We offer a variety of settlement services for newcomers, including (but not limited to):

• Providing needs assessments and referrals to other agencies, as well as settlement plans to be able to achieve goals
• Conducting one-to-one meetings or group-based information sessions on key settlement topics and services available for newcomers (e.g. health & wellness, social services, housing, employment, government resources, etc.)
• Assistance with filling out applications and important documents (e.g. MB Health Card, Social Insurance Number, Provincial Nominee Program, Citizenship, other government forms, etc.)
• Commissioner of Oaths and Notary Services for documents
• Connecting newcomers with volunteers who will assist in many areas of life in Canada, including practicing English (e.g. individual and group tutoring, conversation circles, etc.)
• Providing ESL classes, assessment of your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, and access to other language training opportunities (e.g. online)
• Assistance with finding quality and affordable housing in the region
• Guidance with finding employment and assistance with job applications; employment skills training and mentorship
• Support with finding employment and working toward credential recognition in field of education or training
• Helping newcomers learn more about immigration and citizenship
• Providing opportunities for community integration (e.g. social functions, fun events, celebrations, gardening club, summer festival, and volunteer opportunities)
• Specialized programs for youth, seniors, and women (e.g. Summer Youth Engagement Program, Youth Group, Women’s Group)
• Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Program in partnership with the Portage la Prairie School Division
• Helping newcomers meet new friends and making the community feel like home
• Supporting and assisting newcomer immigrants and refugee students along with their families in their transition to a new culture, to better understand the education system and provide information and referrals to education and community resources.
• Plus, anything else you would need help with in order to adjust and adapt to living in a new community and country.

All settlement services are free of charge and available to:

Permanent Residents or Manitoba eligible clients, including temporary residents holding a valid work permit or study permit, refugee claimants, Canadian-born citizens raised outside Canada, naturalized Canadian citizens, and spouse and dependents of those listed above.

Please note, if you are not eligible, we can connect anyone requiring additional support with volunteers in the community to assist with meeting your needs.

Newcomer Settlement Services is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. We also receive funding from the Government of Manitoba to provide services to Manitoba eligible clients