volunteer Centre at (905) 415-7500, Information Aurora at (905) 727-8214, Helpmate Information Centre and Volunteer Bureau at (905) 884-3000, or Newmarket Public Library Community Information Services at (905) 953-5110.

Durham Region (Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, Whitby)
For information about community programs and services in Durham Region, contact Information Durham at (905) 436-6731.

Settlement or Immigrant-Service Agencies
There are many agencies that can help you start your life in Ontario. These agencies are called Settlement or Immigrant-Service Agencies. They help new immigrants to Ontario.

A settlement agency near you should be the first place you visit when you arrive in Ontario. They help you adjust to your new life and the process of settling into your new community. You may be staying in temporary housing or a hotel when you first arrive. Settlement agencies can help you find your first place to live and orient you to the community. You may hear these centres called ISAP Agencies, multicultural centres, or immigrant-serving agencies.

You may or may not be used to such community services in your country of origin. You should know that settlement services are free and always confidential. Types of settlement services available include:

• Help with finding a place to stay, English classes, finding a job, training programs or where to buy food, clothes or furniture at a low cost
• Help completing forms and applications
• Orientation towards other helpful resources in the community

Newcomer Information Centres (NIC)
If you’re not sure which Settlement agency to go to in Toronto or Peel Region, Newcomer Information Centres (NIC) are a great first step. NICs will refer you to the community agencies you need to settle in the Greater Toronto Area.
There are 3 NICs in the Greater Toronto Area:
NIC Toronto
NIC Brampton
NIC Mississauga

YMCA of Greater Toronto
42 Charles Street East,
3rd Floor Toronto 416-928-6690
Open:
Monday to Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 2pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm Centre for Education and Training

Brampton Civic Centre, 150 Central Park Drive, Suite 200 Brampton
Open: Monday & Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday & Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 12:30pm
Saturday 9am - 12noon
Centre for Education and Training
100 Elm Drive West, Room 126

Mississauga
Open:
Monday & Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday & Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 12:30pm
Saturday 9am - 12noon

Health Care – Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
You should apply for OHIP as soon as you arrive in Ontario. Generally, there is a three-month waiting period from the date you arrive until you are covered.
To apply, complete the Ontario Ministry of Health application form called: “Registration for Ontario Health Coverage.” It is easiest if you go in person to your nearest Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care office. You can also download the form from the Ministry of Health website.

During the 3-month waiting period, you can buy health insurance from a private company. Generally, the coverage you will buy would be for “visitors to Canada.” The cost of coverage depends on the company you choose, the coverage package you choose and your age, health history and any number of other issues. Contact the Canada Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA) Consumer Assistance Centre with any specific questions you might have - 1-800-268-8099 or 416-777-2344 in Toronto.

You can also get some free health services from Community Health Centres during this 3-month waiting period.

Most basic and emergency health care services are covered under OHIP. However, it is important to know that there are some services that OHIP does not cover at all, or will only pay some of the cost. For more information, call the Ministry of Health INFOline at 1-800-268-1154 (Toll-free in Ontario only). In Toronto, call (416) 314-5518, TTY 1-800-387-5559.

Finding a job – SIN, getting help, credential assessment
You must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada. It is illegal for an employer to hire you without this number.

To apply for a SIN, it is easiest to go to a Service Canada Centre. Call your local community information centre or Social Development Canada (1-800-206-7218) to find out where the nearest centre is. You can also download the form from the Service Development Canada website and bring it with you or mail it in.

You should know that it is not easy to find work in Canada that corresponds with your skills and experience. However, there are many community agencies that provide employment services for newcomers. You do not have to pay for employment help from these community agencies. There are many people who may want you to pay for a ‘guaranteed job’. Be aware that there is no such thing, especially for a newcomer to Canada.

English Classes
English classes for newcomers are often called ESL classes. ESL stands for “English as a Second Language.” ESL classes can be offered through the public and separate (or Catholic) boards of education, community non-profit agencies and colleges. You may hear English classes referred to as ESL or LINC.

One of the most well-known ESL programs is called Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC). LINC is a language training program offered, for free, to eligible adult learners by the Government of Canada.
Some newcomers want to take private ESL classes from a for-profit company, which will cost a fee. In North America, ESL language training is not regulated by National, State or Provincial Ministries of Education. As with anything you buy, buy carefully.

Permanent Resident (PR) Card
After you arrive, you will receive the Permanent Resident (PR) Card. It will be mailed to you. You should receive your PR Card about 30 days after you land and provide CIC with your address.

If you did not provide your mailing address to CIC at the point of entry, do so as soon as possible. You can provide this information on the CIC web site, or you can contact the PR Card Call Centre at 1-800-255-4541. If you do not provide Citizenship and Immigration Canada with your address within 180 days of the date of your admission, you will need to reapply for your PR Card and pay the application fee again.

Public Transportation
Most cities in Ontario have their own local public transportation system (bus, street car, subway). The cost to use public transportation is different depending on the city. For information on the local transit system, look in the blue pages of the telephone directory. Look for “transit information” or “transportation” in the local or municipal government section.
In Toronto, the system is called the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). It is made up of buses, streetcars, light rail and a subway system. If you need information about routes or schedules, you can also call the TTC automated line. This phone line has information in 20 languages. Call 416-393-4636. Select option [7] for different languages.

Consumer Issues
Banking
Quick Facts - Coins
Canadian money is based on the decimal system. One hundred cents equal one dollar. Canadian money is made up of coins and paper bills.
one cent (1¢ or $0.01) = “penny”
five cents (5¢ or $0.05) = “nickel”
ten cents (10¢ or $0.10) = “dime”
twenty-five cents (25¢ or $0.25) = “quarter”
one dollar ($1.00) = “loonie”
two dollars ($2.00) = “toonie”
There are also $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills.
There are many types of financial institutions that will open savings and/or chequing accounts for clients. Banks, trust companies and credit unions provide free information about their services, including debit and credit cards. Just walk into any bank and ask the staff about their services.
To open a bank account you don’t need a job. You don’t have to put money in the account right away. You don’t need a permanent address. All you have to do is show acceptable identification and agree to let the bank check it out. You can get the list of acceptable identification at any bank if you ask for it.

Credit
Even if you have had many years of credit history, with worldwide credit card companies such as VISA and Mastercard, you may not automatically be eligible for such a credit card in Canada. If you have no credit rating, apply at least once, for a regular credit card with your bank. Meet with your bank manager to discuss your borrowing options. You might find that they will take your previous credit history into account. Make sure you have any credit information from your country of origin.

Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)
If your children are under 18 years old, you may be able to receive the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB). The CCTB is a monthly payment that helps families with the cost of raising children. You can get an application form from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). You should apply for the CCTB as soon as possible. You can receive payments for up to 11 months prior to your date of application. Ask your settlement worker how to apply or visit Settlement.Org to download the application form.
Find out more about all of these topics, get forms and ask your settlement question on the Settlement.Org website – www.settlement.org/community.

This article has been written by Settlement.Org staff, reproduced with the permission of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI)