British Columbia

Newcomers’ Guide
to Resources and Services
Library and Archives Canada
Cataloguing in Publication Data
Main entry under title:
British Columbia newcomers’ guide to resources
and services. – June 1999-

Irregular.
“Immigrant settlement”.
Issued also in multiple other language eds.
Issued also on the Internet.
Imprint varies.
ISSN 1493-8065 = British Columbia newcomers’
guide to resources and services

1. Human services - British Columbia. 2. Immigrants

- Services for - British Columbia. I. British Columbia.
Ministry Responsible for Multiculturalism and
Immigration. II. British Columbia. Ministry of
Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services.
III. British Columbia. Welcome BC.

HV4013.B74 361.9711 C00-801748-4

British Columbia

Newcomers’ Guide
to Resources and Services

2021 Edition
Please note
2021 Provincial Edition: The information in this guide is up to date at the time of printing.
Names, addresses, and telephone numbers may change, and publications go out of print,
without notice.

This guide has been written using the Canadian Language Benchmark 4 (CLB 4) level to meet
the needs of non-native English speakers.

To access copies of this guide Acknowledgements

(2021 Edition)
The B.C. Newcomers’ Guide is available in
Arabic, Chinese (simplified and traditional), • Astra Bullock, Project Manager
English, French, Korean, Punjabi, and • Barbara Carver, Baytree Communications,
Tagalog. You can find it at welcomebc.ca. Project Coordinator and Editor
Print copies are also available free of charge • Reber Creative, Design and Layout
while quantities last. To order, fill in the • Carrie Davies, Proofreading
resource order form at:
welcomebc.ca/newcomersguides.

Thank you
This edition of the British Columbia
Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services
would not be possible without the help of all
the individuals, agencies, and government
organizations who contributed to this book.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Using the B.C. Newcomers’ Guide
Using apps to get B.C. Newcomers’ Guide information
Fraud and scams
Agencies to help newcomers
Translation and interpreting services
Services for refugees and refugee claimants
Where to go for more information

SETTLING IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Indigenous peoples
Social customs
Telephones
Personal safety
Transportation
Travel between communities
Sending and receiving mail
Public libraries
Community, recreation, and seniors’ centres
Volunteering
Checklist of things to do right away

FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Renting
Make a checklist before you move in
Make a checklist before you move out
Housing help in B.C.
Buying a home
Becoming a landlord
Where to go for help

MONEY AND BANKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Canadian money
Shopping
Banking
Doing business with private companies
Owing money
Paying taxes
Financial help for seniors
Where to go for information
Investing money
HEALTH CARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
B.C. Health
Registering for MSP
Get your BC Services Card
HealthLink BC
Finding a family doctor or a nurse practitioner
Medical emergencies
Language assistance
Buying medicine
Dentist
Eye exams and eyeglasses
Public health units
Private specialized clinics
Mental health, alcohol, and other drugs
Getting healthy and staying healthy
Where to go for help

EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Early years to Grade 12
Post-secondary education
Continuing Education for adults

HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

BC211
Crisis centres
Violence, abuse, and neglect
Problems with alcohol, drugs, and gambling
Sponsorship breakdown
B.C. Employment and Assistance Program
Homelessness
Food banks
Help for families
Seniors’ programs and benefits
People with disabilities

DRIVING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Insurance
Driver’s licence
Traffic laws
Car crashes
Buying a car or truck
Vehicles from outside B.C.
Car rentals and car sharing
EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Social Insurance Number
Finding a job
How to apply for a job
Getting certified to work in B.C.
Working
Losing your job
If you get hurt at work
Discrimination and harassment
Starting your own business

LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION �������������������125

Canada’s legal system
Human rights
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Gender identity
Hate crimes
Help for victims of crime
The police
The courts
For more legal information
Government
Immigration and citizenship

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
 British Columbia

Fort St. John

27
WILLIAMS
Chetwynd LAKE
DAWSON 97
Mackenzie CREEK Clearwater
100 Mile
House 24
Tumbler Little Fort
37 97 Ridge 5
Clinton
Cache
37 97
Creek KAMLOOPS
Deas Lake
77 Lillooet
Fort Nelson
Logan
NECHAKO Lake
Prince TERRACE Whistler 99
Rupert PEACE/
16 NORTHEAST
37 NORTH
COAST
Kitimat 37
Revelstoke
KAMLOOPS Sicamous
Stewart Logan
Fort St. John
Salmon Arm
27
Lake 97
Chetwynd
Vernon Nakusp
37
Mackenzie
Dawson
Creek Merrit
KELOWNA
Hazelton
6
Smithers
Tumbler
5
Prince Terrace NECHAKO 97 Ridge
16
Rupert 16

Princeton Penticton
37 Fort St James
Masset Houston
Kitimat Burns Lake
16 Hope Castlegar
Vanderhoof PRINCE GEORGE
3 3 33
97
16

97 McBride

Wells

Tumbler Quesnel
Barkerville Valemount

E C HA KO 97 Ridge Anahim Lake

CARIBOO/CENTRAL

WILLIAMS LAKE
Alexis Creek
Fort St James VANCOUVER ISLAND/ 97 100 Mile
Burns Lake CENTRAL COAST
House Clearwater THOMPSON-O
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN
24
Little Fort 93

PRINCE GEORGE 5 Golden

Port Hardy Clinton Revelstoke
Sicamous
Vanderhoof
Cache Creek
KAMLOOPS
16 Port McNeill
Lillooet
Logan Salmon Arm
Invermere
Lake 97
Whistler 99 Lytton Vernon Nakusp
Campbell KOOTE NAY
97 McBride River
Powell
River
Merrit
KELOWNA 6 Kaslo
5 Kimberley
6 3A

Quesnel Wells Port VANCOUVER Hope

Princeton Penticton
Castlegar
Nelson CRANBROOK
Alberni 3 33 6 31 3
Tofino 3
Abbotsford 97
Barkerville Ucluelet
NANAIMO
MAINLAND/SOUTHWEST
Sicamous
VICTORIA
Salmon Arm Invermere
VANCOUVER
Nakusp KOOTENAY
Port
Alberni NANAIMO 6 Kaslo
Ucluelet
Kimberley
6 3A

Nelson CRANBROOK
Castlegar
VICTORIA 6 31 3
Trail
GETTING STARTED
Definitions Services for refugees and
refugee claimants
Using the B.C. Newcomers’
Government-assisted refugees
Guide
Privately sponsored refugees
Newcomers’ Guide videos
Refugee claimants
Using apps to get B.C. The Interim Federal Health Program
Newcomers’ Guide Resettlement Assistance Program
information Information for refugees

Fraud and scams Where to go for more

information
Agencies to help newcomers Search online
Francophone settlement services BC211
Translation and interpreting About your community
services About British Columbia
About Canada
 GETTING STARTED

Definitions
Agency – an organization that provides a service. For example, government agencies
provide services to citizens. Real estate agencies provide service to people buying and
selling homes.
Assistance – helping or giving a service to someone. This can be through money or
special programs. People get assistance to find work, a place to live, or money for food.
Assistance can be given by government or by social agencies.
Benefits – money or programs to help people when they are sick, do not have a job, or
cannot take care of themselves. Employers provide benefits to workers. Governments
provide benefits to citizens.
Credentials – proof that a person has the education, skills, and experience for a job.
Fraud – when a person lies, embellishes, exaggerates, or intentionally leaves out
information to get something valuable.
Municipal (or local) government – the government of a town or city.
Professional – a person with a job that has special standards and rules. Professionals
usually need an education related to the career. They may also have to join a
professional group or organization, and must behave in a way that is approved of by
the organization. If there are complaints against the professional, their organization
will investigate.
Regional district – the level of government that provides services for several cities and
towns in an area. This could include parks, recreation centres, water, sewer, and garbage
pickup.
Scams – a scam is a lie people tell to trick someone into giving up something valuable, like
money or personal information. Someone may say you owe money to the government,
or that you need to verify your bank account number.
Service provider – an agency that gets money from government to provide specific
services to people. For example, a settlement agency is a service provider that helps new
immigrants settle in Canada.
Settlement agency – organizations that help newcomers to Canada settle in. They can
help people find a place to live, a job, or an education. They can explain how things work
in Canada, help people learn English, and help new residents settle into their new home.
Table of Contents, Index – a list of the information available in a book, and where to find
it. The Table of Contents lists the chapter titles and is usually in the front of the book. The
index lists all the information covered and the page number. It is at the back of the book.
Third party – a person or organization that is separate from an organization. For example,
a software company may develop an app that works with a computer program. It is
separate from the computer program, but delivers a service for it as a third party.

2 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 GETTING STARTED

Using the B.C. Please note: some information may have

changed since this guide was published.
Newcomers’ Guide
The British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Newcomers’ Guide videos
Resources and Services has information to help The WelcomeBC website has videos with
you in your first few months living here. information for people who are new to B.C.
They are available in many languages. You
• There is a Table of Contents at the
can watch them on the WelcomeBC website.
beginning of this guide and an Index at
welcomebc.ca/newcomersvideos
the back. Use them to find information in
the guide.
• If you see words you don’t understand, Using apps to get B.C.
check the Definitions at the beginning of
each chapter.
Newcomers’ Guide
• There is a list of abbreviations on page 137. information
An abbreviation is a short way to refer You can find the information in the B.C.
to something that has a long name. For Newcomers’ Guide on an app for your
example, Canadians often call a “Social mobile phone. The Arrival Advisor is a
Insurance Number” a “SIN”. third party app. It is free, and available
• All websites are in English. Many in many languages.
organizations also provide information arrivaladvisor.ca
in other languages.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 3

 GETTING STARTED

Fraud and scams The Canadian Bankers Association has

information about protecting your bank
Fraud and scams are when people lie to you accounts.
to try and steal your money or your personal cba.ca – Search for “scam”
information. Fraud can also happen when
someone lies, embellishes, exaggerates, For more information about how to protect
or intentionally leaves out information. yourself from scams, see page 18.
Many Canadians have received phone calls
or emails from scammers. Often, new
immigrants are seen as easy targets for Agencies to help
scams. Some scams promise that they can newcomers
help you get into Canada, or get permanent
Most communities in B.C. have organizations
residence status quickly. Some scammers will
to help new immigrants and temporary
try to scare you. They may say you are doing
residents settle here. They are the best place
something illegal, or you are in trouble with
to go to when you have questions about
the government.
living and working in B.C. These services
It can be difficult to tell the difference are free, and are usually offered in many
between a real government website, email, languages.
or letter, and a fake one. Scammers may
The settlement agency in your community
send you emails, texts, and voice messages.
can help you with many things. They can
They might say that you owe the Canadian
help you:
government money, or ask for information
like your bank account, credit card details, or • find a place to live
Social Insurance Number. • find a job
The Canadian and British Columbian • learn about getting your foreign
governments will never ask for private credentials recognized
information or money by email or phone. • improve your work skills and qualifications
The B.C. government also provides • register your children for school
information about recognizing and reporting • get official documents and government
immigration fraud and scams. services
welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/B-C- • find government information, including
Provincial-Nominee-Program/Immigration- federal and provincial immigration
Fraud-and-Scams programs, visas, and permits
You can report a scam email, phone call, or • find free language classes to learn and
letter with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. improve your English
Toll-free: 1 888 495-8501 • get legal help, or make a complaint about
Note: This office is in Central Canada. an agency or business
The phone number is answered between
7 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. Pacific Time.

4 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 GETTING STARTED

Find a settlement agency near you: To find a translator or interpreter, visit the
• Permanent residents, including refugees Society of Translators and Interpreters of B.C.
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/ website.
index.asp Vancouver area: 604 684-2940
stibc.org
• Temporary residents, including refugee
claimants, temporary foreign workers, and
post-secondary international students
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents
Services for refugees
and refugee claimants
Francophone settlement services
Government-assisted refugees
La coopérative d’immigration Le Relais
Francophone de la Colombie-Britannique Under the Government Assisted Refugees
provides French language services to Program, refugees are referred to Canada for
newcomers.  resettlement by the United Nations Refugee
Vancouver area: 604 630-0316 Agency or another referral organization.
Toll-free: 1 877 630-0316 Government-assisted refugees receive
vivreencb.ca support for up to 1 year from the date they
arrive in Canada or until they can support
themselves – whichever happens first. This
Translation and may include accommodation, clothing, food,
and help finding employment.
interpreting services canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
You may need help reading English citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-
documents. You may also need to translate canada/government-assisted-refugee-
documents from your own language into program.html
English. Ask your settlement agency for help.
They can: Privately sponsored refugees
• translate simple documents Groups of volunteers in Canada can privately
• help you read and write forms and sponsor refugees. They will help newcomers
documents adjust to life here. The sponsorship group will:
• interpret (do spoken translation) • help find a place to live

• help you find professional translators • give financial support

• give social and emotional support
Settlement agencies cannot help you fill out
legal forms. • give food and clothing

Professional translation companies charge Sponsorship groups must support a refugee

a fee. You may need to hire a professional for 1 year after they arrive or until they can
translator or interpreter if: support themselves – whichever comes first.
You do not need to pay your sponsor for
• you are using legal documents
these services. Sponsors are not allowed to
• your documents require certified ask you for money to help you resettle.
translations cic.gc.ca – Search for “Private sponsorship
refugees information”

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 5

 GETTING STARTED

Refugee claimants To get coverage, your health care provider

If you do not have refugee status but want to must be registered with the Interim Federal
seek asylum in Canada, there are steps you Health Program. Find a registered healthcare
will have to take to file a refugee claim and provider in B.C.
obtain a hearing. You can contact Settlement ifhp-pfsi.medavie.bluecross.ca/en/search-
Orientation Services for specialized supports ifhp-providers
to navigate the refugee claim process and get
help with your immediate housing, medical, Resettlement Assistance Program
and income needs. You may be eligible for assistance under the
• Settlement Orientation Services at the Resettlement Assistance Program. Programs
Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) and services include:
issbc.org/our-services/sos-settlement- • loans to help travel to Canada
orientation-services • assistance upon entering Canada
You can also contact your settlement agency. • counselling and cultural orientation
• cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/ • general information and orientation
index.asp
• referral to community resources
For more information: • translation and interpretation services
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees- • language training
citizenship/services/refugees/claim-
• job-related services
protection-inside-canada.html
• Multi-Lingual Orientation Service Each program and service has its own
Association for Immigrant Communities eligibility requirements. If you were
(MOSAIC). sponsored as a refugee, contact your
mosaicbc.org sponsoring organization to find out about
settlement assistance. You can also get
The Interim Federal Health information on settlement assistance by
contacting a service organization directly.
Program
canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
The Interim Federal Health Program provides citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-
limited, temporary health-care benefits for canada/government-assisted-refugee-
specific groups of people in Canada who program/providers.html
don’t have provincial, territorial, or private
health-care coverage. Protected persons,
Information for refugees
resettled refugees, and refugee claimants
can apply for the program. • Legal Aid BC
lss.bc.ca/publications/pub/refugee-
Learn more and apply on the website. hearing-preparation
• For individuals • Refugee Readiness Hub
cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/outside/ bcrefugeehub.ca
arriving-healthcare/individuals.asp
• Refugee Health – Vancouver
• For refugees refugeehealth.ca
canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-
canada/health-care/interim-federal-health-
program/services.html

6 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 GETTING STARTED

i Where to go for more information

Search online • Temporary residents, including refugee
You can use the internet to look for work, claimants, temporary foreign workers,
find housing, buy new or used items, and post-secondary international
translate simple sentences, and meet new students
people. Most of the links in this guide are welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents
to governments, or organizations funded • Download the Arrival Advisor app to
by government. your smartphone. Use it to
Libraries and many public places have free find settlement information and
wireless internet (WiFi). Many coffee shops community resources. The app is
also have WiFi for customers. Hotels and available in English, French, Arabic,
motels usually have free WiFi for guests. Chinese (Simplified and Traditional),
For more information about home internet Korean, Punjabi, and Tagalog.
services, see page 38. arrivaladvisor.ca

If you don’t have a computer, tablet, BC211

or smartphone, you can use a public BC211 can help you find government
computer at the library. Most public and community services you may need.
libraries have computers you can use for These include counselling, employment,
free. Your community may have an internet child care, financial assistance, food,
café or gaming café where you can access senior services, housing, legal services,
the internet on public computers. immigrant services, education, arts
Visit your settlement agency. Their services and culture, recreation, health services,
are free, and they can help you learn about and support groups. The service is free,
your new community. confidential (private), and is available in
many languages.
Find a settlement agency near you. Toll-free: 2-1-1
• Permanent residents, including refugees bc211.ca
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
index.asp

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 7

 GETTING STARTED

i Where to go for more information (continued)

About your community • WelcomeBC has information about
• You can get lots of free information working, studying, and settling in B.C. It
at your local library. There are books is a provincial government website with
about your community, B.C., and information on B.C. immigration and the
Canada. You can also find maps, BC Provincial Nominee Program.
newspapers, magazines, and DVDs. WelcomeBC.ca
Libraries often hold classes, educational • Service BC has information about
talks, and social events. NewToBC has provincial government services.
information about public libraries and Toll-free: 1 800 663-7867
services for newcomers. servicebc.gov.bc.ca
newtobc.ca • The provincial government website has
• Go to the municipal government office. information about services, programs,
It may be called “town hall” or “city hall”. and life in B.C.
You can get information about parks, gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home
recreation centres, and activities in • BC Stats has information about B.C.’s
your community. economy and population.
civicinfo.bc.ca/municipalities bcstats.gov.bc.ca
• Regional districts may have information • HelloBC has information about exploring
about parks and recreation. British Columbia.
civicinfo.bc.ca/regionaldistricts hellobc.com
• Visit your local tourist information centre.
It has maps and information about things About Canada
to do and see in your community. • Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
hellobc.com/plan-your-trip/visitor- Canada has information on Canadian
information-services laws, health care, and settlement
services.
About British Columbia cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/
• WorkBC is a provincial government welcome/index.asp
website with information about finding • Service Canada helps people access
a job and working in B.C. federal government services and
Toll-free: 1 877 952-6914 benefits.
workbc.ca servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/home.shtml

8 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

SETTLING IN
Definitions Taxis
Ride hailing
Indigenous peoples Carsharing and Carpooling
Indigenous peoples and
Walking
European History
Cycling
Recent history and reconciliation
Cars
Indigenous peoples today
For more information Travel between communities
Driving
Social customs
Buses
Marriage, divorce, and families
Airlines
Smoking and vaping
Ferries
Alcohol and cannabis
Trains
Personal titles
Appointments and time Sending and receiving mail
Personal privacy Sending letters and packages
Other mail and delivery services
Telephones
Long-distance calls Public libraries
Phone cards
Community, recreation, and
Personal safety seniors’ centres
Fraud and scams Community and recreation
Emergencies centres
9-1-1 Tips Seniors’ programs
Preparing for emergencies
Volunteering
Transportation
Checklist of things to do
Public transportation
right away
Transportation for people with
disabilities
 SETTLING IN

Definitions
Avalanche – when a large amount of snow, ice, or rocks falls down the side of a mountain.
Appointment – a meeting that has been set up ahead of time. You may make an
appointment to see a doctor or dentist, repair something in your home, take a class,
or attend a job interview.
Cannabis (marijuana) – a drug taken for medical reasons and for recreation. In 2020,
cannabis use became legal for Canadian adults.
Disabilities – physical, mental, or developmental conditions that limit a person’s ability to
work, move, or do activities in their daily lives.
Emergency – an unexpected and dangerous situation that people must respond to very
quickly. Emergencies include avalanches, earthquakes, fires, floods, or very bad weather.
Emergency preparedness – getting ready for an emergency ahead of time. This means
having food, lights, batteries, and supplies ready in case of an emergency (for example, if
the electricity stops for several days or weeks).
Fraud – when a person lies, embellishes, exaggerates, or intentionally leaves out
information to get something valuable.
Helmet – a hard hat people wear to protect their heads in case they fall or get hit on the
head. People riding motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles must wear helmets. These are
often called “bike helmets”.
Mobility aids – things that can help a person move around. This includes wheelchairs,
walkers, and walking canes.
Multiculturalism – when a country values many cultures. People celebrate many different
cultures. Ethnic diversity is valued in Canada and is a benefit to all citizens.
Scams – a scam is a lie people tell to trick someone into giving up something valuable, like
money or personal information. Someone may say you owe money to the government or
that you need to verify your bank account number.
Single-parent family – a family with 1 adult taking care of his or her children. In some
families, the parents may be divorced, and 1 parent may have custody (responsibility) for
the children. A parent may have died, or a man or woman may have decided to have a
child on their own, without a partner.
Tip – extra money paid to workers who provide personal services. This includes taxi drivers,
servers in restaurants and bars, hairdressers, etc. Tips are usually between 10% and 20%
of the total bill. Canadians often give tips when the service has been good.
Tsunami – a giant wave in the ocean that is usually caused by an earthquake. The wave can
flood the shore and destroy nearby towns, cities, or roads.
Volunteer – a person who gives their time for free to help others. Many organizations use
volunteers to help provide service. Volunteers do not get paid for their work.

