Newcomer Service Provider Programming: Windsor-Essex & Chatham-Kent
The document below is a reference list of Newcomer Service Providers and their services available in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. These services are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
The document below is a 2023 Summer Programs Guide for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funded Service Provider Organizations in Windsor-Essex.
St. Clair College Offering Free Tuition to CUAET Holders
Below is the link to an information session provided by the International Education Office at St.Clair College for CUAET holders and family members :
Contact the International Education Office at international@stclaircollege.ca if you have any additional questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment with a member of their international team.
Please find below the coupon code for the waiver of registration fees:
| HOY7A4 |
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a public policy to temporarily allow eligible work permit holders, and those authorized to work without a permit under R186(u) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, to study without a study permit”
Here is the link to that policy: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/workers-study-without-study-permit.html
Affordable Pass Program – Bus Pass
The Affordable Pass Program is offered in collaboration with Transit Windsor, the City of Windsor, and Pathway to Potential that allows riders the ability to purchase a discounted adult or youth bus pass, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
To learn who is eligible visit: https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/transitwindsor/Fares/Pages/Affordable-Pass-Program-(APP).aspx
Information in Ukrainian can be found here:
Financial Assistance: Transitional Financial Assistance for Ukrainians Temporary Residents and their Dependents
We’re giving financial assistance to help Ukrainian families who are in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET).
The assistance is a one-time, non-taxable benefit. It’s to take care of your basic needs while you get settled in Canada.
Online applications started June 2nd, 2022. All Ukrainian temporary residents and their dependents arriving in Canada through CUAET will be eligible to receive one-time Transitional Financial Assistance of $3,000 per adult (18 years and older) and $1,500 per child (17 years and under).
You can learn more and apply through the link below:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/ukraine-measures/settlement/get-financial-assistance.html
Driving Experience for Protected Persons, Refugees and People from Ukraine
Ontario will credit foreign driving experience for protected persons, refugees, and people from Ukraine to help them get their driver’s licence sooner.
Protected persons refugees from non-reciprocating jurisdictions, and people from Ukraine may present a photocopy of their foreign driver’s licence (DL) bearing a stamp from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) or a Border Services Officer as acceptable proof of their foreign driving experience when applying for an Ontario driver’s licence. If individuals are unable to present their foreign DL, they may also complete a self-declaration to state the amount of their foreign driving experience, which will be applied to their new Ontario driver record. Drivers with 24 months or more driving experience will be exempt from the mandatory time periods required under Ontario’s Graduated Licensing System. If less than 24 months is self-declared, wait times between testing will be reduced accordingly based on driving experience.
If the foreign driver’s licence, or the stamped photocopy is used to apply experience, it can be expired up to one year at the time of application and must be in English or French or must comply with current document translation requirements. The foreign driver’s licence must be from the country of citizenship.
You can read more here:
https://drivetest.ca/licences/exchanges-foreign-licences/
Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board (WECDSB)
Welcome and Assessment Centre
You can learn more here: www.wecdsb.on.ca/ca/
Registering your Children for School with
Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board
(WECDSB)
Over the last several years, we have welcomed hundreds of new students from around the globe into our Catholic schools and our communities as more and more families choose Canada as their new home.
“These families come from a wide variety of backgrounds, but some may have come from very difficult situations, so we have to be sure that we are empathetic of whatever their circumstances may be, and to make them feel welcome and safe in our Catholic school communities,” said Director of Education Emelda Byrne.
Check out this great video which demonstrates how we take a total team approach to welcoming these newcomers into our schools, making sure they are assessed and appropriately placed in our classrooms and most importantly, supporting them every step of the way:
You can learn more here: www.wecdsb.on.ca/ca/
How to Register for English Classes
The Greater Essex County District School Board’s Language Assessment and Resource Centre (LARC) is funded by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD). LARC is the official language assessment and referral centre for English and French language training programs in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions. This language assessment and referral service is offered free of charge to eligible new English and French language learners.
Language training programs include:
- Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Cours de langue pour les immigrants au Canada (CLIC)
- Enhanced Language Training (ELT)
Once levels of English or French language proficiency have been determined, language learners are provided with information about LINC, CLIC, ESL, and ELT available language training providers.
