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A Newcomer’s Introduction to Canada

Table of Contents

FOREWORD

GETTING READY — BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR CANADA

• Essential documents
• Important documents
• What you should know about health care
• What you can bring into Canada
• Getting ready to look for work
• Getting ready if you are a business immigrant
• Communities across Canada
• The Canadian climate: What to expect and what clothes to bring
• Schools and universities

THE DAY YOU ARRIVE IN CANADA

• Customs and immigration
• Reception services

IMMIGRANT-SERVING ORGANIZATIONS

• LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
• Host Program
• ISAP (Immigrant Settlement and Adaptation Program)
• ELT (Enhanced Language Training)

YOUR FIRST FEW DAYS IN CANADA

• Finding a place to live
  • To buy or to rent
  • Types of housing
  • How to find a place to live
  • What if you have a large family?
  • How much will it cost?
  • Signing a lease
• Applying for a health-insurance card
• Applying for a Social Insurance Number

FINDING A JOB, BUILDING A FUTURE

• International educational assessment services in Canada
• Provincial credential assessment services
• Employment in regulated professions and trades
• Language skills
• Job opportunities
• Employment laws
• Discrimination
• Deductions and taxable benefits
  • Income tax
  • Canada Pension Plan
  • Employment Insurance
  • Taxable benefits
  • Union dues

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CANADA

• Geography
• Distances
• Population
• Map of Canada
• The Francophone population
• History
• Economy
• Government
• Federal government
• Provincial governments
• Territorial governments
• Municipal governments
• Bilingualism
• Multiculturalism
• Protecting the environment – Sustainable development

THE CANADIAN WAY OF LIFE

• Family life and family law
• Marriage, divorce and the law
• Birth control and family planning
• Youth and their parents
• Youth and the law
• Standards and expectations
  • Important social standards
• Some Canadian laws
• Interacting with officials
  • People in authority
  • Public officials
  • Police officers

YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

• Personal rights and freedoms
• Children’s rights
• Women’s rights
• Senior citizens’ rights
• Becoming a Canadian citizen
• Responsible and active citizenship

AFTERWORD

© Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, 2006
Cat. No. Ci63-19/2006E
ISBN 0-662-31658-4

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