10 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 SETTLING IN

Indigenous peoples In 1867, the Government of Canada was

formed. The government created the Indian
There are more than 1.6 million Indigenous Act, which was a law governing Indigenous
peoples in Canada, and more than 600 peoples. It controlled every aspect of their
different Indigenous communities. Just lives and tried to erase their cultures and
over 200 of these communities are in ways of life. Indigenous peoples have always
British Columbia. About 80% of Indigenous fought against the oppression of the Indian
peoples in B.C. live outside of Indigenous Act and colonization, and for the recognition
communities, in towns and cities across of their rights. Amnesty International, the
the province. United Nations, and the Canadian Human
The people who are Indigenous to Canada Rights Commission have called the Indian
belong to 3 groups – First Nations, Métis, and Act a human rights abuse.
Inuit. First Nations people have lived in B.C. One of the darkest periods in the history
since time immemorial, which means before of Canada was the creation of residential
memory or record. Tens of thousands of First schools, which aimed to destroy the culture
Nations people were here when Europeans of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. The
arrived and colonized B.C. in the mid-18th Government of Canada took thousands of
century. The Métis people are of mixed Indigenous children away from their homes
European and First Nations ancestry. They and families. They were put in schools far
are a distinct people and Nation. The Inuit from their homes. They had to learn English
are from the northern regions of Canada. and were stripped of their language, culture,
There are many stereotypes and prejudices and Indigenous identity. Most children
toward the people who are Indigenous suffered terrible abuses at the schools. The
to Canada. This comes from the history last official residential school closed in 1996.
of how European settlers treated the The lasting damage and trauma caused
Indigenous peoples. by residential schools – and many other
examples of injustice and racism in Canada’s
Indigenous peoples and history – still negatively affect Indigenous
European History peoples, families, and communities today,
Long before the first Europeans came to as well as the country as a whole.
North America, the Indigenous peoples of
the country now called Canada managed Recent history and reconciliation
their lands with their own systems In recent years, governments across
of government, laws, traditions, and Canada have recognized how their actions
economies. They had (and still have) their have hurt First Nations, Métis, and
own languages, ceremonies, traditions, Inuit peoples. In 2008, the Government
cultures, and spiritual beliefs. of Canada created the Truth and
When explorers arrived in North America, Reconciliation Commission to begin to look
their countries were fighting for power at and recognize the injustices against
and control over land all around the world. Indigenous peoples across the country.
Many of the settlers here did not recognize For more information, visit the
Indigenous peoples at all, or their laws, commission’s website.
governments, cultures, beliefs, or trc.ca
relationships.

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 SETTLING IN

In 2007, the United Nations General children to be proud of their cultures and
Assembly adopted the United Nations identities. There are many celebrations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous and festivals in communities that welcome
Peoples (UN Declaration, or UNDRIP). non-Indigenous people.
The UN Declaration has been adopted by
Traditionally, some First Nations leadership
148 nations. It emphasizes Indigenous
was passed down through a family
peoples’ rights to live in dignity, to maintain
(hereditary). Under the Indian Act, the
and strengthen Indigenous institutions,
Canadian government created “bands” –
cultures, and traditions, and to pursue self-
a different form of government that was
determined development in keeping with
imposed on First Nations. Who can be
Indigenous needs and aspirations.
a member of the band is defined by the
un.org/development/desa/
Government of Canada, not a First Nation.
indigenouspeoples/declaration-on-the-
Many bands now have an elected council,
rights-of-indigenous-peoples.html
called a “band council” and an elected chief.
In November 2019, the B.C. government Today, hereditary leadership still exists in
passed a law to implement the UN many Nations, and some bands have both
Declaration, which the Truth and hereditary and elected chiefs, leaders and
Reconciliation Commission said matriarchs. Many elected band councils
governments in Canada should fully adopt manage education, band schools, housing,
and implement as the framework for water and sewer systems, roads, and other
reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. community businesses and services.

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Some First Nations communities now
Peoples Act means the B.C. government have self-government agreements. Self-
has to recognize and respect the human government means First Nations can take
rights of Indigenous peoples. With this law, control of and responsibility for decisions
the government has promised to work with affecting them. These can include making
Indigenous peoples to create an action laws, deciding how to spend money,
plan that will help build a better future for raising money through taxation, delivering
Indigenous peoples and everyone in B.C. programs, and building economic
declaration.gov.bc.ca opportunities.

In many parts of Canada, First Nations

Indigenous peoples today
signed treaties (contracts with the
Although the colonial governments of government) that gave new settlers
Canada tried to destroy Indigenous rights to the land. Very few treaties were
peoples’ connections to culture, traditions, signed in B.C. In fact, 95% of B.C. is on
economies, laws, and rights to the land, First Nations land that never had a treaty
those connections remain strong today. agreement. Today, people recognize
Indigenous peoples are restoring culture this issue. For example, you may hear
and languages that were almost lost someone begin an event in B.C. by
because the government tried to erase saying, “We would like to acknowledge
them through the residential school the territory of the Coast Salish people.”
system and colonial government policy. This recognizes that First Nations people
Indigenous peoples have fought to keep did not give up their land or legally sign it
their cultures alive, and today they raise away to Britain or Canada.

12 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 SETTLING IN

Surprisingly, most non-Indigenous people Cultural appropriation happens when

living in Canada do not know much about someone takes something from another
Indigenous peoples, their histories, culture to use for their own benefit, with
cultures, and ways of living. Although this is the original meaning or cultural importance
starting to change, there are many reasons lost or changed. Non-Indigenous people
for this lack of knowledge. have taken important symbols and
• For many years, the government policy traditions sacred to Indigenous peoples
was to assimilate (absorb) Indigenous and used them to sell products and make
peoples into Canadian society, so they money. This is considered stealing and
would lose their unique identities as should not be done.
First Nations, Métis or Inuit.
• Many First Nations people have lived For more information
on reserves (communities) far from • Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia
Canadian cities. gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/
indigenous-people
• The Canadian school system has not
taught students about Indigenous • The City of Vancouver has written a guide
peoples and their real history. for newcomers.
vancouver.ca/files/cov/First-Peoples-A-
• Often Canadians only hear about
Guide-for-Newcomers.pdf
Indigenous peoples through the
media. Most of these stories are about • Indigenous Tourism BC has travel
Indigenous peoples protesting for their information, events, and ideas. You
rights. These are often described as can plan a culturally rich vacation
“negative” actions. Frequently the media that supports B.C.’s Indigenous travel
do not try to reflect the truth as known industry.
by Indigenous people. indigenousbc.com
• The Aboriginal People’s Television
The language we use when talking about
Network (APTN) is a cable television
Indigenous topics in Canada is important.
network in Canada that produces
Some Indigenous peoples used to be
and broadcasts programs by and for
called “Indians” or “Natives.” Today, most
Aboriginal people.
Indigenous peoples identify these words
aptn.ca
with government oppression. This is not
an acceptable way for non-Indigenous • The Government of Canada, Crown-
people to refer to Indigenous peoples. It Indigenous Relations and Northern
is best to ask an Indigenous person what Affairs Canada
terms they prefer. rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 13

 SETTLING IN

Social customs Many people choose to live together without

getting married. This is called a “common-
Canada is a multicultural country. Canadians law” relationship. Common-law partners
come from many different countries, and have the same rights and responsibilities as
people are proud of their traditions and married couples. Couples receive common-
history. All cultures belong in Canada, and all law status after living together for a certain
Canadian citizens are equal. period of time.
In Canada, you may find that people speak You do not have to be a Canadian citizen to
and behave differently from people in divorce in Canada. Either partner can apply
the country you came from. You may not for a divorce. People in Canada often speak
understand why people say or do some to a lawyer to start a divorce.
things. You may disagree. You may feel
confused or embarrassed. You may feel For information about finding a lawyer in
that the other person is not kind, or polite. Canada, see Using a Lawyer on page 113.
This might happen because you do not You can also visit a Justice Access Centre to
understand Canadian society yet, or because get free legal information about starting
Canadians do not understand yours. a divorce.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/about-bcs-
Try to learn more about Canadian social justice-system/jac
customs. You can learn by watching how
people behave together. Talk to people, Many Canadians are in single-parent
make new friends, and ask questions. Most families. The children live with either their
Canadians will be happy to answer your mother or their father. Some children
questions and learn about the customs from may live with other family members, like
your home country. grandparents. Sometimes this is because
the parents have separated or divorced.
You can also talk to the people at your Sometimes it is because 1 parent has
settlement agency. Find a settlement agency died. Single parents may marry or have a
near you. relationship with another single parent.
• Permanent residents, including refugees They live with their children in the same
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/ house. These are called “blended families”.
index.asp Blended families have children from
• Temporary residents, including refugee different families living together.
claimants, temporary foreign workers, and
post-secondary international students Smoking and vaping
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents It is against the law to smoke cigarettes in
public buildings in B.C. In many communities,
Marriage, divorce, and families it is also against the law to smoke near the
Marriage is a legal agreement between doors and windows of a public building. This
2 people. In Canada, marriage can also includes office buildings, stores, restaurants,
have a religious meaning, but not always. and bars. In some communities around B.C.,
Marriage laws apply to everyone who lives it is also against the law to smoke in public
in Canada. Under the law, both people in spaces such as parks.
a marriage are equal. Marriages between gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/keeping-bc-
2 men, 2 women, and transgendered people healthy-safe/tobacco-vapour
are legal in Canada.

14 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 SETTLING IN

B.C.’s smoking laws also apply to vaping legally. In B.C., you are not allowed to smoke
(using e-cigarettes). You must be 19 to buy inside public buildings, or near doors and
vaping products, and you are not allowed to windows. You are also not allowed to use
use them in public buildings, at workplaces, cannabis at playgrounds, sports fields, skate
or near doors and windows. parks, and other places where children
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/vaping play. Like alcohol, there are very strict rules
about using cannabis and driving.
Alcohol and cannabis cannabis.gov.bc.ca
You can only drink alcohol (liquor) in public in
certain places, such as the bar or restaurant Personal titles
where you bought it. Most towns and cities Most of the time, Canadians are casual,
in B.C. do not allow alcohol in public parks. informal, and polite. Being informal is not
In B.C., you must be at least 19 years old to considered rude or disrespectful. People
purchase alcohol. There are also very strict usually call each other by their first names.
rules about drinking alcohol and driving. For This can change with the social situation. For
more information about drinking alcohol and example, you should call employers, clients,
driving, see page 99. or doctors by their title (“Mr.” for a man, “Ms.”
for a woman, “Mrs.” for a married woman,
Cannabis (marijuana) has been legal in Canada
“Dr.” for a doctor). If you are comfortable with
since October 2018. People are allowed to use
the person, you can ask if you can use their
cannabis if they get it from legal sources. You
first name.
must follow laws to buy and use cannabis

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 15

 SETTLING IN

Appointments and time Personal privacy

Canadians believe it is rude to be late. You Canadians usually respect privacy. Some
should never be late for a professional people believe that it is rude to ask
appointment (for example, with a doctor). questions about the money they earn,
You may lose your appointment and have to religion, sexual orientation, age, what they
pay a fee. own, or who they live with. However, it is not
the same for all Canadians. Many Canadians
Sometimes, you may have delays or schedule
are very open about this information. The
problems. You may find you cannot arrive
best way to learn is to watch how other
on time for an appointment. If this happens,
Canadians talk to each other.
you should cancel the appointment as soon
as possible. Call the office and tell them you
need to cancel and find a new time for the Telephones
appointment. Some offices have strict rules
for cancellation. You must cancel at least 1 or There are 2 kinds of telephones: land lines
2 days before the appointment. If you do not and mobile phones (also called cellular
cancel before this time, they may charge you phones or cellphones).
a fee. Ask about the rules for cancelling when • Land line phones are connected to a wire
you make the appointment. in your home. You pay a fixed monthly
fee for all local calls. Many plans include
long-distance calls within Canada. There
may be extra fees for long-distance calls
(calls to phones outside of B.C. or Canada).
These fees can be very high. Some phone
companies have special international
calling plans. With the plan, there is no
extra fee for international calls to certain
countries. Cordless phones are the same as
a land line. They have no cord, but you can
only use them inside the house. They are
not the same as a mobile phone.
• Mobile phones are small phones you
can use anywhere. Mobile phones use
telephone networks. “Smartphones” also
have data. You can use the internet and
text messaging. Mobile phone plans in
Canada can be expensive. There are many
different mobile phone plans. Each plan
includes different services and fees.
ƒƒ Prepaid plans (also called “Pay-As-You-Go”)
ŠŠ You do not sign a contract. You pay for
the service before you use it.
ŠŠ You buy a certain number of calling
minutes and internet data. When you
have used them up, you buy more.

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 SETTLING IN

ŠŠ If you use all your minutes and data, charge a fee to cancel your contract
your phone will stop working. You early. The fee can be very high.
must pay for more minutes and data ŠŠ Make sure you review all the costs
before it will work again. carefully before you sign a contract
ŠŠ After you buy mobile phone minutes with a mobile phone company.
and data, you must use them before ŠŠ Choosing a phone plan can be
a certain date. If you do not use them confusing. You should take your time
before the end of the term, they will and compare plans to find the right
expire (be cancelled). Mobile phone one for you. Talk to people and ask for
minutes and data usually expire 1 year recommendations. You can also search
after purchase. for plans and reviews online.
ƒƒ Monthly contract
Long-distance calls
ŠŠ You can cancel your contract after 2
years with no cancellation fees – even Some telephone contracts (both land line and
if you have agreed to a longer term. mobile) include free long-distance calls to
https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/phone/mobile/ other countries. You may need a plan if you
code.htm make a lot of long-distance calls. Check with
different telephone companies to see who
ŠŠ You pay to use a certain number will give you the best deal. You may be able
of minutes and internet data each to make long-distance calls using internet-
month. If you use more, you will be based calling apps.
charged extra.
ŠŠ The company will check that you Some telephone numbers are toll-free. You
have a good credit rating (a history of do not have to pay to call these numbers.
paying your bills on time). If you are Toll-free phone numbers usually begin with
new to Canada, you may not have a 1 800, 1 855, 1 866, 1 877, or 1 888.
credit history here. That could affect Numbers beginning with 1 900 are not toll-
your credit rating. For information free. You have to pay to call these numbers.
about credit ratings, visit the Equifax They are often very expensive.
website.
consumer.equifax.ca/personal/
Phone cards
education/
Phone cards let you buy minutes for phone
ŠŠ Many companies will offer you a new calls. You can buy a card to make local calls
phone if you sign a contract. The on a mobile phone, or to make international
cost of the phone is included in your calls on mobile and landline phones. Phone
monthly bill. It may be cheaper to buy cards usually cost $5, $10 or $20. The price is
your own phone, or to use a phone based on the number of minutes you buy and
you already own. if you are calling within Canada or another
ŠŠ Many contracts offer a special price for country. Each company charges different
families with several mobile phones. rates for their phone cards.
ŠŠ You may see advertising that says you There are no regulations for phone cards in
can save money if you change phone Canada. Before you buy a card, make sure
companies. This may be true, but you you understand the terms.
need to be careful. Most companies
• Are there extra fees to connect your card?

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 17

 SETTLING IN

• Is there a minimum price for every call (no If you think someone may be trying to scam
matter how many minutes you talk)? you, call the police. Many organizations will
• Is there an expiry date (when the card will post information about scams that use their
no longer work)? names. For example, if someone says they are
from the federal government and you owe
• Are there times of day when you cannot
money, visit the Canada Revenue website.
use the card?
They will post information about scams.
• Is there a customer service phone number, canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/
in case you have trouble with the card? security/protect-yourself-against-fraud.html
You can buy phone cards in many drugstores, Scammers use the internet, text messages,
supermarkets, and convenience stores. When and telephones to find people. They will
you have used all the minutes, you will have also use emergency situations like a natural
to buy a new card. disaster or a pandemic to trick or scare
people into giving them money.

Personal safety When you are new to Canada or are trying

to immigrate here, people may try to trick
Canada does not have a high crime rate.
you with immigration fraud and scams. The
However, it is still important to protect
B.C. government has information about
yourself and your belongings. Thieves can
recognizing and reporting immigration
steal physical belongings, such as a wallet or
fraud and scams.
a bicycle. Thieves can also steal your personal
welcomebc.ca/Immigrate-to-B-C/B-C-
information. They can use your personal
Provincial-Nominee-Program/Immigration-
information to commit a crime or steal your
Fraud-and-Scams
money. This is called identity theft. Keep
important documents and information – such Online fraud and scams
as your passport, Social Insurance Number, Most people in Canada use the internet
credit cards, and bank account number – in a to find jobs and housing, shop, do
safe place. online banking, borrow library books,
Lock your home, car, or bicycle. Do not hide communicate with people, find information,
extra keys outside your home. Do not leave and join activities. But there can be
valuable things where someone can see them. problems with the internet. Thieves try to
steal your money or personal information.
Fraud and scams Some criminals use the internet to connect
with children and hurt them.
Tricking people into giving money is called
“fraud” or “scamming”. Scammers may It is important to protect yourself, your
pretend to sell something. After you give family, your money, and your information
them the money, they don’t give you what when you are online. The Royal Canadian
you paid for. People can try to scare you Mounted Police (RCMP) website has
into thinking that you owe money to the information about online crime.
government, and that you will be in trouble rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/is-si/index-eng.htm
if you do not pay them. Some scammers may
try to make you feel sorry for someone and Talk with your children about internet
help by giving them money. safety. For most children, social media is an
important part of their lives. You may want

18 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 SETTLING IN

to stop your children from using it. However, Sample scam text message
this is hard for parents to control. It may
be easier to talk to children and teach them
about safety instead. The Royal Canadian
Mounted Police (RCMP) has information to
help parents keep children safe online.
rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/is-si/io-cl-eng.htm You have received $493 from the
Canada Revenue Agency last
It can be very easy to give personal year for your taxes. Please fill in
information away by mistake. The Canadian the following online form:
https://bit.ly/66gsk51t
government has information about how to
protect your personal information.
priv.gc.ca/en/for-individuals/
Never buy anything over the phone from
The Canada Safety Council also has someone you don’t know. If someone calls
information to help you protect yourself you to sell you something, asks for money,
and your family against cyberbullying and or says they will cut off your service for
online scams. something (such as heat, water or telephone
canadasafetycouncil.org/category/online- service), hang up immediately. Call the police
safety/ and tell them what happened.