Eligibility
18 years and older and are either:
- Permanent Residents (landed immigrants)
- Convention Refugees or Protected Persons in possession of a Notice of Decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board
- Certain others who are not yet landed, but have been allowed to remain in Canada and are holders of appropriate authorization issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
The ESL program is also free to newcomers who are:
18 years and older and are either:
- Naturalized Canadian citizens
- Refugee claimants
Referrals and information are also provided to other newcomers who may not be eligible as LINC, CLIC, ESL, or ELT clients.
Scheduling a Language Assessment
Language assessments can be scheduled:
- Submit an assessment request
- Through any of the language training service provider organizations in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent regions.
- By calling 519-253-2724
Hours of Operation
Monday through Thursday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
You can read more here:
Submit an assessment request
Apply for Emergency Assistance
Learn how to get short term financial support if you are in a crisis or an emergency and don’t have enough money for things like food and housing.
Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel
Ontario is responding to the invasion of Ukraine by ensuring individuals and families seeking safety in Ontario from the conflict have the services and supports they need to integrate and succeed in our province.
If you have arrived or are remaining in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), you can apply for temporary financial support through emergency assistance.
If you are eligible, emergency assistance will give quick support to you and your family.
Support available
You may receive approximately $733 a month if you are a single person and need help paying for food and shelter. You may receive more if you have children.
You and your family may receive financial support for up to six months if you do not have enough money or assets to meet your basic needs.
Prescription drug benefits
If you are eligible for emergency assistance, you will be issued a drug card to pay for part of your prescription drug costs.
You can read more here:
Apply online
New partnership to help Ukrainians come to Canada
April 20, 2022
The Government of Canada is resolute in its commitment to provide Ukrainians and their families with a safe haven while the unprovoked and illegal war continues in their home country. We recognize that some Ukrainians may need support in their travel and we are calling on Canadians and Canadian businesses to continue our proud tradition of helping the world’s most vulnerable.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund, which will be launched in partnership with Miles4Migrants, The Shapiro Foundation and Air Canada and will build on our support for Ukrainians wishing to travel to Canada.
As of today, Canadians and Canadian companies can donate Aeroplan points to the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund through Air Canada or Miles4Migrants. For those who want to donate cash, the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto will be collecting donations on behalf of the Ukraine2Canada Travel Fund. These partners are inviting Canadians to donate, with the goal of bringing at least 10,000 Ukrainians and their families on flights to Canada. In addition to a significant donation of 100 million Aeroplan points by Air Canada, The Shapiro Foundation will match donations by Canadians, with a donation equivalent of up to 50 million Aeroplan points.
Canadians who would like to donate their Aeroplan points can do so through the Air Canada and Miles4Migrants websites. Canadians who would like to donate cash can do so through the Travel & Settlement Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Greater Toronto, which will distribute these donations for the purposes of sponsoring displaced Ukrainians. Tax receipts will be issued for donations above $10.
The program will be open to Ukrainian nationals and their accompanying family members who hold valid Canadian travel documents and who have been approved for travel to Canada. Details on how eligible Ukrainians and their families can access the program will be made available in the coming weeks.
This partnership follows the recent measures announced by the Prime Minister of Canada, which include targeted charter flights to Canada for Ukrainian nationals, short-term income support to ensure basic needs are met, and temporary hotel accommodation for up to 2 weeks for those who require support.
You can read more here:
Province Helping Ukrainians Continue Their Lives in Ontario
April 6, 2022
The Ontario government is launching a suite of services and supports for Ukrainians arriving to the province in order to help them integrate and succeed in the province.
Helping to Connect Ukrainian Newcomers with Jobs
A dedicated hotline and email address have been launched to help Ukrainian newcomers connect with job search supports and employers in the community. If they need help finding employment in Ontario, or if employers are interested in hiring a Ukrainian newcomer, they can call 1-888-562-4769 or email ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca.
From there, they will be referred to an Employment Ontario service provider that can help make the appropriate connections. The hotline can provide support in languages other than French and English, including Ukrainian.
Ontario is supporting eligible Ukrainians who may need to upgrade their skills or find good jobs in Ontario through the full suite of Employment Ontario programs including, the Skills Development Fund and Second Career.
