How Canada Helps Newcomers Thrive: Explore Canada Connects
Discover how Canada Connects helps newcomers integrate with local mentors, improve communication skills, and settle smoothly with government-funded support.
Gurmeet Sharma
The Canadian government is dedicated to ensuring newcomers can successfully settle and thrive in Canada. Through initiatives like Canada Connects, the federal government, in collaboration with local service providers, offers tailored support to make the transition seamless and empowering.
What is Canada Connects?
Canada Connects is a nationwide program supported by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and local service organizations. It aims to connect newcomers with Canadian citizens or long-term residents, fostering mentorship and cultural integration.
Key Benefits of Canada Connects:
- Community Integration: Building connections with peers in your local community.
- Cultural Familiarity: Gaining insights into Canadian culture and improving communication skills.
- Mutual Understanding: Bridging the gap between newcomers and Canadians, fostering a deeper understanding of immigrant experiences.
Who Can Participate in Canada Connects?
Eligibility for Canada Connects is linked to your qualification for settlement services in Canada. These services are designed to help newcomers integrate into their communities and address their unique needs.
Common Settlement Services:
- Language Training: Including job-specific language skills.
- Childcare Assistance: To support families during settlement.
- Orientation and Needs Assessments: Tailored guidance for newcomers.
- Employment Support: Helping newcomers access the job market.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Federal-Funded Services: Available to new permanent residents and certain protected persons.
- Provincial/Municipal Services: May extend eligibility to temporary residents, such as international students and foreign workers.
Participants in Canada Connects are typically:
- Permanent residents.
- Temporary residents transitioning to permanent status (as confirmed by IRCC).
- Refugees or individuals in similar protected categories.
How to Enroll in Canada Connects
Eligible newcomers can access Canada Connects through local immigrant-serving organizations. Many organizations offer online registration, allowing newcomers to start the process even before arriving in Canada.
Steps to Join:
- Find a Local Service Provider: Explore provincial and municipal websites to locate immigrant-serving organizations in your area.
- Confirm Eligibility: Reach out to service providers directly to verify your eligibility for the program.
- Register for Services: Sign up for Canada Connects and other settlement programs.
- Get Matched: Participants will be paired with a mentor—a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or experienced community member.
Helpful Resources
Explore the following links to find immigrant-serving organizations in your province or territory:
| Province/Territory | Municipal Pages |
|---|---|
| Alberta | Calgary, Edmonton |
| British Columbia | Vancouver |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg |
| New Brunswick | Fredericton, Moncton, Saint John |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | St. John’s |
| Northwest Territories | Yellowknife |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax |
| Ontario | Toronto |
| Prince Edward Island | Charlottetown |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatoon, Regina |
| Yukon | Whitehorse |
| Quebec | Provincial resources available |
Canada Connects serves as a bridge for newcomers, helping them embrace life in Canada with confidence and support. For more information, reach out to your local service provider or visit the IRCC website to begin your journey today!