Telephone fraud and scams Not all calls from unknown numbers are
Criminals can also use the phone to trick scams. Some are from real businesses trying
people and make them give money. to sell you their product. These are called “cold
Phone scammers may call you and ask for calls”. If you do not want to receive these calls,
information, such as your bank account you can register for government of Canada’s
number or credit card number. Scammers “Do Not Call” list. You will get fewer calls from
often pretend to be from the government. real companies. However, this list does not
You may get a call from someone saying stop scammers from calling you.
they are with the Government of Canada or lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/en
Revenue Canada. They may say that you owe
them money, or that they need to check your Emergencies
bank account or credit card number. Hang In most places in B.C., the emergency phone
up immediately. Governments in Canada will number for fire, police, and ambulance is 9-1-1.
never make a call like that. The 9-1-1 call is free. When you call 9-1-1, an
canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/ operator will answer the phone. The operator
security/protect-yourself-against-fraud.html will ask if you need police, fire, or ambulance.
Scammers may also pretend to be from a In most communities, you can ask for help
private company. These scammers may say in your own language if you do not speak
that you have a bill or owe them money. They English. Learn the English word for the
may ask for payment immediately. Some language you speak (for example, learn
send a text message to your mobile phone. to say “Mandarin”) so you can find an
Do not click on links in text messages from interpreter. Also learn the words “police”,
unknown numbers. “fire” and “ambulance” in English. If you can
speak a little English, it will be easier for the
9-1-1 operator to help you.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 19

 SETTLING IN

In some very small communities, the Preparing for emergencies

emergency phone number is not 9-1-1. Ask British Columbians need to be prepared for
for the emergency telephone number as many emergencies. For example, there are
soon as you arrive. Your settlement agency, about 3,000 earthquakes here every year.
town hall, or police department can tell Most are too small to be felt, but experts
you the number. You can also find it online. expect a big earthquake could happen any
Search for “emergency number” and your time. Sometimes, people have to evacuate
community name. (leave their homes very quickly) because of
wildfires. There are risks of avalanches on the
in the mountains, tsunamis on the coast, and
9-1-1 Tips
floods or extreme weather (storms) across
• Know your location (where you are the whole province. Other emergencies
calling from). Tell 9-1-1 the city, the include epidemics and spills of dangerous
address, nearby streets, or other materials.
landmarks (such as a gas station,
a school, or a store). Every home in B.C. should have a Home
• If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, do not Emergency Plan. It will help you:
hang up. Stay on the phone and tell • find official information
the operator that it was a mistake. If • stay connected with each other
you hang up, they may think you are
• stay safe
in danger and send the police. You
will not get in trouble for dialing 9-1-1 • stay calm and focused
by mistake. Every home should also have an emergency
• Teach your children how to call 9-1-1 kit and Grab-and-Go Bags.
and ask for help. Teach them to say
your address and the kind of help they An emergency kit has tools and supplies to
need (fire, police, or ambulance). help people in your home stay comfortable
and safe for at least 7 days. Make your kit
• Do not program your phone to dial before an emergency so you are ready. Keep
9-1-1 automatically. all kits together in a place where you can get
• Do not text or tweet 9-1-1. In an them easily. A Grab-and-Go Bag is a small
emergency, dial the phone number. emergency kit that each person can bring if
• Visit ecomm911.ca for information in they need to leave their home.
several languages. Visit PreparedBC to learn how to get ready
for an emergency, make an emergency plan,
and prepare your emergency kit and Grab-
and-Go Bags.
preparedbc.ca

20 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 SETTLING IN

Transportation you travel through. Longer trips (more than

1 zone) cost more during peak hours.
Public transportation translink.ca/fares

TransLink (Vancouver area) You can buy Compass Cards at machines in

TransLink operates buses, SkyTrains, the SkyTrain stations and in some stores. You can
SeaBus ferry, and the West Coast Express. also order a card online or by phone.
• There are buses across the region. Greater Vancouver: 604 398-2042
compasscard.ca
• There are 3 SkyTrain lines.
ƒƒ The Expo Line connects downtown with All TransLink vehicles are accessible.
Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey. This means people can ride the bus in a
wheelchair or scooter. For more information,
ƒƒ The Millennium Line connects downtown see Transportation for People with
with Burnaby and Coquitlam. Disabilities on page 22.
ƒƒ The Canada Line connects downtown
Vancouver to the Vancouver Some travellers pay lower fees. This includes
International Airport and Richmond. seniors (65 years and older), HandyCard
holders, and people under 18 years old.
• The SeaBus is a ferry (boat) that takes Children under 5 years old travel for free.
passengers across Vancouver Harbour. It Children need to be with someone who has
connects downtown Vancouver and the paid a fare. A passenger can bring up to
North Shore. 4 children for free.
• The West Coast Express is a rail line new.translink.ca/transit-fares – Search for
between downtown Vancouver and “fare pricing”
Mission. It runs from Monday to Friday.
The TransLink website has useful information.
Buy a single fare to travel on different It also has a trip planning tool to help you
TransLink services for 90 minutes. You can find the right bus for your trip.
transfer between buses, SkyTrains, or the Greater Vancouver: 604 953-3333
SeaBus without paying again. The cost of new.translink.ca
your ticket depends on how many Fare Zones

TransLink

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 SETTLING IN

to stop. Some buses have a pull cord on the

wall above the seats. Some buses have red
buttons on the poles.

When you get on the bus, you need to pay

the exact fare. The bus does not give change.
If you pay in cash, you should carry coins. If
you pay with tickets, 1 ticket gives you 1 bus
ride. If you get a monthly pass, you can ride
as many times as you want for 1 month. If
you need to take more than 1 bus ride in
1 day, you can buy a DayPASS. This lets you
take as many buses as you want in 1 day. In
communities without a DayPASS, you can ask
BC Transit for a transfer. A transfer is a ticket that lets
you take another bus within 1 hour without
paying again. After you pay your fare, tell
BC Transit (All of B.C. except Vancouver area) the bus driver you need to transfer. The bus
BC Transit provides bus service to driver will give you a transfer ticket to show
communities outside the Vancouver area. You you already paid. Some communities don’t
can download a local bus map and schedule use transfer tickets. Check on the BC Transit
on the BC Transit website. You can also get website or ask the bus driver.
print copies of the Rider’s Guide at your local
government office or transit centre. To find Learn about the rules in your community on
the local transit centre, click the Contact Us the BC Transit website.
link on the BC Transit website. bctransit.com
bctransit.com
Transportation for people with
If you take the bus often, it is cheaper to buy disabilities
a bus pass or tickets. You can buy these at
In B.C., people with mobility aids (such as
grocery stores, drugstores, and convenience
wheelchairs or scooters) can travel on all
stores. You can find information about where
public transit buses. There is extra room at
to buy tickets and passes on bctransit.com or
the front of the bus, near the door. This extra
in your local Rider’s Guide. There is a lower
room is for people with mobility aids.
price for full-time students (up to Grade 12)
and seniors (65 years or older) in most There are special buses for people with
communities. To pay a lower price, you may mobility aids who need extra help. These
need to show ID, such as a student card or buses provide door-to-door service – they
driver’s license. Some communities offer free can pick you up at your home and take you
bus rides for children. to your destination. The bus operators will
help you get on and off the bus. You share
Buses pick people up at bus stops. People get
the trip with other riders. To use this service,
on the bus at the front door and get off at
you must register first. You must call before
the back door. The bus may not stop at every
to book your trip. You should try to book a
bus stop. If you want to get off the bus, you
week before.
need to ring the bell first to tell the bus driver

22 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 SETTLING IN

Vancouver area: TransLink require assistance at a SkyTrain station,

Customers with a HandyCard can bring please call 604 520-5518.
a helper on any public transportation
Outside Greater Vancouver - Next stops
(including the bus, the SkyTrain, and the
are announced on BC Transit buses. In
SeaBus). The helper does not have to pay.
some communities, the buses have a
When entering the SkyTrain, HandyCard pass
recorded announcement for each stop.
holders and their helpers can go through the
In some communities, the driver calls out
gates together. HandyCard customers can
the name of each stop.
get Taxi Saver coupons. These coupons give
you a 50% discount on your taxi fare.
TransLink HandyDART: 604 953-3680 Taxis
new.translink.ca/rider-guide/transit- Taxis are fast and easy, but they can be
accessibility/handydart expensive. Most cities and towns have
taxi companies. You can order a taxi by
Outside Greater Vancouver: BC Transit telephone. Some companies also have a
If you are a registered handyDART customer website or a smartphone app. At the end of
with a handyPASS, or if you are blind and have your trip, the meter in the taxi shows how
a pass from the Canadian National Institute much to pay. In Canada, people usually give
for the Blind (CNIB) Foundation, you can bring taxi drivers a tip (extra money). A tip is
along a helper on buses. The helper does not 10 to 15% of the fare.
have to pay. Tell the transit operator if the gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/
person travelling with you is your helper. Many passenger-travel/buses-taxis-limos
communities have programs to show people
how to use mobility aids on buses. Call your
Ride hailing
local BC Transit office to make an appointment
to learn how to use the aids. Ride hailing operates like a taxi. You order
a ride online or through a smartphone app.
Visit the BC Transit website to see if your A driver picks you up in their personal
community has a handyDART service. Find vehicle. Ride hailing may not be available
your community’s name and click on Rider in all communities in B.C.
Information. Look for the handyDART link.
bctransit.com Carsharing and Carpooling
In some communities, handyPASS (BC Transit) Some communities in B.C. have car sharing
customers can get Taxi Saver vouchers. companies and co‑ops (membership groups).
These vouchers give you a 50% discount on You join as a member and pay to borrow a
your taxi fare. car. Sometimes, this costs less than using a
private car rental company.
For people who are visually impaired
A carpool is sharing a car with people on
If you need help finding your stop, sit close
your route. Some people join a carpool with
to the front of the bus. You can also ask the
colleagues to travel back and forth to work.
driver to tell you when you arrive at your stop.
Some people use carpooling to travel to
Greater Vancouver - Most TransLink buses other cities. Carpooling lets people share
have both visual and audio announcements travel costs (such as gas).
of the next stop. All SkyTrain cars announce new.translink.ca/rider-guide/driving/
the next stop. If you have a disability and carpooling-and-carsharing

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 23

 SETTLING IN

Walking B.C. has laws and regulations about riding

You should cross streets only at a corner or a bicycle. These are in the Motor Vehicle Act.
a crosswalk. You should always obey traffic You do not need a licence to ride a bicycle
lights. Many street corners have crosswalks. in B.C.
These are lines painted on the road or a sign.
It is against the law to cross the street in the You must wear a helmet when you ride a
middle of a block. This is called jaywalking. If bicycle. If you do not wear a helmet, police
the police see you jaywalking, you may have may fine you (give you a ticket). There
to pay a fine. Cars should stop at crosswalks are some exceptions to this law. These
to let people cross. B.C. law says cars always exceptions are mostly for religious reasons.
have to stop for people walking, but you For example, people who wear a turban do
should always be careful. Look left first, not have to wear a helmet.
then right.
Some laws are the same across B.C. Some
laws belong only to certain cities or towns.
Cycling Laws are not the same everywhere. To
Many people in B.C. ride bicycles to work, learn the local bicycle laws, visit your local
school, or stores. Some people cycle government website.
just for fun. It is a safe, healthy, and less
expensive way to travel. It is also better
for the environment.

24 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 SETTLING IN

People ride bicycles on roads. In most places, Every shared bicycle has a helmet. You must
you are not allowed to ride a bicycle on a wear a helmet when you ride the bicycle on
sidewalk. Many roads in B.C. have special roads and streets.
lanes for bicycles. Painted lines and pictures
Find out if there is a bike share in your
tell you where to ride. There may be a low
community. Visit your town or city website,
wall to separate bicycle lanes from motor
and search for “bike share.”
vehicles (cars and trucks).

Sometimes, there is something blocking Cars

a bicycle lane. For example, a car may In all of North America, people drive on the
be parked in the bicycle lane. If there is right side of the road. You need a licence
something blocking the bicycle lane, you can and insurance to drive a car in B.C. For
ride on the road. information on licences, buying a car, and
When riding a bicycle, you must follow many getting car insurance, see pages 93–104.
of the same traffic rules as a motor vehicle.
You must stop at stop signs. You must obey
traffic lights. Most bicycles can have only
Travel between
1 rider. Adults can carry small children on communities
the bike, but the child must ride in a special
bicycle seat. Some bicycles are specially built Driving
for more than 1 person. British Columbia has good highways.
However, mountains and changing weather
All bicycles must have a white light in front
can make driving difficult. Short distances
and a red light on the back. You must use
can take longer to drive than you would
the lights if you are bicycling in the dark.
expect. Some places will have snow in colder
Most cities and towns also require bicycles
months. It can be dangerous to drive on
to have a bell. You use the bell to warn
snow and ice. You may need to buy special
people in front of you.
“snow tires.” Before a long drive, check
Check your bike regularly to make sure it is in weather conditions and prepare your car.
good working condition. This includes lights,
DriveBC has lots of information, including
bell, brakes, chain, and tires.
estimated driving times, weather warnings,
Some community centres and bicycle shops snow tire requirements, and road conditions.
offer bicycle safety courses. You can learn You can see real-time videos of some
how to ride safely in traffic. You can also highways. You can also find driving routes
learn to fix your bicycle. The British Columbia and print directions.
Cycling Coalition publishes Bike Sense, a free drivebc.ca
book about bicycle safety.
bikesense.bc.ca Buses
Buses travel between towns and cities
Bicycle sharing throughout British Columbia. There are
Some cities in British Columbia provide several bus companies travelling between
bicycles for short-term rental. This is called a Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport,
public bicycle (bike) share. You must register and Victoria. You can take buses across B.C.
before you can take a shared bicycle. There is and to other provinces. There are also buses
usually a fee to register, and there may also be driving to the United States.
a fee each time you rent the shared bicycle.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 25

 SETTLING IN

Find information about buses in B.C. There are also ferries on lakes in the B.C.
travel-british-columbia.com/travel-resources/ interior. It is free to ride these ferries. For
transportation/bus/ information, including a list of routes and
bcferries.com – Search for “bus service” phone numbers, visit the website.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/
Airlines passenger-travel/water-travel/inland-ferries
You can travel by airplane to most cities in
British Columbia. Search online for flight Trains
routes and times. You can also book flights • Via Rail operates train service in British
online, or talk to a travel agent. Visit this Columbia and across Canada.
website for a list of airports in B.C. Toll-free: 1 888 842-7245 (1 888 VIA-RAIL)
gov.bc.ca – Search for “certified airports” viarail.ca
• Amtrak operates train service between
Ferries Vancouver and Seattle, Washington, and
Coastal ferries connect the Vancouver area across the United States.
with Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and Toll-free: 1 800 872-7245 (1 800 USA-RAIL)
the Sunshine Coast. To take a ferry from amtrak.com
Greater Vancouver, you will have to travel to
Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay.
Sending and receiving
There are ferries between the following
communities: mail
• Greater Vancouver, Victoria, and the Canada Post delivers mail to homes and
Southern Gulf Islands businesses every weekday (Monday to
• Greater Vancouver and Nanaimo Friday). You do not have to pay to receive
mail. Letters and papers are put in your
• Greater Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and mailbox. You do not have to be at home to
the Sunshine Coast get mail. To receive large packages, you
• Vancouver Island and the Northern Gulf need to show your ID. If you are not home,
Islands the carrier will leave a note. The note tells
• Vancouver Island, Prince Rupert, the you when and where you can pick up the
Central B.C. Coast, and Haida Gwaii package. This is usually at a nearby post
office or outlet. Bring your photo ID to pick
Ferries have limited space. They can also up the package.
be very busy at certain times of day and on
holiday weekends. On busy days, you may Sending letters and packages
need to call ahead or go online to reserve a
You can send mail from a Canada Post office
space for your vehicle. If you don’t reserve a
or a Canada Post mailbox. Some stores have
space, you may need to get in a line and wait
a Canada Post outlet.
for a ferry that has room for your vehicle.
Toll-free: 1 888 223-3779 (1 888 BC FERRY) All letters mailed to addresses in Canada
bcferries.com must have a postal code. A postal code has
3 numbers and 3 letters. It shows what street,
city, and province you live in. If you do not

26 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 SETTLING IN

know the postal code for an address, you For more information about Canada Post,
can search on the Canada Post website. Visit visit the website.
canadapost.ca and click “Find a Postal Code”. canadapost.ca

your name stamp

and address
Other mail and delivery services
There are different ways to send letters and
packages. For example, you can pay extra to
Jane Doe
ive
CANADA deliver items faster. You can track packages
456 Pine Dr V8A 7Y3
Victoria, B.C. so you know when they are delivered. You
can also buy insurance for valuable letters
John SmitPhrov Govt and packages. Insurance will pay for lost or
35 Stn
PO BOX 90 damaged packages.
. V8N 9E3
Victoria, B.C
Private courier companies deliver packages
quickly, but they are often more expensive.

name and address of the postal code

person or organization
you are writing to
Public libraries
Most communities have public libraries and
You may be asked for your postal code public internet access. You can borrow books,
for other reasons. Some businesses and magazines, CDs, DVDs, eBooks, and more.
organizations want to know where their Many libraries also have books, magazines,
customers live. Websites may ask for your and newspapers in different languages. They
postal code so they can give you directions may also have books for English learners.
to the store or service closest to your home.
Public libraries are for both adults and
You must pay postage fees to send letters children. They are free to use. You need a
and packages. You pay postage by buying library card to borrow books and other items.
stamps. You must put stamps on the letter or You can apply for a card at your local library.
package to show that you paid the postage. Bring some identification (ID) with your name
Postage rates are different depending on and address on it. Some libraries have an
the size, weight, and destination (the place online form that will help you join or contact
you send it to). Heavy packages and letters them from home. Libraries can also borrow
cost more to send. International postage can items from other libraries. If your local library
be expensive. Postage and parcel rates may doesn’t have an item you want, ask if they
also be different between outlets. You should can help you borrow it from another library.
check the rate before you send a package.
Most libraries have activities for children,
Visit canadapost.ca and click “Find a Rate”.
such as storytelling, reading and computer
Postage rates sometimes go up. You can programs, and crafts. There are also
buy permanent stamps. These stamps have events, workshops, and programs for
the letter “P” on them. Permanent stamps adults and youth.
are equal to the current postal rate. If the
Library staff can help you learn about
postage rate goes up, the stamp value also
life in B.C., and find government or legal
goes up. This way you don’t have to pay
information. Staff may also know about
extra. Permanent stamps only work for
community programs and other services
mailing letters inside of Canada.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 27

 SETTLING IN

to help newcomers. Libraries have public Most community and recreation centres
computers you can use. You need a library publish program guides. They list classes and
card to use the computers. groups people can join. You can learn what
time the programs are and how much they
Some libraries may lend special equipment –
cost. Community centre programs are usually
for example, computers, cameras, and
not expensive.
other tools.
To find a centre in your area, search your
Many libraries have special services for
local government’s website. You can also
people with disabilities. For example, a
search online for “recreation centre” and your
library may have audiobooks or large-print
community name.
books for people who don’t see well. You can
use the library website to reserve books. You
Seniors’ programs
can use the library website to renew books
and keep them longer. You can also borrow Many organizations and governments offer
and download e-books, audiobooks, and special programs or prices for seniors. There
online movies, magazines, or newspapers. is no legal definition of a “senior”, so each
Talk to library staff about what you are organization decides for itself who can use
looking for. They can help you find it. the program. Some are for people who are
older than 55, some are for people over 60,
Libraries are a good place to meet new and some (including most government
people. You can find help settling into the programs) are for people older than 65.
community. NewToBC is a website that helps
newcomers learn about public libraries and Government services for seniors include
their programs, resources, and services. pensions and home care (people who come
Other useful links to settlement and literacy to your home to help you). Many businesses
programs are also available. and attractions have cheap or free admission
newtobc.ca for seniors – for example, provincial parks,
art galleries, museums, movies, theatres,
hotels, and restaurants. Seniors may also
Community, recreation, get special low prices on buses, ferries, and
trains. To get a discount, seniors may need to
and seniors’ centres show a government-issued ID, like a driver’s
licence, BC Services Card, or passport.
Community and recreation centres
Most cities and towns have community Most communities in B.C. have seniors’
or recreation centres. They often have groups. They have social and fitness
swimming pools, ice rinks, tennis courts, and programs and activities especially for
playgrounds. Community centres may have seniors. For information, search online,
classes in arts and crafts, dancing, physical call your local government, or contact your
fitness, computers, and English as a Second local community centre.
Language (ESL).

28 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 SETTLING IN

Volunteering Vancouver area: 604 379-2311

Long distance: 1 604 379-2311
Volunteering is an important part of Email: [email protected]
Canadian life. It is a good way to meet volunteerbc.bc.ca
new people, learn new skills, get Canadian
work experience, and become part of They also operate Volunteer Now, a
the community. Most communities need website that lists organizations looking
volunteers. There are often volunteer for volunteers.
opportunities at hospitals, libraries, and volbc.bcvolunteer.ca
community organizations.
Govolunteer.ca connects volunteers with
If you find an organization you want to help, not-for-profits and charities in the Vancouver
contact them directly and ask if they need area and Sunshine Coast.
volunteers. You can also contact Volunteer Email: [email protected]
BC. It is based in Vancouver and provides GoVolunteer.ca
service across the province.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 29

 SETTLING IN

 Checklist of things to do right away

††Contact workers at your local settlement agency. You can get information about your
community, jobs, finding a place to live, and language training. Workers can help you
fill out forms and register for services. Settlement services are often available in many
languages. Find a settlement agency near you.
††Permanent residents, including refugees
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp
††Temporary residents, including refugee claimants, temporary foreign workers,
and post-secondary international students
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents

††Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). See page 106.

††Register for the Medical Services Plan (MSP). You may not have MSP for up to 3 months
(this period may be waived for some people, such as refugees). Make sure you buy
private medical insurance for that time. See page 57.

††Open a bank account. See page 48.

††Find a place to live. See page 34.
††Apply for the Canada Child Benefit for children under 18 years old. See page 53.
††Register your children for school. See page 71.
††Apply for a B.C. driver’s licence. See page 96.
††Register for English classes. See page 76.
††If you are a permanent resident, give your Canadian address to Immigration, Refugees
and Citizenship Canada. You will receive your permanent resident card in the mail.

