Welcome to Canada Video Series

Acknowledgements

This course and accompanying guide were developed to support newcomers as they navigate life in Canada and build meaningful connections within their communities.

We would like to acknowledge the many organizations, community leaders, educators, and settlement professionals who contribute their time and expertise to support newcomers across Canada. Their dedication helps ensure that individuals and families arriving in Canada have access to the information, programs, and services needed to succeed.

We also recognize the important role of settlement agencies that provide guidance, language training, employment support, and community programs for newcomers. These organizations help create welcoming communities and support the successful integration of immigrants and refugees into Canadian society.

Special appreciation goes to the participants who engage with this course. Your experiences, perspectives, and contributions enrich our communities and strengthen the cultural diversity that Canada is known for.

Finally, and most importantly, we acknowledge that many settlement programs and newcomer services across the country are supported through funding coordinated by the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and this project is no exception. We are thankful to the IRCC for their support and funding through this project.

How to Use This Guide

This guide has been designed to support your learning throughout the course and to serve as a helpful reference as you continue your settlement journey in Canada. The information provided complements the course modules and allows you to review important topics at your own pace.

Each module in the course introduces a key area of life in Canada. After completing a module, you will find a corresponding section in this guide that provides additional explanations, practical tips, and links to useful resources. These sections are meant to help you deepen your understanding of the topics discussed during the sessions.

You are encouraged to use this guide in several ways:

• Before a module: Review the section briefly to familiarize yourself with the topic.
• During the course: Take notes and reflect on the information shared during discussions and activities.
• After the module: Read the end-of-module text to reinforce what you learned and explore additional resources.
• Take the Quiz: Test your knowledge of each module by answering quiz questions that follow.  At the end of all modules, if you have been able to answer all questions correctly, you will receive a certificate of completion- a testament of your hard work and resilience!
• As a future reference: Return to the guide whenever you need reminders or information about services available in Canada.

Many sections also include helpful links to government websites and community resources where you can find updated information and services.

Remember that settlement is a gradual process. You may not need all the information immediately, but this guide will remain a useful tool as you continue learning and adapting to life in Canada.

Learning Objectives for Participants

By participating in this course and reviewing the materials in this guide, participants will gain a clearer understanding of important aspects of life in Canada and the resources available to support their settlement.

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Identify and explain key systems and services in Canada

participants will be able to identify and explain the purpose of key Canadian systems and services, including healthcare, education, transportation, banking, and taxation, and apply this knowledge to navigate at least three everyday scenarios with confidence

• Identify important documents and government services

Participants will become familiar with essential documents such as the Social Insurance Number (SIN), Permanent Resident card, and provincial identification. They will also learn how to access government benefits and services.

• Recognize opportunities for employment and education

Participants will gain information about the Canadian workplace, job search strategies, language learning opportunities, and educational pathways that can support their professional goals.

• Build community connections

Participants will learn about ways to connect with their communities through volunteering, community organizations, libraries, recreation programs, and cultural events.

• Understand rights, responsibilities, and Canadian laws

Participants will explore the values that guide Canadian society, including equality, respect for diversity, and the rule of law. They will also learn about their rights and responsibilities as residents of Canada.

• Increase confidence in navigating daily life in Canada

Overall, the course aims to empower participants with practical knowledge and tools that can help them feel more confident as they build their lives, careers, and communities in Canada

Reflection and Discussion Questions

At the end of each module, participants are encouraged to reflect on what they have learned and consider how the information relates to their own experiences. Reflection can help deepen understanding and identify areas where additional support or information may be helpful.

Some questions to consider include:

Understanding the Topic

• What new information did you learn in this module?
• Were there any ideas or systems that surprised you?
• What information do you think will be most useful in your daily life?

Connecting to Your Experience

• How does this information relate to your personal settlement journey?
• Have you experienced similar systems or services in your home country?
• What differences have you noticed?

Applying the Knowledge

• What steps can you take after this module to apply what you have learned?
• Are there services or resources you would like to explore further?

Building Community

• How can the information in this module help you connect with your community?
• What local organizations or programs might you want to learn more about?

Participants are encouraged to discuss these reflections with classmates, facilitators, or settlement workers. Sharing experiences and perspectives can help create a stronger sense of community and support among participants.