Providing Ukrainian Newcomers with Health care
The province is ensuring individuals who have been granted an emergency authorization to come to or remain in Canada for humanitarian reasons, including those in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), have access to the provincial health care supports and services they may need, including mental health services.
As part of our support, Ontario is taking action so that eligible Ukrainians will also have access to publicly funded prescription drugs.
Ontario is working with health care partners, including hospitals and community providers, to ensure that Ukrainians arriving in our province, including children, seniors and people with urgent medical needs are able to receive the health care they may need when they need it.
Access to Primary and Secondary Education and Education Supports
To guarantee elementary and secondary school students arriving in the province can attend publicly funded schools, the government has amended a regulation under the Education Act to ensure students who have been granted an emergency authorization to come to or remain in Canada for humanitarian reasons, including those in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), do not have to pay fees to attend school in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years.
As part of the province’s effort to help students, staff, and families impacted by the war, the Ministry of Education is providing $50,000, to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Toronto Branch, to deliver trauma-informed counselling to students and families through individual and group therapy sessions, and to develop culturally responsive educator toolkits to help teachers and school staff support students.
Also, $399,000 in funding is being provided to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, to support the delivery of their Holodomor National Awareness Tour that seeks to promote intercultural understanding and awareness to students and the public through sharing the stories and history of Ukrainian Canadians and Ukrainians abroad.
Helping Ukrainian Newcomers in Financial Need
To support Ukrainians coming to Canada and arriving in Ontario, the province has taken steps to ensure people who have emergency authorization to be in Canada for humanitarian purposes are able to access Emergency Assistance.
Helping Ukrainian Students in Postsecondary Education
The province is creating a $1.9 million “Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship” to support persons in Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities. The scholarship will be awarded to individual students through their college or university based on merit and financial need beginning in September 2022.
Supporting Ukrainian Newcomers through Settlement Services
Ontario funds more than 150 organizations across the province that deliver a range of newcomer supports, including settlement services, language training and targeted employment programs. Through settlement agencies newcomers are supported with a range of services such as counselling and information, as well as referrals and links to services such as language training, employment and training programs, and mental health and trauma supports.
Our government is providing the Canadian Ukrainian Immigrant Aid Society with $900,000 of additional funding over three years, from 2022-2025, to help enhance the agency’s capacity to respond to the crisis and increased demand to support new arrivals from the Ukraine.
You can read more here:
Province Helping Ukrainians Find Jobs in Ontario
April 6, 2022—TORONTO — At a time when the province has hundreds of thousands of in-demand jobs to be filled, the Ontario
government is launching a suite of supports for Ukrainian families arriving under the new emergency travel authorization, including a
dedicated hotline (1-888-562-4769) and email address (ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca) to connect new arrivals with job search supports and local employers in the community.
“Our government will always embrace newcomers to the province, particularly at a time when we need more people to help fill in-demand jobs and especially the brave people fleeing the unjust war in Ukraine,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As families arrive from Ukraine, we’re making sure the resources and supports are in place to help them find meaningful employment while also keeping them safe and healthy.”
The suite of supports available to Ukrainian newcomers, including those arriving under the new federal travel authorization also includes:
- Access to Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage which includes health care supports and services they may need, including mental health services.
- Access to drug benefits for Ukrainians through OHIP eligibility or receiving emergency income assistance.
- Access to emergency housing through settlement service agencies and Ukrainian community organizations, including host homes and other temporary settings that Ukrainians may need until long-term arrangements are made.
- Ensuring Ukrainian elementary and secondary school students can attend publicly funded schools for free.
- Trauma-informed counselling and culturally responsive supports to students and families as well as the promotion of intercultural understanding and awareness of Ukrainian stories and history, through a $449,000 provincial investment to Canadian-Ukrainian community organizations.
- Support for persons who have been admitted to Canada on an emergency basis for humanitarian reasons studying at Ontario’s publicly assisted colleges and universities through a new provincial $1.9 million Ontario-Ukraine Solidarity Scholarship.
- Financial support of up to $28,000 through our province’s Second Career Program, for those who apply and are eligible, for basic living allowances, tuition, transportation, and other critical needs.