30 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE
Definitions Disagreements
Moving out
Renting Eviction
Residential Tenancy Branch
Make a checklist before you move out
Types of housing
Where to look for housing Housing help in B.C.
Discrimination Subsidized housing
References Rental Assistance Program
Credit Checks Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters
Application deposits are illegal The Housing Registry
Residential Tenancy Agreement
Housing co-ops
Before you sign a lease
What is a housing co-op?
Make a checklist before you move in
Telephones and internet Buying a home
Garbage and recycling
Becoming a landlord
Repairs
Letting the landlord in Where to go for help
 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

Definitions
Credit check – when someone wants to make sure that you have enough money to
pay them for something. You may be asked for a credit check if you want to rent an
apartment or apply for a credit card.
Discrimination – when someone won’t let a person do or have something because of their
race, skin colour, ancestry, birthplace, religion, sex, marital status, family status, sexual
orientation, physical or mental disability, or lawful source of income.
Insurance – paying money to protect or replace something valuable in case something bad
happens to it. House insurance may pay for damage caused by a fire. Car insurance may
pay for repairs to a car or property if it is damaged in a crash. Travel insurance may pay
medical bills if you get sick in another country.
Landlord – the person who owns an apartment or house and rents it to someone.
Lease, or Tenancy Agreement – a written contract between a landlord and a tenant. The
agreement will include such things as how much rent the tenant pays, when it is due,
how long the contract will last, and if the tenant can have a pet.
Receipt – a piece of paper or email given by a store or a business that shows you have paid
for an item. It also shows what you bought and when you paid for it.
References – people who know you and can recommend you as a good tenant or
employee.
Single-family house – a house that was originally built for 1 family. Many single-family
houses now have apartments or suites in them. Even though several families may live in
the house, it is still described as a “single-family” house.
Subsidized – when the government helps pay for an important service for citizens, such
as rent.
Tenant or renter – a person who rents an apartment or house.
Unit – a “rental unit” is a living space that is rented to a tenant. It may be an apartment,
a basement suite, a house, or other kinds of accommodation.

32 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

Renting • A “room for rent” is usually a bedroom in

a shared house or apartment. Sometimes
Residential Tenancy Branch you have a private bathroom. Everyone
shares the kitchen.
The Residential Tenancy Branch is part
of the provincial government. It provides • Room and board means a room, furniture,
useful information about the rights and and meals are included in your rent.
responsibilities of both landlords and
Every rental home has a person in charge.
tenants (renters). The branch also settles
This person is the landlord, the owner, or
disagreements between landlords and tenants.
a manager. You need to talk to this person
Contact the Residential Tenancy Branch if you about rent, repairs, and other needs.
have questions about renting a home in B.C.,
For more information on renting, visit the
or if you have a problem with your landlord.
B.C. government’s WelcomeBC website.
They have information in several languages.
Welcomebc.ca – Search for “Find a place to live”
Toll-free: 1 800 665-8779
gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant

Types of housing
• A single-family house is a building with
a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and
bedrooms. There may be more rooms for
single-family house
eating, watching TV, or doing laundry. There
is usually a yard and a place to park a car.
• A duplex is a building divided into
2 houses.
• A townhouse is a group of houses joined
together.
• An apartment building has many duplex
apartments and 1 owner. The owner
is the landlord for every apartment in
the building.
• A condominium (condo or strata) building
has many apartments. People can own an
apartment in the building.
townhouse
• Apartments and suites can be in an
apartment or condo building, or in a
single-family house.
ƒƒ Most apartments and suites have 1 or
2 bedrooms.
ƒƒ Most apartments and suites have a
kitchen, a bathroom, and a living room.
ƒƒ Studios or bachelor suites have 1 room
with a kitchen area and a bathroom.
apartment or condominium building

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 33

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

Where to look for housing Some buildings are for people who are aged
• Start by calling your settlement agency. 55 or older. Some units are for people with
Find a settlement agency near you. disabilities. A landlord is allowed to make
rules so people cannot have pets or smoke in
ƒƒ Permanent residents, including refugees
the building.
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
index.asp If you have a problem with discrimination,
ƒƒ Temporary residents, including refugee call the BC Human Rights Clinic or the Tenant
claimants, temporary foreign workers, and Resource and Advisory Centre.
post-secondary international students BC Human Rights Clinic
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents Vancouver area: 604 622-1100
• Canada.ca – Search for “Newcomer services” Toll-free: 1 855 685-6222
• Search for rental homes online, on Email: [email protected]
community “Buy & Sell” websites, and bchrc.net
in newspapers. Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC)
• Look for “Vacancy” or “For Rent” signs posted Lower Mainland Tenants’ Rights
near houses and apartment buildings. Information Line / Tenant Hotline
• Look for “For Rent” notices in your library, Vancouver area: 604 255-0546
community centre, or place of worship Toll-free: 1 800 665-1185
(church, mosque, etc.). tenants.bc.ca

• You may qualify for subsidized housing. If you want to make an official complaint,
For more information, see Housing Help contact the BC Human Rights Tribunal or the
on page 41. Canadian Human Rights Commission.
• Check listings for co‑op housing. For more BC Human Rights Tribunal
information, see Housing Co-ops on page 42. Vancouver area: 604 775-2000
Here are some tips for reviewing ads or Toll-free: 1 888 440-8844
information. Email: [email protected]
bchrt.bc.ca
• Be careful when looking at ads for places to
rent. Some people use fake ads to trick you Canadian Human Rights Commission
and take your money. Toll-free: 1 888 214-1090
• Be careful with rentals that seem too good chrc-ccdp.ca
or too cheap.
• Always read your rental contract carefully References
and ask someone you trust to review it. References are people who can recommend
you as a good tenant or employee. A landlord
Discrimination may ask you for references before you
rent the apartment. You can give a phone
A landlord cannot refuse to rent a place to
number for a reference. You can also give a
people because of their race, skin colour,
letter written by your reference. Try to have
ancestry, birthplace, religion, sex, marital
references ready before you look for a home
status, family status, sexual orientation,
to rent.
physical or mental disability, or lawful source
of income. This is discrimination, and it is
against the law. There are special exceptions.

34 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

Credit Checks Residential Tenancy Agreement

Before renting to you, landlords need to If you decide you want to rent a place,
know if you can pay the rent. Landlords are you and the landlord will need to sign a
allowed to check your credit history. Residential Tenancy Agreement. This is also
known as a lease. You may need to pay a
Landlords can ask for proof of your income
security deposit. Some landlords prefer cash
(like a pay stub). They can also ask for other
or cheque. It is a good idea to bring a cheque
personal information, such as your full name
with you when you look at places to rent.
and date of birth. They may ask for other
details like your Social Insurance Number, When you pay your deposit, make sure you
credit card details, driver’s license number, or get a receipt. You should also get a receipt for
banking information. You do not need to rent payments. This is very important if you
give this information and are allowed to pay in cash. It proves that you have paid. Do
refuse this request. However, if you refuse to not pay a security deposit without signing a
provide the information, the landlord is also tenancy agreement first.
allowed to refuse to rent the place to you.
The tenancy agreement tells you the tenancy
If you have questions about sharing your rules. For example, you must pay the rent on
personal information, contact the Office of time and keep the place clean, and you must
the Information and Privacy Commissioner not disturb other tenants or the landlord.
for British Columbia.
Before you sign a lease
Victoria: 250 387-5629
Outside Victoria: Call Enquiry BC and ask for When you find a place you like, ask these
the call to be transferred. questions.
Enquiry BC • How much is the rent? When do I have
Vancouver area: 604 660-2421 to pay it?
Toll-free: 1 800 663-7867 You usually pay rent on the first day of
oipc.bc.ca each month. The landlord can only increase
your rent once a year. They cannot increase
Application deposits are illegal it by a large amount. The landlord must
tell you they are raising the rent 3 months
Some landlords ask tenants to pay a deposit
before you have to pay. They must tell you
when they apply to rent a place. This is
in writing.
against the law. Landlords cannot take
your money until you have both signed a • Are utilities included in the rent, or do
Residential Tenancy Agreement. I have to pay for them?
Utilities are electricity (hydro), gas or fuel
If you pay an application deposit, the landlord oil, water, and sewer. Sometimes the utilities
might still refuse to rent to you. You may not are included in the rent. Sometimes they are
be able to get your money back. not. Ask the landlord if utilities are included
Visit the Residential Tenancies website to in the rent. If they are not included, you will
learn what deposits a landlord can charge. pay extra for them every month.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/
residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/
deposits-and-fees

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 35

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

• Are parking and storage included in rental unit, the landlord can use the money
the rent? to pay for cleaning fees.
Some buildings have parking or storage gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/
space. Sometimes they are included in the residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/
rent. If they are not included in the rent, you deposits-and-fees
will pay extra for them. Ask your landlord if Be sure to clean the rental unit before you
parking and storage are included. move out. If there is no damage to the unit,
• How much is the security (damage) and the landlord does not have to clean
deposit? after you move out, they must return all
A deposit is money you pay to finalize of the deposit money to you. The landlord
your agreement. In B.C., you need to pay must do this within 15 days after you move
a damage deposit when you move into a out. If there is some damage or cleaning,
rental unit. The deposit cannot be more the landlord may want to keep some or all
than half of 1 month’s rent. If you have a of the money. If you disagree about the
pet, the landlord can also ask for a pet- deposit, you can file a dispute with the
damage deposit. The landlord keeps this Residential Tenancy Branch.
deposit until you move out. If you damage gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/
the rental unit, the landlord will use your residential-tenancies/solving-problems/
deposit to fix it. If you do not clean the dispute-resolution?keyword=dispute&
keyword=resolution

36 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

 Make a checklist before you move in

††Make sure you have a signed Residential Tenancy Agreement
When you agree to rent a house or apartment, you and the landlord are making a
contract. It is called a tenancy agreement. The agreement must be in writing. The
tenancy agreement gives you the rules for renting the home. The law says that landlords
and tenants each have certain rights and certain things they must do (responsibilities).
A tenancy agreement must follow the law. Make sure you understand everything in the
tenancy agreement before you sign it. If you are not sure, ask someone who can help
you. You may need to have the agreement translated into your language. For more
information, visit the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC) website.
tenants.bc.ca/tenancy-agreements

††Check for damage

Before you move in, look at the rental unit for damage. Ask the landlord to check with
you. Take photographs of any damage you see, like a hole or a stained floor. Fill out a
Condition Inspection Report form with your landlord. This form shows that the damage
was there when you moved in. Both you and the landlord should sign the report. When
you move out, you can use the form to ask for your damage deposit back.
tenants.bc.ca/condition-inspection-reports

††Arrange for services and utilities

Sometimes, services (telephone and internet), and utilities (hydro, electricity, and gas)
are included in your rent. Check your tenancy agreement. If they are not included, you
will have to pay for them separately. Contact the telephone and internet company to
ask for service.

††Buy tenant’s insurance

Both homeowners and tenants can buy insurance. If you are a tenant, you should
buy tenant insurance or renter’s insurance. This insurance pays for damage to your
belongings (the things you own) in the rental unit – for example, in case of a fire, flood,
earthquake, or robbery.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 37

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

Telephones and internet British Columbians try to reduce waste.

There are many telephone and internet Your local government has information on
companies in B.C. Some companies offer both garbage and recycling in your community.
services. You may see advertising that says you You can see the waste collection schedule.
can save money or get better service if you You can also see rules about what items
change companies. This may be true, but you belong in garbage, recycling, and food waste
need to be careful. Some companies make you bins. Check your town or district website. You
pay a fine to cancel a contract. Some contracts can also contact the Recycling Council of BC.
have a very cheap starting price, but the price Vancouver area: 604 732-9253
becomes expensive after some time. Do not Toll-free: 1 800 667-4321
sign a contract unless you understand what rcbc.ca
services you are getting, how much they
cost, and how long the contract lasts. Repairs
Sometimes, the house or apartment you rent
Garbage and recycling may have some problems. For example, the
Many cities and towns have waste collection roof leaks, the toilet does not work, or there
services. Waste includes garbage, old food, is no hot water. The landlord is responsible
and recyclable items (paper, plastic, and for repairs (fixing broken items). If your rental
glass). A truck will come to your house to pick unit needs repairs, talk to your landlord
up waste. Some communities collect old food as soon as possible. The law says that the
waste and yard trimmings. They will compost landlord must make these repairs quickly. If it
it to use in gardens. Some small communities is an emergency, the landlord must give you
do not have waste collection services. You may the name and phone number of someone
need to take your garbage and recycling to a who can come quickly. If the landlord does
transfer station. not fix the problem quickly, you can call the
repair company yourself.
There may be rules about how much
garbage and recycling you can put outside If you or your guests damage your rental unit,
for collection. There may also be rules about you must pay for the repairs. Sometimes,
when you put out waste and the kind of the landlord does not allow you to paint the
container you can use. In many places, the walls or drill holes for pictures. If you do these
city gives you special bags or boxes for waste. things, the landlord may ask you to pay for
If the city gives you special waste containers, damage and repairs. Before you make any
you must use them. changes to the unit, ask your landlord for
recyclebc.ca/what-can-i-recycle permission. Get the permission in writing.

When you buy items that come in containers If your rental unit has problems that your
like bottles and cans, you pay a small deposit. landlord won’t fix, contact the Residential
You can return the empty containers to a Tenancy Branch.
recycling centre or grocery store. They will Vancouver area: 604 660-1020
give you the deposit money back (a refund). Toll-free: 1 800 665-8779
return-it.ca Email: [email protected]
gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant

38 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

Letting the landlord in Moving out

A landlord may want to come into (enter) When you plan to move out of a rented house
your rental unit, but they must ask you first. or apartment, you must tell your landlord in
You can say no. However, if there is a good writing. This is called giving notice. If you are
reason, you must let the landlord enter. The renting month-to-month, you must give the
landlord must give you a written notice at written notice to the landlord 1 full month
least 24 hours before the visit. The notice before you move out. For example, if you
must include the date, time, and reason for plan to move out on December 31, you must
coming in. give notice before November 30.

Emergencies are different. If there is an

Eviction
emergency, such as a fire or a broken water
pipe, the landlord can come in without your In certain cases, a landlord can tell a tenant
permission. to move out. This is called an eviction.

The landlord must tell you in writing. They

Disagreements must give good reasons for eviction. This is
If you and your landlord disagree about called giving notice. Usually, the landlord must
an issue, contact the Residential Tenancy tell you at least 1 month before they need
Branch. They can give you information you to move out. Sometimes, the rules are
about the rights and responsibilities of different. The rules depend on the reason you
landlords and tenants. They can also help are being evicted. Learn about eviction laws
solve disagreements. on the Residential Tenancy Branch website.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/
If you ask the Residential Tenancy Branch
residential-tenancies/ending-a-tenancy/
to solve your disagreement, you will need
landlord-notice
to attend a hearing. You can usually do this
by phone. You will have an arbitrator (a If your landlord evicts you and you do not
person who helps solve disagreements). The agree with the reason, you can ask for help.
arbitrator will talk to you and the landlord. Call the Residential Tenancy Branch or the
They will help you find a solution. During Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre.
the hearing, you need to tell your story and
Residential Tenancy Branch
give evidence (proof). It is important to be
Vancouver area: 604 660-1020
prepared. The Residential Tenancy Branch
Toll-free: 1 800 665-8779
website has information about how to
Email: [email protected]
prepare for the dispute resolution process.
gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant
For more information about solving
disagreements, visit the Residential Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC)
Tenancies website. Lower Mainland Tenants’ Rights Information
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/ Line / Tenant Hotline
residential-tenancies/solving-problems Vancouver area: 604 255-0546
Toll-free: 1 800 665-1185
tenants.bc.ca

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 39

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

 Make a checklist before you move out

††Give notice
††Clean
You must clean your rental unit before you move out. You should clean the rooms and
floors. You should also clean the appliances (stove, refrigerator, bathrooms, and light
fixtures). If you have carpets or drapes, you may also have to clean these. Check your
tenancy agreement.

††Cancel telephone and utilities

Call the telephone company and tell them you are moving. They can cancel your
phone service. They can also transfer (move) the service to your new address. If you
do not do this, you may have to pay phone bills after you move out. If you pay for the
electricity, gas, or oil, you should also cancel these. Phone the companies and ask
them to disconnect your service on the day you move out.

††Change your address

The post office needs to know where to deliver your mail. You need to contact them
and change your mailing address. You can do this on the Canada Post website. There
is a fee for this service.
canadapost.ca/cpc/en/personal/receiving/manage-mail/mail-forwarding.page
Give your new address to your bank, employer, school, medical plan, driver licensing
office, credit card companies, the Canada Revenue Agency, cable TV company, and
other contacts. Visit their websites. You may be able to change your address online.

††Hire a moving company or rent a truck

You can pay a moving company to send a truck and people to move your things. You
can also rent a truck or van and move things yourself.

40 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

Housing help in B.C. Rental Assistance Program

The Rental Assistance Program gives low-
BC Housing is a provincial government
income working families help with monthly
agency. BC Housing provides affordable
rent.
rental housing for people with low incomes.
It also helps people who are eligible to pay To qualify, families must:
their rent. BC Housing also has a list of • have lived in B.C. for a full year (12 months)
resources for housing help in B.C. It is called before applying
The Housing Registry.
• have at least 1 dependent child at home
Find out if you can get housing help. Visit • have had a job at some point over the last
the website or contact BC Housing for year
information about the programs.
Vancouver area: 604 433-2218 • have a total family income below BC
Toll-free: 1 800 257-7756 Housing’s limit for your area
bchousing.org/housing-assistance/program- Each member of the household must be one
finder of the following:
• Canadian citizens not under sponsorship
Subsidized housing
• people lawfully admitted into Canada
The B.C. government can provide financial
for permanent residence not under
support or rent assistance to eligible people.
sponsorship
This is called subsidized housing. BC Housing
provides subsidized housing to people with • people who have applied for refugee status
low income. The cost of rent is based on the • people whose private sponsorship has
size of the family and total family income. broken down

To qualify for housing help, you and your bchousing.org – Search for “Rental Assistance
family must: Program”
• have lived in B.C. for a full year before
applying for housing Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters
• permanently live in B.C. Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) gives
monthly payments to seniors to help with
• have a total family income below BC
rent costs.
Housing’s limit for your area
• be one of the following: To qualify, you must:
ƒƒ Canadian citizens not under sponsorship • be 60 years of age or older

ƒƒ people lawfully admitted into Canada • have a total family income below BC
for permanent residence not under Housing’s limit for your area
sponsorship Each member of the household must be one
ƒƒ people who have applied for refugee of the following:
status • Canadian citizens not under sponsorship
ƒƒ people whose private sponsorship has • people lawfully admitted into Canada
broken down for permanent residence not under
sponsorship
bchousing.org – Search for “Subsidized
housing” • people who have applied for refugee status

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 41

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

• people whose private sponsorship has Joining a co-op

broken down You must apply to join a housing co‑op. Visit
• have lived in B.C. for a full year (12 months) the Co-operative Housing Federation of BC
before applying website and check “Find a Co-op” to see a
list of all co‑ops. You cannot apply to join
bchousing.org – Search for “SAFER” a co‑op on this website as every co‑op has
its own application process. You can read
The Housing Registry information online on how to apply and then
The Housing Registry lists BC Housing rentals contact the co‑op directly.
across the province. Visit the website to find
You can also do special searches for co‑ops
buildings in your area. The listing tells you
that meet your needs. You can search for
how to apply to each building.
co‑ops that are accepting applications right
bchousing.org/housinglistings
now. You can also search for “rent-geared-to-
Housing co-ops income” (RGI) co‑ops.

The Co-operative Housing Federation of BC.

What is a housing co-op? Greater Vancouver: 604 879-5111
Being part of a housing co-operative (co‑op) Toll-free: 1 866 879-5111
is different from renting. In a rented unit, you Vancouver Island: 250 384-9444
are a tenant. Someone else owns the unit, Toll-free: 1 877 384-9444
and you pay them money to use it. In a co‑op, chf.bc.ca
residents share ownership of the building.
The co‑op is a non-profit organization. It
raises money to pay for building costs. Buying a home
Residents are members of the co‑op. The
Buying a home is a big decision. Many people
co‑op is managed by a board of directors.
call a real estate company for help. A real
Members choose the people in the board of
estate agent can help you search for houses,
directors. All members pay monthly housing
apartments, or condos. They can help you
fees. The co‑op has group rules, but no
bargain for a better price and explain the
landlord. Members can stay in the co‑op
legal papers. A lawyer can also help you with
as long as they follow the rules. A co‑op
the legal papers. Find houses for sale and see
cannot evict residents to renovate (fix) or sell
how much they cost.
the building. Living in a co‑op can be more
realtor.ca
secure than renting.
Most people borrow money to buy a house.
The Co-operative Housing Federation of BC
This is called a mortgage. You can get a
has a video explaining co‑op housing.
mortgage from a bank, credit union, or trust
chf.bc.ca/what-is-a-co-op
company. You have to pay fees on the money
Some housing co-ops also offer special you owe. Every lender has different mortgage
units with lower rent for low-income people. fees. Compare mortgage rates at different
This is called rent-geared-to-income (RGI). banks and companies for the best rate.
Higher-income people pay more rent, and
The Canada Mortgage and Housing
lower-income people pay less rent. You need
Corporation website has information about
to apply for RGI co‑op units. There may be
buying a home and getting a mortgage.
a waiting list and you may have to wait for a
cmhc-schl.gc.ca
long time.

