SETTLEMENT AND ADAPTATION

MAGMA's settlement counselling services are funded through the Immigration Settlement and Adaptation Program (ISAP) of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). In addition to meeting newcomers at point of entry in Canada, our settlement counsellors offer services and information to eligible newcomers in the following areas:

• Housing - searching for a home, setting up accounts for electricity, telephone, and cable, landlord-tenant issues, monthly recurring expenses, etc.
• Employment - job search skills, resume and interview preparation, career orientation, employment agencies, etc.
• Education - location of colleges, universities, schools and school bus stops, assistance with registering children into the public school system, credentials recognition, etc.
• Transportation - public services, driver's permit, etc.
• Health care - location of hospitals and pharmacies, finding a family doctor, dentist, eye doctor, accompanying newcomers to first appointment, etc.
• Important documents, forms, or cards - assistance with applications for S.I.N., medical insurance, child benefit, E.I., citizenship, income tax, etc.
• Financial - bank locations, assistance opening a bank account and in first banking experience, etc.
• Shopping and other services - location of shopping centers or stores (e.g. used clothing and second hand furniture), orientation and assistance with shopping, libraries, post offices, churches, etc.
• Cross cultural counselling - interpretation and translation, cultural expectations and social behavior in Canada, Statutory holidays, special days and customs, Canadian currency, etc.
• Legal and immigration issues - family sponsorships, extension of visas, etc.
• Referrals to community resources and services - Family Services, Food Bank, Red Cross Society, Support to Single Parents, etc.

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