These measures will ensure that Ukrainian arrivals have access to good paying jobs and economic opportunities, while building on the government’s ongoing efforts to attract, support and protect newcomers. In addition, hundreds of Ontario businesses have offered Ukrainian arrivals employment and assistance.
You can read more here:
Employment Support Hotline: 1-888-562-4769 or ukrainianjobs@ontario.ca
Update: Canada expands settlement support for Ukrainians coming to Canada
March 30, 2022—Ottawa—Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to welcome Ukrainians and their families and to provide a safe haven while the war continues in their home country. But their journey does not end when they enter Canada, and we are working to provide additional supports for Ukrainians once they arrive.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Canada is offering temporary federal support to help Ukrainians settle in their new communities. Settlement Program services, which are typically only available to permanent residents, will soon be extended until March 31, 2023, for temporary residents in Canada eligible under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). This is an extraordinary temporary measure aimed at supporting Ukrainians arriving under this special, accelerated temporary residence pathway. Key services that will be available to Ukrainians as they settle into their new communities include:
- language training
- information about and orientation to life in Canada, such as help with enrolling children in school
- information and services to help access the labour market, including mentoring, networking, counselling, skills development and training
- activities that promote connections with communities
- assessments of other needs Ukrainians may have and referrals to appropriate agencies
- services targeted to the needs of women, seniors, youth and LGBTQ2+ persons
- other settlement supports available through the Settlement Program
Settlement services are delivered through more than 550 agencies across Canada. The Government of Canada will continue working closely with provinces and territories, which are mobilizing to support Ukrainians arriving in Canada. They play a key role in helping temporary residents through settlement and social services.
To read more, click to link below:
For a list of available services in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, see details below:
Newcomer Service Provider Programming: Windsor-Essex & Chatham-Kent
The document below is a reference list of Newcomer Service Providers and their services available in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent. These services are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
City Offers Options for Residents to Support Ukraine
March 8, 2022
Canada has one of the largest populations of Ukrainian citizens outside Ukraine. In 2016, there were almost 1.5 million persons of full or partial Ukrainian origin residing in Canada, making them Canada’s 11th largest cultural group and giving Canada the world’s third-largest Ukrainian population outside of Ukraine itself and Russia. In Windsor and Essex County, almost 10,000 of our fellow residents are from Ukraine.
With this in mind, the City of Windsor began to fly the Ukrainian flag at Charles Clark Square last week and illuminated City Hall in blue and yellow – the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
“The human tragedy unfolding right now in Ukraine reminds us all about the tremendous privileges of peace and freedom we share as Canadians,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “As individual residents, we are appalled by what we see occurring and ask, What can we do? The City of Windsor has compiled an initial list of organizations soliciting donations to support families in Ukraine.”
The following list is not exhaustive, but rather a starting point for anyone interested in donating. The City of Windsor is not affiliated with any individual organizations, nor is it collecting financial or other types of donations on behalf of these organizations. Residents should contact their organization of choice directly.
- Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal (or call 1-800-418-1111) The Canadian Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are collecting funds to help with immediate and ongoing relief efforts in Ukraine. The Government of Canada has pledged to match dollar for dollar donations made by individual Canadians to the Red Cross until March 18, 2022.
- United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) is supporting those who have been forced to flee their homes to ensure they are sheltered and safe.
- UNICEF is responding to the escalating need in Ukraine by providing communities with safe water; urgent medical aid and health care services.
- Canada-Ukraine Foundation: Committed to delivering assistance projects generated by Canadians to Ukraine.
- Canada Helps: Collection of charities providing urgent aid in Ukraine.
- Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières: MSF teams act fast to save people’s lives in conflict zones, natural disasters and epidemics.
- Help Us Help works with established networks on the ground to distribute supplies to those who need it most.
- Global Medic provides disaster relief and life-saving humanitarian aid. Donations will go to support those exiting Ukraine into neighbouring countries.
- Ukrainian World Congress (UWC): The UWC works with the government of Ukraine, international governments and organizations to support Ukrainians with donations for humanitarian initiatives.
- Ukrainian National Federation Windsor Ontario Branch (Facebook)
Source: https://www.citywindsor.ca/Newsroom/Pages/City-Offers-Options-for-Residents-to-Support-Ukraine.aspx