42 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

If you own your own home, you must buy

insurance for it. You should also have
Becoming a landlord
insurance for your belongings (the things If you own a house or condo, you may
you own). If your home or belongings are want to rent it out. Landlords have rights
damaged or lost (for example, in a fire, and responsibilities. You must clearly
flood, earthquake, or robbery), the insurance understand them.
company will pay for most of the cost. The Residential Tenancy Branch has
You will also have to pay for all home information for landlords. You will find
services. These include water, electricity, helpful tools and information for new
telephone, internet, heat, sewer (toilet), and landlords. You can watch videos, read tips,
waste disposal. Water and sewer services download information sheets, and see links
are provided by the local government. They to other websites.
will give you a bill every 1 or 2 months. Other gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant
utilities are provided by private companies.
You will need to contact them yourself to buy
service and pay bills.

For more information on buying a home, visit

the B.C. government’s WelcomeBC website.
Welcomebc.ca – Search for “Find a place to live”

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 43

 FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE

i Where to go for help

For more information on renting or buying Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC)
a place to live, visit the B.C. government’s Lower Mainland Tenants’ Rights
WelcomeBC website. Information Line / Tenant Hotline
welcomebc.ca/Start-Your-Life-in-B-C/First- Greater Vancouver: 604 255-0546
Few-Days/Find-a-Place-to-Live Toll-free: 1 800 665-1185
tenants.bc.ca
People who work at your local settlement
agency can help with information about BC Human Rights Clinic
finding a place to live. Find a settlement Greater Vancouver: 604 622-1100
agency near you. Toll-free: 1 855 685-6222
Email: [email protected]
• Permanent residents, including refugees
bchrc.net
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
index.asp BC Human Rights Tribunal
• Temporary residents, including refugee Greater Vancouver: 604 775-2000
claimants, temporary foreign workers, Toll-free: 1 888 440-8844
and post-secondary international Email: [email protected]
students bchrt.bc.ca
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents Canadian Human Rights Commission
Residential Tenancy Branch Toll-free: 1 888 214-1090
Greater Vancouver: 604 660-1020 chrc-ccdp.ca
Toll-free: 1 800 665-8779
Email: [email protected]
gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant

44 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

MONEY AND BANKING
Definitions Doing business with private
companies
Canadian money
Owing money
Shopping
Loans and mortgages
Deposits, refunds, and exchanges
Second-hand stores and yard Paying taxes
(garage) sales Income tax
Metric and imperial measure Sales taxes and credits
Canada Child Benefit
Banking
Property taxes
Opening a bank account
Property Transfer Tax
Types of accounts
Paying by cash, debit card, credit Financial help for seniors
card, or cheque Old Age Security
Bank machines Guaranteed Income Supplement
Banking by phone, internet, and Senior’s Supplement
smartphone
Sending money to other countries Investing money
For more information about
banking For more information
 MONEY AND BANKING

Definitions
Cheque – a piece of paper that promises payment of money. A cheque tells the bank how
much money to give to the person the cheque is written to.
Credit – money that is owed. The word is also used to describe the following:
ƒƒ Credit cards: cards that are used to buy things or services. The credit card owner
borrows money from the bank or credit card company to buy something now and pay
for it later. If the payments are late, the credit card owner will be charged more money
(interest).
ƒƒ Credit rating: Canadians who borrow money have a credit rating. If you have a “good”
credit rating, businesses and landlords will know that you will pay any money you
owe. If you have a “bad” credit rating, it means you have a history of not paying the
money you owe. Some landlords will not rent to people with a bad credit rating.
ƒƒ Credit check: when someone wants to make sure that you have enough money to pay
them for something. A credit check relates to your credit rating. You may be asked for
a credit check if you want to rent an apartment or apply for a credit card.
ƒƒ Credit on account: this is when you have paid more money than you owe for
something you use all the time, such as hydro or water for your home. You will not get
the money back. Instead, the credit (overpayment) will be used to pay your next bill.
Debt – when you owe money to a bank, another financial organization, or a person. This
includes loans, mortgages, and credit card debt.
Eligible – when you qualify for something. To be eligible for a loan, you must have enough
money or income to be able to pay it back. To be eligible for a government support
program, you must meet the requirements. These could be how much money you earn,
your age, or your citizenship status.
Interest – the cost of borrowing money. This is what the bank charges you to use their
money. For example, if you borrow $1,000, you may be charged 1% interest. This means
you will repay $10 on top of the $1,000 you borrowed.
Principal – the exact amount of money you borrowed. If you borrow $1,000, you will pay
back the principal ($1,000) plus interest (the charge to borrow the money).
Receipt – a piece of paper or email given by a store or a business that shows you have paid
for an item. It also shows what you bought and when you paid for it.
Safety program / security software – programs and software for your computer that
protect your computer and your private information.
Transaction – a record of any money that is added to or taken from your bank account or
credit card.

46 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 MONEY AND BANKING

Canadian money Shopping

The money used in Canada is the Canadian Most stores open around 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.
dollar. 1 dollar ($) has 100 cents (¢). (in the morning) and close at 5:30 p.m. or
6 p.m. (in the evening). Some stores, shopping
Money is also called cash. Cash is coins and
centres, or malls may stay open until late
bills. Bills (paper money) are $5, $10, $20, $50,
in the evening. Many stores are closed on
and $100. Canada uses 5 kinds of coins.
Sundays. Most grocery stores and large
department stores are open 7 days a week.
nickel = 5 cents ($0.05) In B.C., you have to pay tax on most products
and services you buy. There are 2 kinds of
tax: Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and Goods
dime = 10 cents ($0.10) and Services Tax (GST). PST is 7% and GST is
5%. Sometimes you only have to pay 1 tax.
Sometimes you have to pay both. Most
products and services show the price before
quarter = 25 cents ($0.25) tax. Taxes are added to the price of the item
when you pay for it. The price on the item
might be $10, but the person at the payment
counter will ask you to pay $11.20. The extra
$1.20 is the tax: 50 cents for the PST, and
loonie = 1 dollar ($1.00) 70 cents for the GST. The price in the store is
fixed. People do not ask (bargain) for a lower
price in stores.

Some special items have more taxes added.

toonie = 2 dollars ($2.00) There are extra taxes for alcohol, tobacco,
e-cigarettes and e-juice (vaping), gasoline,
and vehicles.
One cent ($0.01) coins are called pennies.
The Canadian Government does not make
Deposits, refunds, and exchanges
pennies anymore. The smallest amount of When you buy drinks in bottles and cans,
cash is 1 nickel (5 cents). you pay a small amount of money (a deposit).
When you return the empty bottles and cans,
Many prices still include cents in the price (for you get the deposit back. You can return the
example, $1.99). If you pay in cash, stores will empty bottles and cans to the store where
“round up” or “round down” to the nearest you bought them. You can also take them
5 cents. This is because there is no 1 cent coin. to recycling depots for a refund (get your
• If the cost is $1.01 or $1.02, you will pay $1.00. money back).
• If the cost is between $1.03 and $1.07, you Sometimes, you may buy something and find
will pay $1.05. out that it doesn’t fit, or it doesn’t work. You
• If the cost is $1.08 or $1.09, you will pay $1.10. may decide not to keep it. If you have not
used the item, you may be able to return it to
If you pay with a credit card or a debit card, the store. Ask about the return policy before
you will pay the exact cost. you buy an item. Not all stores have the same
rules. Some stores will not take things back.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 47

 MONEY AND BANKING

Some will give you a refund (give your money Metric and imperial measure
back). Others will give you a store credit, and Canada officially uses the metric system to
you can exchange the item for another. measure:
Always keep your receipt. It proves when • distance and speed (kilometres, or km)
and where you bought the item. Most stores • gas (litres, or l)
will not allow you to return or exchange your
• temperature (degrees Celsius, or °C).
item without the receipt.
However, Canadians also use imperial
Second-hand stores and yard measurements for weights (ounces and
(garage) sales pounds). Food can be priced in grams and
Some people sell their used clothing, kilograms, or in ounces and pounds.
furniture, and other household items. They
are usually very cheap. Some people take
used items to a store. Second-hand stores (or
Banking
thrift stores) take used items for free and sell Opening a bank account
them for a low price. Often, the stores use
You can open an account at a bank, credit
the money to help people in the community.
union, or trust company. Get information
You can also buy or sell used goods in a
about different bank accounts and different
consignment store. Consignment stores are
companies before you choose. Find out
more expensive than thrift stores. They give
about the kinds of accounts and what the
the owner some money for their used items
fees are. Sometimes, you can be charged
after the items have sold. If you have things
when you put in (deposit), move (transfer),
you don’t need, you can take them to a thrift
or take out (withdraw) your money. Some
store or consignment store.
accounts pay interest on the money in your
Sometimes, people will sell their used items accounts. Ask questions about banking fees
in front of their home. These are called “yard” and interest rates.
sales or “garage” sales. Yard sales usually
happen on weekends. You can find them by Types of accounts
searching the Classified Ads in newspapers. Chequing accounts
You can also search online. Most people put A chequing account lets you use a special
yard sale signs on the road near their house. piece of paper (cheque) to pay someone.
Prices at yard sales are usually cheaper than Most Canadians do not write cheques
thrift stores. You can ask the owner for a anymore. Most Canadians use online banking
lower price. and debit cards for everyday transactions
and purchases. Some chequing accounts
Many people buy and sell used items online. charge monthly service fees. Some charge
There are many websites where you can buy for different transactions. Most chequing
and sell used items. These are called “buy- accounts do not pay interest.
sell-trade” websites. Most cities and towns
have them. Search online for “buy-sell-trade” Savings accounts
and your community name. All savings accounts pay interest. Different
banks give different interest rates. Most
savings accounts do not allow you to
write cheques.

48 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 MONEY AND BANKING

Chequing-savings accounts of your monthly credit card bill, you have to

These accounts pay interest. You can also pay interest. Different credit card companies
write cheques. Different banks have different charge different rates. Check to see how
fees and interest rates. much interest they charge. This can make a
big difference in how much you have to pay.
Term deposits and Guaranteed Investment See the Owing Money section on page 51.
Certificates (GICs)
These accounts usually pay more interest You should protect your debit and credit
than saving accounts. However, you have to cards the same way you protect your money.
leave your money in for a certain length of Keep them in a safe place.
time (a term). Once you put your money in,
You need a secret number (personal
you have to wait until the end of the term to
identification number or PIN) to use your
take it out. If you take your money out early,
debit card and credit card. Be sure to protect
you will lose some or all of the interest.
your PIN.

Paying by cash, debit card, credit Some Canadians use their debit card or their
card, or cheque credit card through their smartphone, and in
Many Canadians use cash to pay for items. some places can pay for items by scanning
However, most now use debit and credit the phone screen. You can also “tap” your
cards. Debit cards let you pay money straight credit or debit card when you pay for items.
out of your bank account. Most stores and With “tap”, you do not have to enter your PIN.
restaurants take debit cards. You can get Cheques are sometimes used instead of cash.
debit cards from your bank or credit union. Many stores do not take cheques. Before
Credit cards let you buy things now and shopping, you should ask the cashier if they
pay for them later. You can get credit cards take cheques. You will need identification (ID)
from banks, department stores, and gas to pay with a cheque.
companies. If you do not pay the full amount

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 49

 MONEY AND BANKING

Bank machines Use a secure private internet connection.

Banks, credit unions, and some trust Do not use public WiFi to log into your bank
companies have bank machines. They are account. Do not respond to any emails
called automated teller machines (ATMs). asking for your account information. Do not
click on any links inside of emails or text
To use bank machines, you need a debit card messages from unknown senders. They may
from your bank or credit union. You can also be scam emails or messages. Scammers
withdraw cash using your credit card, but you send you viruses that let them steal your
will pay a high interest rate. information.
ATMs are open 24 hours a day. You can find The Canadian Bankers Association website
ATMs in convenience stores and other public has information to help you identify
places. You can withdraw money or check banking scams.
your account at any ATM. If the ATM belongs cba.ca/staying-safe-online
to a different bank or company, you may
have to pay a small fee. Ask your bank when Sending money to other countries
and where they charge extra fees. To pay bills You can send money to people in other
and deposit or transfer money, you may need countries through a bank or a foreign
to use an ATM that belongs to your bank. exchange company. You can also mail a
money order (also called a draft). Money
Banking by phone, internet, and orders can be sent from a bank, foreign
smartphone exchange company, or post office. Before you
Many Canadians do their banking online send money, make sure the payment can be
from their home computer or smartphone. accepted in the country you are sending it to.
You can check your account balance, send Some institutions cannot accept certain kinds
or receive money, transfer money between of payment.
accounts, and pay your bills. Some banks may
You may have to pay an extra fee to send
have services in different languages.
money to another country. Different
You can also do your banking by telephone. companies charge different fees. Check the
For this, you have to call the bank and answer fees with different companies.
security questions.
For more information about banking
Some banks have mobile phone apps for
online banking. Some apps let you take a The Canadian Bankers Association website
photo of a cheque and deposit it into your can answer many questions about banking
account using your smartphone. Ask your in Canada.
bank or credit union about their online and bankingquestions.cba.ca/
mobile banking services. bankingfornewcomerstocanada

Security is important if you are banking Find information about choosing the right
online. Criminals can steal your information bank account, credit and debit cards, mobile
and money online. When you log into your payments, cheques, mortgages, online
bank account, you should only use a private security, and many other banking topics.
computer. Do not use a public computer (for bankingquestions.cba.ca
example, at a library). Put a safety program
(security software) on your own computer.

50 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 MONEY AND BANKING

Doing business with with debt and credit problems. They also
offer free counselling and education.
private companies Toll-free: 1 888 527-8999
Sometimes, private companies want you to nomoredebts.org
pay for service before the work is completed – There are other companies that advise
for example, when you pay a company to people on how to pay their debts. They
renovate your house. It can be difficult to charge a fee for these services.
know if you can trust the company to do the
work you paid for.
Loans and mortgages
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non- A loan is money you borrow from a bank,
profit organization that helps people find credit union, or other lenders. For example,
businesses they can trust. Companies that some people take a loan to buy a car. Each
join the BBB must meet certain business month, you must pay back part of the money
standards. If customers have problems with you borrowed (the principal) and an extra
companies, they can tell the BBB. When you fee (interest). When you apply for a loan, you
are doing business with a private company, must prove you earn enough income to repay
contact the BBB first. They can also help you it on time.
if you have problems with a private company.
Vancouver area: 604 682-2711 A mortgage is money you borrow to buy a
Toll-free: 1 888 803-1222 house or apartment. Banks, credit unions,
bbb.org/mbc and mortgage companies give mortgages.
For more information, see page 42.
Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, Powell River,
and Haida Gwaii: 250 386-6348
Toll-free: 1 877 826-4222 Paying taxes
bbb.org/en/ca/local-bbb/bbb-serving- Canadians pay taxes on money they earn and
vancouver-island on most things they buy. Governments use
these taxes to pay for services such as roads,
parks, community centres, medical care,
Owing money welfare, schools, and universities.
Sometimes people borrow money to buy
things now, and plan to pay it back later. Income tax
However, they may find that they cannot All adults living in B.C. should file (fill in
afford the payments. If this happens to you, and send) an income tax return (form) each
you should contact the people you owe year. You must send the form to the federal
money to. Sometimes it is possible to make government. The form tells how much tax
smaller payments. you should pay on your income. If your
Do not be ashamed or embarrassed if you income is high, you may pay more tax. If
get into trouble with money. It happens to your income is low, you may pay less tax. The
many Canadians. If you wait, your debt will income tax form also helps you find out if you
grow very quickly. As your debt gets bigger, it can apply for tax credits and other benefits.
becomes harder to make payments. Employers deduct (take) income tax from
If you do not have enough money to make employees’ pay cheques and pay it to the
your payments on time, contact the Credit government. If your employer deducts too
Counselling Society. They can help people much tax, the federal government will pay

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 51

 MONEY AND BANKING

you back. If your employer didn’t deduct Sales taxes and credits
enough tax, you may have to pay more. The B.C. and Canadian governments charge
You have to report any income from tax on many of the things you buy. This is
investments. You also have to report income called “sales tax”. Sales tax is not included in
from outside Canada. the price of most items. It is added to your
bill when you pay for your items. There is no
Even if you did not earn any money in Canada, sales tax on necessary items like groceries
you should still file your federal income taxes. and clothing.
You can file your income tax form in different People with low incomes may be eligible
ways. You can fill and print a tax form and for tax credits (payments) from the B.C. and
send it by mail. You can also file your tax Canadian governments.
form over the internet. The first time you file
your income tax form in B.C., you must send B.C sales tax credit
a printed form by mail. For more information, gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/income-taxes/
visit the Canada Revenue Agency website. personal/credits/sales-tax
cra.gc.ca CRA GST credit
Every year, the Community Volunteer Income canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/
Tax Program helps more than half a million child-family-benefits/goods-services-tax-
Canadians file their income tax returns. harmonized-sales-tax-gst-hst-credit.html
canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/
individuals/community-volunteer-income- Canada Child Benefit
tax-program.html The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly payment
to help families with children under age 18.
You can also pay someone to help you, like an cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/ccb/menu-eng.html
accountant or a tax preparation company.

52 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 MONEY AND BANKING

Property taxes Financial help for seniors

If you own a home, you need to pay property
tax. The home you live in most of the time Old Age Security
is called your principal residence. The Home Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly
Owner Grant Program reduces the amount payment for seniors aged 65 and older who
of residential property tax eligible British meet the Canadian legal status and residence
Columbians pay for their principal residence. requirements. You may need to apply to
receive it. Old Age Security is provided by the
If your income is low and the value of your
Canadian government.
home is high, your home owner grant may be
Canada.ca – Search for “Old Age Security”
reduced. In this situation, you may apply for
a low-income supplement. This supplement
will make up for the reduction in the grant Guaranteed Income Supplement
caused by your home’s high value. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is
a monthly benefit for people who receive the
Get more information and find out if you are Old Age Security pension, have a low income,
eligible for home owner grants. and are living in Canada. The Guaranteed
gov.bc.ca/homeownergrant Income Supplement is provided by the
Canadian government.
Property tax deferment programs Canada.ca – Search for “Guaranteed Income
If you cannot afford to pay your taxes now, Supplement”
you can apply to defer payments (pay them
later). Property tax deferment programs are
Senior’s Supplement
low-interest loans. Homeowners who qualify
can defer all or part of their property taxes Seniors who receive OAS and GIS may also
until they can afford to pay them, or until qualify for the Senior’s Supplement. If you
they sell their home, transfer it to someone are eligible, you will receive the Senior’s
else, or after their death. Supplement automatically. It is paid to
gov.bc.ca/propertytaxdeferment everyone who qualifies. If you qualify, you
do not need to apply. The amount depends
on your income. The Senior’s Supplement is
Property Transfer Tax
provided by the B.C. government.
When a change in ownership of a property Toll-free: 1 866 866-0800
is registered in B.C., you must pay Property gov.bc.ca – Search for “Senior’s Supplement
Transfer Tax. Some home buyers can apply Program”
for exemption (not paying the tax).
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/taxes/property-taxes/
property-transfer-tax/exemptions

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 53

 MONEY AND BANKING

Investing money Be careful of people who try to cheat you

and steal your money. Scammers may
There are many ways to invest money. say that their investment is “risk-free” or
Banks and other financial companies sell “guaranteed”. They may try to scare you by
investments such as term deposits, mutual saying you will miss a good chance to earn
funds, Guaranteed Investment Certificates money. Never give your money to anyone
(GICs), and treasury bills. Talk to someone at without confirming that it is safe. Learn how
your bank, credit union, or trust company. to identify investment fraud.
You can also talk with an investment investright.org/fraud-awareness/avoid-
counsellor or financial advisor. investment-fraud/

i Where to go for information

• Banking in Canada • Government of Canada – Manage Your
cba.ca – Search for “Banking basics” Money
• Prosper Canada – financial education Canada.ca – Search for “Financial
webinars and guides Consumer Agency”
prospercanada.org – Click on • Office of Consumer Affairs
“Resources” in the menu ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/ca02154.
• Money Management Tools for html
Newcomers (Prosper Canada) • BC Securities Commission is an
moneymanagement.prospercanada.org independent agency of the provincial
• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada – government.
Financial Toolkit investright.org
Canada.ca – Search for “Your financial • Credit Counselling Society provides
toolkit” financial education workshops and tools
nomoredebts.org/resources

54 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

HEALTH CARE
Definitions Language assistance
B.C. Health Buying medicine
Paying for prescription drugs:
Registering for MSP PharmaCare and Fair PharmaCare
Get your BC Services Card Dentist
The Interim Federal Health Healthy Kids Program
Program – Refugees and Refugee
Claimants Eye exams and eyeglasses
Private insurance
Out-of-province coverage Public health units

HealthLink BC Private specialized clinics

Doctors Mental health, alcohol, and

Finding a family doctor other drugs
Making an appointment Getting healthy and
Walk-in clinics, Urgent and Primary staying healthy
Care Centres, and Virtual Care
Quit smoking
Virtual care
Vaping and e-cigarettes
Medical emergencies Physical activity and fitness
Hospitals and emergency A healthy heart
departments Protect yourself against the flu
Calling an ambulance
For more information
Supports for children and youth
 HEALTH CARE

Definitions
Benefits – money or programs to help people when they are sick, do not have a job, or
cannot take care of themselves. Employers provide benefits to workers. Governments
provide benefits to citizens.
Healthcare provider – a person who takes care of patients in the health care system. This
includes doctors, nurses, dentists, home care workers, pharmacists, and many more.
ƒƒ Audiologist – a person who works with patients who have trouble hearing.
ƒƒ Dentist – a doctor who examines teeth for cavities (holes), disease, and other tooth
problems.
ƒƒ Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctor - a doctor who specializes in diseases of the ear,
nose, and throat.
ƒƒ General Practitioner (GP) – GPs are also known as family doctors. They take care
of most medical problems. You can also talk to your family doctor about emotional
problems, mental health, nutrition, and family planning (birth control and pregnancy).
Your family doctor will refer you to a specialist if you need more medical attention.
ƒƒ Midwife – a person who has special education to help women deliver babies.
ƒƒ Nurse practitioner – a nurse with special education to work closely with patients. They
can diagnose diseases, order and interpret laboratory tests, and recommend treatments.
Many British Columbians have a nurse practitioner instead of a family doctor.
ƒƒ Optometrist – a doctor who examines eyes for vision, disease, and injuries.
ƒƒ Pharmacist – someone who fills a prescription from your doctor. They give you the
right medicine in the right amount, and tell you how to use the medicine properly.
They will also answer questions about any medicine you are taking.
ƒƒ Specialists – doctors who focus on special diseases, medical conditions, or parts of the
body. For example, there are specialists who focus on skin conditions, loss of hearing,
heart disease, cancer, pregnancy, and treating young children or older adults.
Immunization – when people are given a small amount of a virus to help them stay healthy
and not get sick.
Pharmacy – a store where patients get medicines (drugs) that are prescribed by a doctor or
nurse practitioner. A pharmacy may also be called a “drugstore”.
Prescription – a written order from a doctor or nurse practitioner for medicine. It will tell
the pharmacy what drug the patient needs, and how much to provide.
Vaccination – the needle and liquid used to immunize people.
Vaccine – the liquid used to immunize or vaccinate people. It can be given through a needle
(injected), taken by mouth, or sprayed into the nose.
Virtual care – using technology such as video calls to help patients meet with health care
providers.

56 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HEALTH CARE

B.C. Health Supplementary Benefits

If your income is low, you may be eligible for
The Government of B.C. health plan is called
Supplementary Benefits. MSP Supplementary
the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It pays for
Benefits will pay part of some medical
basic, medically required health services.
services. These include:
These include some doctor visits, medical
• acupuncture
tests, and treatments. Not all health costs
are covered by MSP. For example, you • chiropractic treatments
have to pay for dentists, optometrists, and • massage therapy
physiotherapists yourself.
• naturopathy
MSP is for: • physical therapy
• B.C. residents who are Canadian citizens or • non-surgical podiatry
permanent residents
• B.C. residents who are government- You may qualify for Supplementary Benefits
assisted refugees if you have lived in Canada for the last
12 months (one year) as a Canadian citizen
• international students with study permits or permanent resident. To apply, fill out
• some people with work permits for an application form and send it to Health
6 months or more Insurance BC.
gov.bc.ca/MSP/supplementary benefits
Find out if you are eligible for MSP.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug- International Student Health Fee
coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and- International students must pay a monthly
enrolment health care fee. This fee is for:
• international students in kindergarten to
Registering for MSP Grade 12
• international post-secondary students with
All residents of B.C. must be registered with
study permits who are enrolled in MSP
MSP. You need to apply to register for MSP.
On your application, make sure you write gov.bc.ca – Search for “Health fee
your name exactly as it appears on other international students”
official documents.

You should register for MSP as soon as Get your BC Services Card
you arrive in B.C. You may have to wait for
up to 3 months for your application to be You will need a BC Services Card to access
processed. If you do not have MSP, you health care services.
should buy private medical insurance. If you gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/
need medical care in B.C. and you do not government-id/bc-services-card
have MSP or private medical insurance, you Follow these steps to get your BC Services Card.
will have to pay all medical costs yourself.
1. Apply for MSP.
These costs can be very high.
ƒƒ Complete and send the BC MSP
For more information and to register for MSP, enrolment form.
contact Health Insurance BC. gov.bc.ca/mspbcresidentforms
Vancouver Area: 604 683-7151 ƒƒ You can also apply online.
Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100 gov.bc.ca/MSP/applyforhealthcare
gov.bc.ca – Search for “MSP for residents”

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 57

 HEALTH CARE

2. Visit an ICBC driver licensing office. People qualified for the Interim Federal
After you send your documents and Health Program must visit registered health
enrolment form, you will receive a letter in care providers. See a list of health care
the mail. Take the letter to an ICBC driver providers registered with the program.
licensing office. You will also need to take ifhp-pfsi.medavie.bluecross.ca/en/search-
2 pieces of identification. ifhp-providers/
ƒƒ Find out what kind of identification you
will need. Private insurance
icbc.com – Search for “Service card MSP does not cover all medical costs. For
accepted ID” example, MSP does not cover dental care. If
ƒƒ Find an ICBC office near you. you want coverage for more medical costs, you
icbc.com/locators can buy insurance from a private company.
gov.bc.ca – Search for “MSP not covered”
Children under 19, people 75 and older, and
people with study and work permits do not Some of the services not covered by MSP
have to visit an ICBC office. You will receive a will have to be paid for by you when you
BC Services Card without a photo. arrive for your visit. Ask for the receipt and
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/ send it to your insurance company. They will
government-id/bc-services-card/types-of- send you some or all of the money you paid.
cards/non-photo Other offices will send the bill directly to
your insurance company. This is called “direct
A BC Services Card with a photo is more billing.” Ask questions and make sure you
secure. If your card is stolen, no one else understand how the bill will be paid.
can use it. If you are a senior or have a
work or study permit, and you would like a Out-of-province coverage
BC Services Card with a photo, visit an ICBC
If you visit another province in Canada, you
driver licensing office.
may want to buy extra health insurance.
Check with Health Insurance BC to see if you
The Interim Federal Health will need extra coverage.
Program – Refugees and Refugee Vancouver area: 604 683-7151
Claimants Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100
The Interim Federal Health Program provides gov.bc.ca – Search for “MSP benefits
limited, temporary health coverage for outside BC”
resettled refugees, protected persons, and
refugee claimants and their dependents. The
program covers people who are not eligible HealthLink BC
for provincial or private health coverage. It HealthLink BC provides free non-emergency
includes basic health-care services such as health information and advice in B.C.
visiting the doctor, going to the hospital, Information and advice is available 24 hours
emergency medicine, and emergency dental a day, 7 days a week by telephone, website, a
(teeth) and eye care. mobile app, and printable information. All of
canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees- HealthLink BC’s services are free.
citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-
canada/health-care/interim-federal-health- HealthLink BC does not provide emergency
program.html services. If you have an urgent medical
situation, call 9-1-1.

58 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HEALTH CARE

Call 8-1-1. If you cannot hear, or do not hear

very well, call 7-1-1.
Finding a family doctor or
• Speak with a nurse, or get help finding a nurse practitioner
services in your community. Available It may be hard to find a family doctor or
24 hours a day, 7 days a week. a nurse practitioner who can take you as
• Speak with a dietitian about food, healthy a patient. Keep looking and talking with
eating, and nutrition. Available Monday to people. New care providers can come to your
Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. community anytime.
• Speak with someone about physical • Divisions of Family Practice may know of
activity and exercise. Available Monday to a waiting list you can join to find a doctor
Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in your community. Visit the website to
find the Division of Family Practice in
• Speak with a pharmacist about medicines. your community.
Available every evening and overnight, divisionsbc.ca/divisions-in-bc
from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
• The British Columbia College of Nursing
HealthLink BC has translation services in Professionals has a directory of nurse
more than 130 languages. When you call practitioners. Search the directory for
8-1-1, say the name of your language (for nurse practitioners in your community.
example, “Punjabi”). registry.bccnp.ca
Online: HealthLinkBC.ca • Talk to people at your immigrant
settlement agency. They may be able to
• Visit the website for information on more
help you register to find a care provider.
than 5,000 health, nutrition, medication,
Find a settlement agency near you.
physical activity, and medication topics.
ƒƒ Permanent residents, including refugees
• If you feel sick, you can check your
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
symptoms (signs of illness) online to learn
index.asp
what you should do.
ƒƒ Temporary residents, including refugee
• Information is in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi,
claimants, temporary foreign workers, and
French, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, and
post-secondary international students
Vietnamese.
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents
HealthLinkBC.ca/services-and-resources/
translated-resources • Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 for support
finding a family doctor, a nurse practitioner,
• HealthLink BC also has an app for your
and health services in your community.
smartphone. Use it to find walk-in clinics,
hospitals, emergency rooms, immunization • Talk with your friends, neighbours, people
locations, pharmacies, laboratory services, you work with, or other people in your
and Urgent and Primary Care Centres near community. Ask if their care provider is
you. Visit HealthLinkBC.ca/app accepting new patients.

Making an appointment
Before you go to your care provider, phone
the office for an appointment. Always take
your BC Services Card with you when you go
to a doctor.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 59

 HEALTH CARE

Try to arrive a few minutes early for your of ID must have your photo. You will have to
appointment. If you are late, you may pay for the visit. Keep your receipt. When you
miss your appointment. If you miss your get your BC Services Card, you may be able to
appointment, you may have to pay a fee. ask for a refund.
This fee is not covered by MSP.

Walk-in clinics, Urgent and Primary Medical emergencies

Care Centres, and Virtual Care Hospitals and emergency
If you do not have a care provider yet, or
departments
you can’t get an appointment with your
care provider, you may be able to go to a If you have a serious accident, are seriously
walk-in clinic or an Urgent and Primary injured, or suddenly get very sick, you can go
Care Centre (UPCC). to the hospital emergency department. Many
emergency departments are open 24 hours
Doctors and nurse practitioners at walk-in a day, 7 days a week. If you use prescription
clinics and UPCCs are for people who have a medicine, bring it with you. The doctor needs
medical problem, but not an emergency. to know what medicine you take. People
who do not speak English should try to bring
Call Healthlink BC at 8-1-1 to find a walk-in
someone to help translate.
clinic or UPCC near you. Some clinics are
open until late. Many are open 7 days a week. If you have MSP coverage, you do not have to
You do not need an appointment, but you pay for hospital costs.
should check to see if the clinic is open.
HealthLinkBC.ca/services-and-resources/upcc Calling an ambulance
If you are waiting for your BC Services Card, If you have a medical emergency and cannot
you can still go to a walk-in clinic. Bring get to the hospital yourself, you can call
2 pieces of identification (ID). At least 1 piece an ambulance. In most places, the phone

60 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HEALTH CARE

number is 9-1-1. There might be a different at a pharmacy (drug store). Some grocery
phone number in small communities. Check stores have pharmacies. When you go to
for the number inside the front pages of a pharmacy, take your prescription with
your telephone book or ask your local police you. The prescription tells the pharmacist
department. You should write down and save which drug, and how much, you need. The
emergency numbers. pharmacist will explain how often and for
how long you must take the medicine (for
When you call the emergency number,
example, 2 times a day for 1 week).
the operator will ask if you want police,
fire, or ambulance. Ask for an ambulance. Search online for a pharmacy. You can
The operator will ask questions about also call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or use the
your problem. They may give you medical HealthLink BC website or the BC Health
instructions over the phone. If an ambulance Services Locator app to find a pharmacy near
is sent, paramedics will take care of you. They you. For information about HealthLink BC
may take you to the emergency department services, see page 58.
of a hospital.
You can buy some medicines without a
MSP does not cover the full cost of going to prescription. These are called non-prescription
hospital by ambulance. You will have to pay or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. These are
some of the cost. You do not have to pay right usually for less serious problems, such as a
away. You will get a bill later. If you have a low headache, a cold, or allergies. If you have a
income, you may get assistance. question about over-the-counter drugs, ask
bcehs.ca – Search for “Ambulance fees” the pharmacist. You can also call HealthLink
BC at 8-1-1 and ask to speak to a pharmacist.

Language assistance Paying for prescription drugs:

• The Provincial Language Service has PharmaCare and Fair PharmaCare
interpretation services. You cannot book PharmaCare is a B.C. government program
this service yourself. Ask your doctor, that helps British Columbians pay for
nurse, or midwife (someone who helps prescription drugs. Fair PharmaCare is for all
deliver babies) to call the Provincial residents of British Columbia who are enrolled
Language Service to book an interpreter in MSP. People with a lower family income get
for you. more help with their prescription costs. You
• HealthLink BC 8-1-1 offers health must file your income tax every year to receive
information and advice in more than Fair PharmaCare coverage based on your
130 languages. For more information income. If you don’t register, you will have a
about HealthLink BC, see page 58. deductible of $10,000. This means you will
HealthLinkBC.ca – Click “Other Languages” need to spend $10,000 on eligible medicines
in the top menu before Fair PharmaCare helps you with your
prescription medicine costs.

Buying medicine Once you are covered by the Medical Services

Plan, you can register for Fair PharmaCare. To
There are some medicines you can buy only register or to get more information, visit the
if you have a prescription. Prescriptions website or contact Health Insurance BC.
must be written by a doctor or another Metro Vancouver: 604 683-7151
medical person (like a midwife or nurse Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100
practitioner). You can buy prescription drugs gov.bc.ca/fairpharmacare

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 61

 HEALTH CARE

Dentist Eye exams and eyeglasses

Dentists and dental hygienists take care Eye doctors are called optometrists. They can
of your teeth. To find a dentist, ask friends work in their own office, or in a store that
or settlement workers. You can also sells glasses.
visit the BC Dental Association website.
MSP covers part of the cost of full eye exams.
yourdentalhealth.ca/visiting-your-dentist/
Some optometrists may charge more than
find-a-dentist
that amount. Ask your optometrist how much
MSP will not pay for dental services in a the eye exam will cost. If it costs more than
dentist’s office. If you need dental surgery, MSP will cover, you will need to pay the rest.
you will be sent to a hospital and MSP will
MSP pays for 1 routine eye exam by an
cover the cost. Some employers have dental
optometrist every 2 years for
benefits for employees. If you have employer
dental coverage, it may pay part of your cost • children and youth 18 years and younger
for treatment in a dentist’s office. Ask your • adults 65 years and older
employer about dental coverage.
MSP will also pay for eye exams if you have a
Some public health units have dental clinics. medical need – for example, if an object gets
They give free dental checkups and cleanings in your eye, or if you have an eye disease.
to young children. They may also have low-
cost dental care for older children and adults. Some employers have benefit plans for
employees. These plans might help pay for
If you have children, you may be eligible for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Ask
the Healthy Kids Program. at your work if there is a benefit plan.

If you have children, you may be eligible for

the Healthy Kids Program.

Healthy Kids Program

B.C.’s Healthy Kids Program helps low-income families pay for basic dental care,
prescription eyeglasses, hearing instruments, or alternative hearing assistance. If your
children are under 19 and don’t have coverage for dental, optical (eye), or hearing care,
you should check the Healthy Kids Program.

To use the Healthy Kids Program, your family must be eligible for MSP Supplementary
Benefits (see page 62). Families that have been approved for MSP Supplementary Benefits
will be signed up with the Healthy Kids Program.

Ask your eye doctor, dentist, audiologist or hearing instrument provider for more
information on what is covered. Some tests or visits may have different costs or
coverage. Bring your child’s BC Services Card when you visit your dentist, optometrist,
audiologist, or hearing instrument provider. Ask if there will be any extra charges that
are not covered. It is important to know the costs first.

For more information, visit gov.bc.ca and search for “healthy kids program” or call
toll-free: 1 866 866-0800.

62 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HEALTH CARE

Public health units

Public health units:
• help parents prepare for a new baby
• support families after a baby is born,
including visits at home
• provide vaccinations (also called
immunizations). A vaccine is medicine that
prevents disease. Babies, children, and
adults should get vaccinated (immunized)
against dangerous diseases, such as
measles and whooping cough (pertussis).
Learn more about immunization in B.C.
immunizebc.ca

Public health units also provide information

and support for:
• early childhood development
• speech therapy For more information about MSP coverage,
contact Health Insurance BC.
• hearing clinics
• vision (eye) tests Health Insurance BC
Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100
• nutrition and healthy eating
gov.bc.ca – Search for “Services covered
• dental care by MSP”
• youth clinics
• sexual health information
Mental health, alcohol,
• help for alcohol and drug users
and other drugs
To find a public health unit in your area, Health is not just about having a strong body.
contact HealthLink BC. Thoughts and emotions are important, too.
Toll-free: 8-1-1 Sometimes, people become sad or angry for
HealthLinkBC.ca/services-and-resources/find- no clear reason. They may use substances
services – Search for “Public Health Units” like alcohol and other drugs, including some
If you visit a public health unit, bring your medications, to cope with unpleasant thoughts
BC Services Card with you. or feelings. They may feel depressed, afraid,
or anxious. Without help, these mental health
problems can become dangerous.
Private specialized clinics If you are having trouble with your emotions,
Private clinics provide health services such as you can talk to your doctor. If you do not have
physiotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, a family doctor, talk to someone at your local
massage therapy, and naturopathic care. If immigrant settlement agency. A settlement
you go to a private clinic, ask if their services worker can help you find someone to talk to.
are covered by MSP. If they are not, you must Do not feel ashamed. Many Canadians get
pay with your own money. Make sure you help with their mental health. You do not
know the cost before you receive service. have to deal with the problem by yourself.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 63

 HEALTH CARE

Most B.C. communities have mental health QuitNow will help you talk with trained quit
centres. They can help people with mental coaches, get some motivating messages by
health and substance use problems – for text, and connect with other quitters online.
example, depression, anxiety, and using QuitNow
alcohol and other drugs (substance use). Toll-free: 1 877 455-2233
quitnow.ca
• Visit the B.C. government’s Mental Health
and Substance Use website. You can find The BC Smoking Cessation Program can help
resources, services, and supports that you quit smoking or vaping. It will cover the
can help. cost of nicotine replacements and help cover
Wellbeing.gov.bc.ca the cost of some prescription drugs.
• Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. gov.bc.ca – Search for “Smoking cessation”

• Contact Crisis Line Support. You can speak

Vaping and e-cigarettes
directly to someone for support. Crisis lines
can also give you a referral to a mental Vaping is adding liquid to an electronic
health service. cigarette and breathing it into your lungs. The
crisislines.bc.ca liquid can be flavoured, and often has nicotine
Toll-free: 310-6789 (no area code) in it. Some people start vaping as a way to help
them cut down or quit smoking cigarettes.

Getting healthy and Although vaping is not as dangerous as

smoking tobacco, regular vaping can lead
staying healthy to nicotine addiction. The chemicals in vape
juice can also damage lungs.
Being strong and healthy is an important
Healthlinkbc.ca – Search for “Vaping”
part of taking care of our physical and
mental health. The B.C. government has Support to quit smoking and vaping are
resources to help. available for free through QuitNow. Eligible
healthyfamiliesbc.ca B.C. residents can get up to 12 weeks of free
nicotine replacement products through the
Patients as Partners has tools, education,
BC Smoking Cessation (PharmaCare) Program.
events, activities, and other resources.
quitnow.ca
patientsaspartners.ca
gov.bc.ca – Search for “Smoking cessation”
Quit smoking
Physical activity
Smoking increases the risk of cancer,
Physical activity is an important part of
diabetes, heart failure, and other serious
being healthy. Being active builds a strong
medical problems. There are many resources
heart and lungs, improves our physical
available to help you quit smoking.
strength, and helps us stay at a healthy
weight. It can also be a good way to improve
our mood, and to keep a positive attitude.

64 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HEALTH CARE

HealthLink BC has qualified exercise Protect yourself against the flu

professionals who can help you develop Influenza is a virus. It is also called the flu.
a plan to become physically active and It can cause serious illness and even death.
healthy. Many people have to go to the hospital
Toll-free: 8-1-1 because of the flu.
TTY: 7-1-1
Healthlinkbc.ca - Search for “Physical Activity There are vaccines available for the flu. Every
Services” fall, before flu season begins, public health
offices across British Columbia advertise
For more information, visit HealthLink BC. clinics where you can get a vaccination to
• gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing- prevent the flu. You can also check with your
your-health/physical-activity family doctor or local pharmacist.
• HealthLinkBC.ca/health-topics/aa165656
You can reduce the risk of catching the flu or
spreading it to others by washing your hands
A healthy heart regularly, keeping your hands away from
Taking care of our heart is one of the most your face, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
important things we can do to stay strong that a lot of people touch, staying home if
and healthy. Eating well, being physically you are sick, eating healthy, being physically
active, and staying at a healthy weight are all active, and getting the flu vaccine.
part of keeping our hearts healthy.
For information about influenza vaccines
To learn more about heart-healthy eating, and where to get one, visit the ImmunizeBC
visit HealthLink BC’s website or call website.
HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. You can speak to a immunizebc.ca/clinics/flu
registered dietitian or qualified exercise
professional for information and advice on For more information about influenza, visit
healthy living. Healthlink BC.
HealthLinkBC.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heart- HealthLinkBC.ca/health-feature/flu-season
healthy-eating
COVID-19
The Heart and Stroke Foundation website
COVID-19 is a very serious virus that has
has lots of information about healthy eating
killed more than a million people around
and how it affects heart disease, high blood
the world. The symptoms are similar to
pressure, and high cholesterol (fat in the
flu, including cough, fever, and difficulty
bloodstream).
breathing. Some people also have stomach
heartandstroke.ca
problems. COVID-19 spreads very quickly.
Patients as Partners has resources and Older people and anyone with serious health
information about managing chronic issues are at high risk of becoming very ill or
(long-term) diseases. dying from COVID-19.
patientsaspartners.ca
In British Columbia, the Provincial Health
Officer develops rules that everyone
must follow to help prevent the spread
of COVID-19.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 65

 HEALTH CARE

One of the best ways to stop the spread of If you think you have COVID-19
COVID-19 is to wash your hands often with If you are feeling sick – even if you are not
soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If sure you have COVID-19 – you should stay
soap and water are not available, use alcohol- at home and stay away from others. Anyone
based hand sanitizer. This should be done who develops cold, influenza, or COVID-
more often when you are in public touching 19-like symptoms (even mild symptoms)
surfaces that other people also touch. should call their health-care provider or 8-1-1,
seek testing, and then self-isolate. You can
You should also keep a physical distance of
access the B.C. self-assessment tool to check
at least 2 metres (6 feet) from other people
whether you may need further assessment or
when possible. Do not touch your face. Cough
testing for COVID-19.
or sneeze into your sleeve or into a tissue,
bc.thrive.health/covid19/en
throw the tissue away immediately, and wash
your hands. For information about COVID-19, visit the
BC Centre for Disease Control.
Disinfect places in your home or workplace
bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/
that many people touch (such as door
covid-19
handles or light switches). You can also wear
a face mask if you are sick, or if you cannot B.C. also has provincial information on
keep at least 2 metres away from other COVID-19 resources and support.
people. Masks can help stop the spread of gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-
small drops from a person’s mouth and nose preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-
when talking, laughing, yelling, singing, provincial-support
coughing, or sneezing.

66 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HEALTH CARE

i Where to go for help

HealthLink BC Bounce Back Program
HealthLink BC provides free, non- Bounce Back is a skill-building program
emergency health information and that helps adults with depression, stress,
advice in B.C. Information and advice is and anxiety.
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Toll-free: 1 866 639-0522
by telephone, website, a mobile app, and bouncebackbc.ca
printable information. All of HealthLink
Find more mental health and substance use
BC’s services are free. See page 58.
supports on the B.C. government website.
Patients as Partners gov.bc.ca/gov/content/mental-health-
Patients as Partners provides tools, support-in-bc
education, and other resources. You can
find information about personal and Supports for children and youth
family-centered care, managing chronic Child and Teen Mental Health in B.C.
(long-term) disease, patient and public This website offers resources and
engagement, and a calendar of events. information on mental health services for
patientsaspartners.ca your child or teenager.
HeretoHelp gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-
your-health/mental-health-substance-use/
HeretoHelp has information about mental
find-services-near-you/youth-mental-
illness and substance use problems. They
health-services
can help you manage mental illness and
maintain good mental health. They offer Foundry
tests so you can understand your mental Foundry helps young people aged 12 to
health better. 24 to be healthier. They offer health and
heretohelp.bc.ca wellness resources, services, and supports.
Suicide Hotline foundrybc.ca
If you feel very upset or angry, or if you Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
have thoughts of hurting yourself, please The Kelty Mental Health Resource
call the suicide hotline. The suicide hotline Centre has information and resources
is free. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a for children, youth, and families. You
week. The suicide hotline is a safe place can learn about mental health, eating
to talk. Everything you say is completely disorders, addictions, anger management,
confidential (secret). anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity
Toll-free: 1 800 784-2433 (1 800 SUICIDE) disorder (ADHD), depression, psychosis,
crisiscentre.bc.ca schizophrenia, suicide prevention, and
stress management.
Vancouver area: 604 875-2084
Toll-free: 1 800 665-1822
Keltymentalhealth.ca

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 67

 HEALTH CARE

i Where to go for help (continued)

Kids Help Phone ERASE Bullying Prevention Strategy
The Kids Help Phone is for children The ERASE Bullying Prevention Strategy
experiencing abuse or mental health educates students about bullying. It
problems. Children and youth can call this helps students report bullies. ERASE also
phone number anytime to get help and includes resources on mental health,
information. The service can also refer substance use, school safety, and sexual
callers to places that can help them, such orientation / gender identity.
as clinics and community centres. gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase
Toll-free: 1 800 668-6868
kidshelpphone.ca
HealthLinkBC.ca – Search for “Kids help
phone”

68 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

EDUCATION
Definitions Distributed (distance) learning
and homeschooling
Early years to Grade 12
Public schools Post-secondary education
Independent (private) schools Costs and financial help for post-
secondary education
Early years programs for children
under 5 years of age Distributed (distance) learning
for adults
Kindergarten to Grade 12
Private post-secondary schools
Children with disabilities and
and colleges
special needs
English Language Learning (ELL) Continuing education
for children for adults
French programs Learn English
Getting involved and volunteering Adult Education
School information
 EDUCATION

Definitions
Adult Upgrading – courses for adults who want to complete a secondary (high) school
diploma or gain the marks and courses for entry to post-secondary studies. Courses
are available through public post-secondary institutions and school district adult
education programs.
Continuing Education – non-credit courses for adults. These may be taken for personal or
general interest, or to improve work-related skills.
Elementary school – school for children in Kindergarten to Grade 7, ages 5 to 13.
Field trip – when students and their teacher take a class trip outside the school. For
example, field trips can be to a museum, an exhibit, a farm, or a school sports event.
Full-time and part-time studies – full-time studies are a full load of courses, homework,
and assignments. Some students may also work, but usually only for a few hours a week.
Part-time studies means students are taking less than a full load of courses – maybe 2
or 3, instead of 5.
Mandatory – when something is required by law, or a rule that must be followed.
Middle school – some schools in B.C. are for students in Grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. They are
between elementary and secondary grades. Most students are aged 10 to 15.
Post-secondary – education for students who have finished secondary school. Post-
secondary schools include universities, colleges, institutes, technical schools, and
private institutions.
Secondary school – school for students in grades 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Students are
ages 13 to 18. Secondary school is also called high school.
Tuition – the cost of attending private schools or post-secondary institutions.
Tutors – people who teach students one-on-one. Teaching is usually in a home or office,
not in a classroom. Students pay tutors for their time.

70 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EDUCATION

Early years to Grade 12 Registering your child in a public school

Children usually attend the public school
The government of British Columbia sets closest to their home. To register your child in
laws and regulations to make sure every a public school, contact your school board.
child in B.C. gets a good education. All
children between the ages of 5 and 16 must Find your school board.
be receiving an education. Most parents bced.gov.bc.ca/schools/bcmap.htm
send their children to public schools. Some
When you register your child, you will be
parents choose to pay for independent
asked to provide official documents showing
(private) schools. Some children learn at
your child’s date of birth, your resident
home through homeschooling or distributed
status in British Columbia, and your address.
(distance) learning. For more information
You will also be asked to show your child’s
about learning at home, see page 74.
immunization record. The province has
mandatory vaccine registration to protect
Public schools children against diseases.
Education in public schools is free. Boards
of education (school boards) manage public Some school communities have a program
schools in their communities. School boards called Settlement Workers in Schools.
plan and deliver programs and services Settlement workers help newcomers adjust
for local students. They must follow the to their new school and community.
laws and regulations set by the B.C. Ministry Find public schools near you.
of Education. bced.gov.bc.ca/apps/imcl/imclWeb/Home.do

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 71

 EDUCATION

Independent (private) schools Many schools have Ready, Set, Learn

B.C. also has independent schools. Most programs for children aged 3 to 5 years.
independent schools charge fees. Some Children learn new skills by playing. Parents
independent schools are based on religion can get information to help their child learn.
or culture. Some schools teach classes in gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/
special ways, and others may be for students early-learning/support/programs/ready-set-
with special needs. For more information, learn
contact the Federation of Independent
School Associations. Kindergarten to Grade 12
Vancouver area: 604 684-6023 Kindergarten to Grade 7: Elementary school
Long-distance: 1 604 684-6023 Children usually start elementary school in
fisabc.ca the year they turn 5 years old. They usually
For more information about independent finish elementary school when they are 11
schools, see homeschooling and distributed or 12. The first year of elementary school
(distance) learning on page 72. is called Kindergarten. Most elementary
schools teach from Kindergarten to
Visit the B.C. Ministry of Education website. Grade 7. School days start between
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education- 8:30 and 9 a.m., and end around 3 p.m.
training/k-12/administration/program- gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-
management/independent-schools training/k-12/support/full-day-kindergarten
Find independent schools near you.
Grades 7-12: Middle and secondary school
fisabc.ca/find-school
After elementary school, students go to
middle school and secondary (high) school.
Early years programs for children Middle school is from Grades 6 to 9. Students
under 5 years of age in middle school are around 10 to 15 years
StrongStart BC programs are for young old. Secondary school is from Grade 8 until
children. They help children develop Grade 12. Students in secondary school are
language, physical, cognitive (thinking), 13 to 18 years old.
social, and emotional skills. They also help
Not every school district has middle schools.
children get ready to start school. Children
Districts without a middle school only have
can learn through play, stories, music, and
elementary school (kindergarten to Grade 7)
art. They can make friends and play with
and secondary school (Grade 8 to 12).
other children. Parents or caregivers take
part in the program with their children. The After students finish secondary school, they
program is for children from birth up to get a graduation certificate (diploma). After
5 years old. StrongStart BC early learning secondary school, students can get more
programs are free. education (post-secondary). This includes
college, university, and specialized job
Learn more about StrongStart BC and find
training (vocational training).
a program near you.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/
early-learning/support/programs/ Children with disabilities and
strongstart-bc special needs
Some children may have a physical or
mental condition that makes it difficult

72 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EDUCATION

to attend regular classes. These children • Students in English programs can also take
have special needs. British Columbia has classes to learn French. Classes are taught in
programs for children who need more English, and French is one of their subjects.
support. Contact your child’s school for
For more information about French
more information.
Immersion or French classes, talk to your
local school board.
English Language Learning (ELL)
bced.gov.bc.ca/schools/bcmap.htm
for children
Schools will provide English Language Getting involved and volunteering
Learning (ELL) for all students who need help
If you have a child in school, you are
learning English. Most students get help
encouraged to be an active member of the
learning English during regular classes. Some
school community. Talk with your child’s
older students take regular classes and ELL
teachers. Ask questions about the class or
classes together.
how your child is doing. Go to the parent-
Special programs can help young children teacher meetings. These are special meetings
learn English. Ask a settlement worker held once or twice a year.
if there is an English Language Learning
There are Parent Advisory Councils (PAC) at
preschool program in your area. Find a
public schools. If your child is in the school,
settlement agency near you.
you are automatically a member of the
• Permanent residents, including refugees school PAC. You can go to meetings, meet
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/ other parents, learn how the school works,
index.asp get involved in school activities, and make
• Temporary residents, including refugee suggestions to help.
claimants, temporary foreign workers, and bccpac.bc.ca/index.php/members/pac-dpac/
post-secondary international students what-is-a-pac
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents
You can also volunteer at your child’s school
by helping out in the classroom or on field
French programs trips (class trips and visits outside the school).
There are 3 kinds of French programs in
B.C. public schools. School information
• Students who speak French as their first The school will send you information about
language may qualify for the francophone your child’s studies and school activities.
program. Contact the Conseil scolaire Watch for emails, letters, and notes from
francophone de la Colombie-Britannique the teacher, the school board, the principal,
(School District 93) for more information. or class representatives (other parents
Metro Vancouver: 604 214-2600 who volunteer to share information for the
Toll-free: 1 888 715-2200 class). These letters and emails may contain
csf.bc.ca important information. You may need to get
• Students whose first language is not the information translated.
French can enroll in French Immersion.
That means French is the only language Printed letters may be given to parents or to
spoken in their classroom. Math, science, the children. Ask your children if they have
history, and all other subjects are taught in any letters to give you.
the French language.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 73

 EDUCATION

Homeschooling and distributed medicine, nursing, engineering, and law.

(distance) learning It takes about 4 years of full-time study to
complete a bachelor’s degree. After earning a
While children aged 5 to 16 must receive
bachelor’s degree, you can get a master’s or
an education, some children in B.C. do not
a doctorate (graduate) degree. You can also
attend schools. They may live too far away
get diplomas and certificates.
from school. Some children are sick and
cannot travel to school. Some parents may Some public colleges and institutes offer
prefer to let children learn at home. There university transfer programs. You can take
are 2 ways students can learn at home: courses at a college or institute, then transfer
homeschooling, and distributed learning. to a university to finish your degree. The
• Homeschooling is when parents act as university will check the classes you took
the teachers and teach their children at and may give you credit for them. Check
home. Parents must prepare the lessons with the university before you start studying
and make sure their children are learning. to know if it will recognize your transfer
They must register their child with a school courses. For more information, check the
before they begin. B.C. Transfer Guide.
bced.gov.bc.ca/home_school bctransferguide.ca
• Distributed (distance) learning is when Colleges, technical institutes, and some
teachers send lessons and homework universities also have trades and skills
for students to do at home. Lessons training programs. You can get job training
can be delivered online or by mail for many careers. For example, you can get
(correspondence). Teachers are certified by training to work as a carpenter, mechanic,
schools. They are responsible for preparing horticulturist, early childhood educator, or
the lessons and helping the students learn. computer technician.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-
training/k-12/support/classroom- See a list of post-secondary institutions in
alternatives/online-distributed-learning British Columbia.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/
post-secondary-education/find-a-program-
Post-secondary education or-institution/find-an-institution
After Grade 12, many students continue Education Planner B.C. can help you choose
their education. This is called post- post-secondary courses.
secondary education. educationplannerbc.ca
There are 25 public universities, colleges,
and institutes in B.C. Public institutions Costs and financial help for post-
are funded by the provincial government. secondary education
Students pay tuition (school fees) to attend. Post-secondary education can be expensive.
There are also more than 300 private Students taking post-secondary courses
institutions in B.C. Private institutions are must pay tuition and other fees. They must
not funded by the provincial government. also buy books and materials.
This is why tuition is usually costs more at
The B.C. government may provide funding
private institutions.
to students who need help to pay for their
People can study many different subjects at studies. You can apply for loans, grants, and
college, university, or institutions. Programs bursaries. Grants and bursaries do not need
include arts, education, sciences, technology, to be repaid. Loans must be paid back when

74 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EDUCATION

you finish school. To qualify for financial aid, Distributed (distance) learning
students must live in B.C. and be permanent for adults
residents or Canadian citizens.
Many colleges and universities offer
For information, talk to the financial aid office distributed learning programs. You can get a
at the school you plan to attend. post-secondary education no matter where
studentaidbc.ca you live. For information, contact your local
college or university or Thompson Rivers
Post-secondary students who do not have University Open Learning.
permanent residence or Canadian citizenship tru.ca/distance
will pay higher tuition. They may also need to
apply for a study permit. Private post-secondary schools
learnlivebc.ca/en/learn/
and colleges
Parents can start a Registered Education B.C. has many private post-secondary
Savings Plan (RESP) to save money for their institutions. These include private
child’s post-secondary education. You can universities, colleges, business schools,
open an RESP at many banks and credit technical schools, and language schools.
unions. Your child needs a Social Insurance Financial aid is available for students at some
Number to open an RESP. For information private institutions.
about Social Insurance Numbers, see privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca
page 107. You may also be able to get a studentaidbc.ca
Canada Education Savings Grant. This is
money that the Government of Canada adds
to your child’s RESP to help pay the cost of Continuing Education
their post-secondary education.
canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/
for adults
education-savings/savings-grant.html Many Canadians sign up for classes long
after they have stopped going to school.
In Canada, many post-secondary students They may want to learn a new skill for
have jobs and pay their own tuition. They work, a new language, or study something
may work part-time during the school year or they are interested in. These programs are
find temporary jobs during summer vacation. called Continuing Education. Find classes by

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 75

 EDUCATION

searching online for “continuing education” Adult Upgrading

and the name of your community. Adults can go to school to upgrade their
education or prepare for a new job. There
Learn English are programs for specific subjects, like
There are many English as a Second reading or math. There are also programs to
Language (ESL) classes to help adults learn to finish high school and learn new job skills.
speak, read, and write English. The Canadian Programs may be full time or part time. They
government offers Language Instruction for are usually called Adult Basic Education or
Newcomers to Canada (LINC). Adult refugees ABE. ESL courses at public post-secondary
and permanent residents can take these institutions are also part of Adult Upgrading.
classes for free.
• Canada.ca – Search for “Language Adults completing secondary school
programs” Adults who have not completed secondary
(high) school can finish their education and
• Welcomebc.ca – Search for “Employment
graduate. Students taking ABE in the Adult
language programs”
Graduation Program can get the British
Several public post-secondary institutions Columbia Certificate of Graduation or the
also offer ESL courses. Permanent residents, Adult Graduation Diploma. These programs
refugees, and Canadian citizens do not are offered at many public post-secondary
pay tuition for these courses. Other costs institutions and school district adult
may apply. education centres.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/ Adults who have finished high school can take
adult-education/adult-upgrading-learn- Adult Basic Education courses to get the credits
english they need to continue their studies at the post-
You can get help to learn or improve secondary level. There are full-time and part-
your English at literacy programs in your time classes available. These classes are free
community. These programs are free. for permanent residents and Canadian citizens.
Some programs are for adults and some gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/
are for families. adult-education/adult-upgrading
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/arts- Find classes near you.
culture/public-libraries/community-literacy upgradebc.ca/map
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/
adult-education/adult-upgrading Adults can also take basic education courses
decoda.ca/decoda-lpc/ through some local school districts.
bced.gov.bc.ca/apps/imcl/imclWeb/Home.do
Private English schools and tutors bced.gov.bc.ca/schools/bcmap.htm
Many private English schools and tutors
Permanent residents and Canadian citizens
(teachers) provide English language training.
do not pay tuition for Adult Upgrading
Most of these schools and classes are
courses. Students may have to pay other
not regulated by government. Visit the
costs, including books and materials. If you
Private Training Institutions website to find
are taking upgrading (ABE or ESL) at a public
approved programs.
post-secondary institution, you may be
privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/
eligible for a grant to cover those costs.
students/pti-directory
It is called the Adult Upgrading Grant.
studentaidbc.ca/explore/grants-scholarships/
adult-upgrading-grant-application

76 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS
AND FAMILIES
Definitions Help for families
Children who need extra support
BC211
Benefits for families with children
Crisis centres Child care

Violence, abuse, and neglect Seniors’ programs and

Assault and sexual assault benefits
Abuse in the family BC Seniors’ Guide
Child abuse and neglect Homecare
Bullying Healthy Eating for Seniors
Elder abuse and neglect Preventing falls
Animal abuse Ability411
Problems with alcohol, drugs, and
gambling
People with disabilities
Sponsorship breakdown Support for people who are
B.C. Employment and LGBTQ2S+
Assistance Program The Office of the
Homelessness Ombudsperson

Food banks Legal help

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Definitions
Abuse – harming another person. There are many kinds of abuse.
ƒƒ Physical abuse can include hitting, restraining, or pushing. Physical abuse is also
called assault.
ƒƒ Emotional abuse is hurting someone with words or actions. This includes threatening
someone (saying that you will hurt them physically or emotionally).
ƒƒ Sexual abuse is unwanted sexual touching or talking.
Assault – when someone attacks another person. The attack can be physical, sexual, or
verbal (yelling at or insulting someone).
Confidential – when someone shares information with another person, and that
information is kept private. It is not shared with anyone else.
Crisis – when a situation feels too big to handle alone. People can have a financial crisis
(when they do not have enough money to live), a family crisis (the family breaks up), a
medical crisis (someone is very ill or dies), or an emotional crisis (when people’s emotions
or feelings – especially fear – are very strong).
Eligible – when a person qualifies for something. For example, people must be eligible
before they can be hired in some jobs, or to be accepted for some government programs.
Gambling – trying to win money by betting on things like card games, horse races, slot
machines, and casino games.
Impartial – not biased or prejudiced for or against something. If you are impartial, you are
not involved in a situation and your decision can be fair.
Independent – not controlled or influenced by anyone or anything. Being able to make a
decision without being influenced by someone else.
LGBTQ2S+ – a term to describe the range of gender identities – lesbian, gay, binary (male
or female), trans, queer or Two-Spirited (see page 129 for more information)
Neglect – when a person does not take care of someone who needs their help. It could
be when a parent does not feed their child. It could also be when someone does not get
medical care for an elderly family member.
Public authorities – Governments often fund and / or give power to organizations to
make decisions and provide services for people. These organizations are called public
authorities.
Suicide – when a person decides they don’t want to live, and intentionally kills themselves.
Victim – a person who is hurt (physically or emotionally) or killed by someone else, usually
when a crime is being committed.
Violence – using physical strength to hurt someone.

78 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

BC211 Crisis centres

BC211 can help you find government and Having problems that are too big to handle
community services you may need. These alone is called a crisis. People can have
include counselling, employment, child care, mental health problems (such as depression
financial assistance, food, senior services, or anxiety) or family problems (such as a
housing, legal services, immigrant services, marriage breakup, or abuse). Problems
education, arts and culture, recreation, can feel even bigger after moving to a new
health services, and support groups. The country. You may feel sad, lonely, upset, or
service is free and confidential (private). confused. These emotions can be very strong
It is offered in many languages. and difficult. Some people may even think
Toll-free: 2-1-1 about suicide.
bc211.ca
If your situation feels too hard to manage,
BC211 also operates these services. or if you feel you are all alone with your
• VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential problems, you can get help. Do not feel
telephone service offered in many ashamed. Many people feel this way at times
languages. It provides information in their lives.
and referral services to all victims of
There are people who can help you. Call
crime. It also provides immediate crisis
a crisis centre. Crisis centres have people
support to victims of family and sexual
you can talk to. They can also help you find
violence, including victims of human
resources. All calls are free, and services are
trafficking exploited for labour or sexual
available in many languages.
services. VictimLinkBC is funded by the
• The crisis line is open 24 hours a day,
B.C. government. It is available 24 hours
7 days a week.
a day, 7 days a week.
Toll-free: 1 800 784-2433 (1 800 SUICIDE)
Toll-free: 1 800 563-0808
crisiscentre.bc.ca
Email: [email protected]
www.victimsinfo.ca • Mental Health Support Line is open
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Alcohol & Drug Information and
Toll-free: 310-6789 (this phone number
Referral Service
only has 7 numbers).
For more information, see page 85
crisiscentre.bc.ca
Vancouver area: 604 660-9382
Toll-free: 1 800 663-1441 • YouthInBC is an online chat for young
people from ages 12-24. It is open from
• Shelter and Street Help Line
12 p.m. (noon) to 12 a.m. (midnight).
2-1-1
YouthInBC.com
bc211.ca – Search for “shelter” and
the name of your community • CrisisCentreChat is an online chat for
people aged 25 and older. It is open from
• Gambling Support Line BC
12 p.m. (noon) until 1 a.m.
For more information, see page 85
CrisisCentreChat.ca
Toll-free: 1 888 795-6111
• Youth Against Violence Line
For more information, see page 83
Toll-free: 1 800 680-4264

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 79

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Violence, abuse, and The Women Against Violence Against Women

(WAVAW) Rape Crisis Centre has a crisis and
neglect information line that is open 24 hours a
Abuse, violence, and neglect are always day. They can give you help and emotional
wrong. If someone abuses you, try not to support right away. They can also refer you
feel ashamed. It is not your fault. You can get to services and programs that can help.
help. Do not try to face the problem alone. In Toll-free: 1 877 392-7583
Canada, all violence and threats of violence are wavaw.ca
against the law. The police can arrest someone The Victim Services & Violence Against
who hurts or threatens another person. The Women Program Directory helps people who
person could get a fine or go to jail. have been hurt by a crime. They also help
If there is a crisis, call 911. Someone will send women and children who experience violence.
police or an ambulance to you. The directory has contact information for
You can also call VictimLinkBC. services and programs that can help you.
Toll-free: 1 800 563-0808 Visit the website and put the name of your
Email: [email protected] city or town in the search box.
victimlinkbc.ca gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-
justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-
Assault and sexual assault are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/
victim-services-directory
If someone hits or hurts you, it is called
assault. If someone says they will hurt you, You can report sexual assault to the police,
and you believe that person will do it, it is even if it happened long ago. Call your local
also assault. It is against the law for someone police or RCMP office. You can find the phone
to assault you. number online.
Sexual assault is any form of sexual contact For information about reporting a crime, visit
without a person’s consent. Sexual assault this government of B.C. website.
includes unwanted sexual touching. It also gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-
includes forced sexual intercourse (also justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-
called “rape”). are-a-victim-of-a-crime/coming-forward/
reporting-a-crime
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you are 19 years of age or older, and do not
You can call VictimLinkBC. They can help you
want to call the police yourself, you can call
to see a doctor, talk to a counsellor, report to
a victim service program in your community.
the police, and get other support services.
They can report the crime, and the police will
This is a free service. It is also confidential. It
not know who made the report.
is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-
Toll-free: 1 800 563-0808
justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/
victimlinkbc.ca
reporting-a-crime/victim-or-witness-to-
crime/third-party-reporting-for-victims-of-
sexual-offences

80 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Abuse in the family • HealthLinkBC.ca – Search for “Domestic

Abuse can happen in families. Abuse, violence” and “Domestic abuse”
violence, and neglect are always wrong. The
person who abuses others may be the wife, If you need help
husband, same-sex partner, or common-law • If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
partner. Children, parents, grandparents, • VictimLinkBC can help you see a doctor,
sisters, brothers, and in-laws are also family. talk to a counsellor, report to the police,
and get other support services. This is a
There are many forms of abuse that can free and confidential service. It is available
happen in a family. Some examples include: in many languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days
• physical abuse: hitting or kicking someone, a week.
or using a weapon (such as a stick or a belt) Toll-free: 1 800 563-0808
to hurt someone victimlinkbc.ca
• sexual abuse: any form of sexual contact • Call a Transition House or Safe Home
without a person’s consent Program. Transition houses help women
• emotional abuse: threatening to take away leaving a home where someone is abusing
a person’s children; not letting someone them. They help women who are alone,
talk to friends or family; not letting the and they also help women with children.
person go out of the house; or threatening Transition houses are open 24 hours a day,
to take away immigration sponsorship 7 days a week. They are a safe place for
women to stay while they find a new place
• financial abuse: not letting a person get
to live. Transition houses are for short
a job, keep a job, get job training, or have
stays only – usually up to 30 days. They will
money
help you stay safe and find a place to live.
• spiritual abuse: not letting someone They can also help you find counselling,
practice his or her religion; using religion medical treatment, and other services.
to scare, hurt, or control someone
BC Housing has a list of Transition Houses
In Canada, it is against the law to harm, or and Safe Homes.
threaten to harm, another person. bchousing.org/housing-assistance/
women-fleeing-violence/womens-
You can leave an abusive family situation. You transition-housing-supports
don’t have to stay in an abusive relationship
to keep your status in Canada. If you are a
Child abuse and neglect
permanent resident, you have rights and
freedoms in Canada. If you have temporary It is every parent’s responsibility to take good
status in Canada, you also have options. care of their children. Abuse, violence and
neglect are always wrong. Neglect is when
For more information, visit these websites: parents do not meet their children’s basic
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship needs. Not providing enough food, or leaving
Canada young children alone at home are examples
canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees- of neglect.
citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/
If you think a child needs help, call the
family-sponsorship/abuse.html
Helpline for Children. Dial 310-1234 from
• B.C. government anywhere in B.C. No area code is needed.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/ They answer the phone 24 hours a day,
domestic-violence 7 days a week. The government may send

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 81

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

a social worker to check on a child. If social Help for young people

workers think the child is in danger, they can Many agencies have special counsellors to
take the child out of the home to a safe place. help young people. Counsellors can answer
If this happens, the parents should get legal youths’ questions. They can also give advice
help immediately. about pregnancy, drugs, sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs), and other problems. You
If you believe that a child is in danger,
can search for services online. You can also
abused, or neglected, the law says you
ask your local public health unit about youth
must report it. The B.C. government has
counsellors in your community.
information about reporting child abuse.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/mental-health-
gov.bc.ca – Search for “Child abuse”
support-in-bc/children-and-youth
HealthLinkBC.ca has information about child
To find youth counsellors, use the HealthLink
abuse and neglect.
BC search tool. Search for “public health unit”
HealthLinkBC.ca – Search for “Child abuse”
or “youth health” and your community name.
For information about keeping children safe, HealthLinkBC.ca/services-and-resources/
visit this government of B.C. website. find-services
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/
There are community agencies to help
protecting-children/keeping-kids-safe
children and young people. Big Brothers
and Big Sisters of Canada matches an adult
Bullying with a child as part of a mentoring program.
Bullying is when a person wants to make The adult is like the child’s older sister or
others feel uncomfortable, scared, or hurt. A brother. To find out if there is a Big Brothers
person may bully others about the way they and Big Sisters of Canada program in your
look, their age, culture, race, religion, ethnicity, community, go to the website. Click on “Find
sexual orientation, or gender identity. an agency” at the bottom of the page.
bigbrothersbigsisters.ca
The B.C. government website has information
about bullying. Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada also help
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/bullying young people. The clubs have many after-
school programs. Children can play sports
Bullying can also happen through social
and learn skills. Visit the website to find clubs
media (cyber bullying). Bullies can text or
near you.
post mean statements or photos, send
bgccan.com/en/find-your-club
threatening messages, or spread lies about
a person. Get more information about cyber
Foundry
bullying, including how parents can help
Foundry helps young people aged 12 to 24 to
their children.
be healthier. They offer health and wellness
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/online-safety
resources and support, including an online
For more information, or if you need to help platform.
speak to someone about bullying, visit the foundrybc.ca
ERASE website.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase

For information on bullying in the workplace,

see the information about discrimination and
harassment on page 122.

82 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

The Kids Help Phone is for children and The Youth Against Violence Line is open
youth. They give information and support 24 hours a day. Service is available in many
to young people with any kind of problem. languages.
You can call, text, or access their mobile app Toll-free: 1 800 680-4264 (24 hours a day,
or website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 7 days a week)
You do not have to tell them your name. The youthagainstviolenceline.com
information you give them is confidential
The Prevention, Education, Advocacy,
(they will not tell anyone that you called).
Counselling and Empowerment (PEACE)
Toll-free: 1 800 668-6868
program is for children and youth between
kidshelpphone.ca
ages 3 to 18 and their non-offending
Children and youth who need help can also caregiver. If there is violence in your home
call the Helpline for Children. (domestic violence), you can contact PEACE.
Phone: 310-1234 (no area code required) There is no charge, and the program is
confidential. They will not tell anyone that
The Youth Against Violence Line is a safe
you called.
telephone line for young people to report
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-
crimes and violence. You can stay anonymous
justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-
(you do not have to tell them your name).
are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/
You can call to talk about your problems.
victim-services-directory
Counsellors can refer you to services
Use the Victim Services Directory to search for
and programs for help. They also have
“PEACE” and the name of your community.
information about gangs and bullying.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 83

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Contact VictimLinkBC for information about Translation services are available from
victim services in your community. They can Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
refer you to different programs, including Vancouver area: 604 437-1940
special programs for women. Toll-free: 1 866 437-1940
Toll-free: 1 800 563-0808 seniorsfirstbc.ca/programs/sail
victimlinkbc.ca
You can call VictimLinkBC. They will help you
Options for Sexual Health clinics offer birth see a doctor, talk to a counsellor, report to
control, pregnancy tests, and tests for the police, and get other support services.
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). People This is a free and confidential service. It is
of all ages can go to these clinics. They can available in many languages, 24 hours a day,
help you with questions or problems related 7 days a week.
to sexual health. They can also refer you to a Toll-free: 1 800 563-0808
doctor. There are more than 60 clinics across victimlinkbc.ca
British Columbia.
Toll-free: 1 800 739-7367 Animal abuse
optionsforsexualhealth.org Sometimes people abuse or neglect animals.
They may keep the animal in a cage all the
Elder abuse and neglect time and not let it outside. They may hit the
Sometimes older adults (seniors) are abused animal, or not feed it. These animals may be
or mistreated. Senior abuse (also called pets (dogs, cats, and birds), farm animals, or
elder abuse) can take many forms, including animals in zoos or game farms. Animal abuse
physical, emotional, sexual, or financial is against the law.
abuse. Seniors may be neglected (not have
If you think an animal is being abused or
their needs met). They may not be able to
neglected, you should report it. Contact the
take care of themselves. Abuse, violence, and
BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
neglect are always wrong. It is against the
Animals (BCSPCA).
law to harm, or threaten to harm, another
Toll-free: 1 855 622-7722
person in Canada.
spca.bc.ca
For information in many languages
Find your nearest SPCA office.
about elder abuse and neglect, visit the
spca.bc.ca/about-us/locations/locations-list/
Government of B.C. website.
seniorsBC.ca

You can also visit HealthLink BC. Problems with alcohol,

HealthLinkBC.ca – Search for “Elder abuse” drugs, and gambling
If you or a senior you know are experiencing Many people have problems with alcohol and
abuse or neglect, call the Seniors Abuse drugs, like cannabis, cocaine, crystal meth,
& Information Line (SAIL). The line is open or heroin. They can also have problems using
every day between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The line medical drugs prescribed by a doctor to ease
is closed on statutory holidays. For a list of pain or anxiety. Some people have problems
statutory holidays, see page 117. with activities, like eating, sex, or gambling.
Gambling is trying to win money by betting
on things like card games, horse races, slot
machines, or casino games.

84 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

While not everyone has problems with Other resources include:

drugs, alcohol, or gambling, some people • HealthLink BC
may become addicted. Addiction is having HealthLinkBC.ca/health-topics/alcpb
a very strong feeling that you need to do or
• Here to Help
have something, even when it causes serious
heretohelp.bc.ca
harm. This feeling can result in trouble
with health, work, school, money, and / or • Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions -
relationships. These problems can become StopOverdoseBC
very severe. They can put you, your family, stopoverdose.gov.bc.ca
and other people in danger. • Canadian Centre on Substance Use and
Addiction
The Alcohol & Drug Information and Referral
ccsa.ca
Line has information about drug and alcohol
addiction programs. They can help you • Canadian Institute for Substance Use
find support to deal with the harmful use Research, at the University of Victoria
of alcohol or other drugs. They can also uvic.ca – Search for “Institute for
help you find counselling and treatment substance use”
programs, detox services, recovery homes, • The Problem Support Line BC provides
and support groups near where you live. The service in many languages.
Referral Line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a Toll-free: 1 888 795-6111 (24 hours a day)
week. Help is available in many languages. • Toward the Heart (BCCDC Harm Reduction
Vancouver area: 604 660-9382 Services)
Toll-free: 1 800 663-1441 towardtheheart.com
Cannabis (also known as marijuana, weed, • Your local settlement agency may also be
or pot) is now legal to use in Canada. Many able to help. Some settlement agencies
people still have questions about it. For offer addiction and counselling services,
information about cannabis, including what multicultural support groups, and school
is and is not legal, visit the Government of education programs. Find a settlement
B.C. website. agency near you.
cannabis.gov.bc.ca ƒƒ Permanent residents, including refugees
If you are struggling with a gambling cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
problem (yours or someone else’s), you can index.asp
get help for free. Support and treatment ƒƒ Temporary residents, including refugee
services are provided in many languages. claimants, temporary foreign workers, and
The B.C. Responsible & Problem Gambling post-secondary international students
Program has confidential and free education welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents
and support services. The website has
information about self-assessments,
counselling, and GamTalk (a free, confidential, Sponsorship breakdown
online forum). Visit the website or call the BC Some people are sponsored by a family
Gam Info Line. member to come to Canada. Sometimes
Toll-free: 1 888 795-6111 (24 hours a day, there are changes or problems in the
7 days a week) family. For example, a married couple may
bcresponsiblegambling.ca/getting-help separate. If this happens, the sponsor is still
responsible for the relative. If the sponsored

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 85

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

person gets income assistance (welfare), the Immigration settlement agencies may also
sponsor must pay the money back to the B.C. be able to help you access income assistance.
government. For more information, contact Find a settlement agency near you.
the provincial government. • Permanent residents, including refugees
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourism-immigration/ cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
immigrating-to-bc/sponsorship/pay index.asp
• Temporary residents, including refugee
B.C. Employment and claimants
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents
Assistance Program
The B.C. government gives income assistance Homelessness
to eligible people who are in need and who
have no other resources. The BC Employment People who are homeless have no place
and Assistance (BCEA) program can support to live. People become homeless for many
your move toward employment. You may be reasons. They may feel unsafe at home. They
eligible if: may lose their home because of fire, money
problems, or a family breakup. They may not
• you are out of work or not earning
have any money to pay for a place to live.
enough to meet your basic needs
• you are waiting for other sources of If you do not have a safe place to stay, you
money to arrive can go to an emergency shelter. Emergency
shelters are free. People who work at an
• you can’t work at all
emergency shelter can help you look for
• you urgently need food, shelter, or a new place to live. They can also provide
medical attention food, clothing, showers, and other things
you may need.
Income assistance is paid every month. It
is available to those who meet citizenship BC Housing provides emergency shelters for
requirements. For more information on anyone who is homeless or who may lose
citizenship requirements, visit the B.C. their home.
government website. bchousing.org/housing-assistance/
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies- homelessness-services/emergency-shelter-
for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure- program
manual/application-and-intake/citizenship-
requirements BC211 operates the Shelter and Street Help
Line to help people in the Vancouver, Fraser
When you apply, the B.C. government will Valley, and Victoria areas.
check your financial situation (your income, Phone or text 2-1-1
expenses, and things you own) to decide if bc211.ca – Search for “shelter” and
you are eligible. the name of your community
Toll-free: 1 866 866-0800
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social- If there is violence in your family and your
supports/income-assistance home is not safe, see page 81.

You can apply for income assistance online. Workers at settlement agencies can also
myselfserve.gov.bc.ca help. Find a settlement agency near you.
• Permanent residents, including refugees
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
index.asp

86 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

• Temporary residents, including refugee may ask you to show your pay cheque, social
claimants, temporary foreign workers, and assistance cheque, bank statements, or child
post-secondary international students tax credit. You may also be asked to provide
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents proof of your address, such as an electrical bill
with your name and address on it.

Food banks Food banks are not run by the government.

People donate (give) food and money to
If you cannot afford to buy enough food, you the food bank. Anyone can donate. You can
may be eligible to receive free food from a find food bank donation boxes in grocery
food bank. They may also offer programs stores, churches, community centres, and
about healthy eating, cooking, and managing other places.
money. Each food bank has different
services. Some can help you find other To find a food bank in your community,
services in the community. contact Food Banks BC.
Toll-free: 1 855 498-1798
To receive food, you may have to prove that foodbanksbc.com
you do not earn enough money. The food bank

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 87

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Help for families Children who need extra support

Some families have a child who needs extra
In Canada, children have the right to survive,
care. A child may be late to learn certain
to prosper, to meet their full potential, and
abilities (developmentally delayed). A child
to be protected by the adults who care for
may also have an illness or disability. The B.C.
them. There are laws to protect children.
government can help families give extra care
• British Columbia law says that parents are to children.
responsible for financially supporting their gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-
children until they turn 19. In B.C., the age your-health/child-behaviour-development/
of majority (becoming a legal adult) is 19. assessing-child-development
Parents may also be required to support
children after they are 19. Children and Youth with Special Needs
• You can only use force to discipline children Workers can help families. They can give
over age 2. The amount of force you use families important information and refer
must be light. them to government and community
support. Find a worker in your area.
• You cannot cut or injure the genitals of gov.bc.ca/gov/search?id=3101EE72823047269
girls or women. 017D08E55AF6441&tab=1&q=special+needs
• You cannot trade your children or their
labour to someone for money. If you are eligible for the Affordable Child
Care Benefit and have a child who is
Parents have specific responsibilities to designated Special Needs, you may qualify
provide care and supervision for their for funding.
children. For example, the Canada Safety gov.bc.ca/affordablechildcarebenefit
Council recommends that children under the
age of 10 not be left alone at home or in a car, Benefits for families with children
even for a short time. The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly
canadasafetycouncil.org/child-safety payment to help families with children under
Canadian law also says that you do not age 18. To qualify, at least 1 parent must be a
have to marry someone (or stay married to resident of Canada.
them) if you do not want to. You do not need Toll-free: 1 800 387-1193
permission from your spouse or your family canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-
to separate or get divorced. family-benefits/canada-child-benefit-overview.
html
The Parent Support Services Society provides
support, information, education, workshops, The B.C. Early Childhood Tax Benefit is a tax-
and resources to parents and grandparents free monthly payment made to eligible families
across the province. to help with the cost of raising young children
Toll-free: 1 877 345-9777 under age 6. Benefits from this program
parentsupportbc.ca are combined with the federal Canada Child
Benefit and the B.C. family bonus program
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren is a into a single monthly payment. See more
support group for people who are raising information on the website.
another family member’s children. gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-
Vancouver area: 604 558-4740 supports/family-benefits/bc-early-childhood-
Toll-free: 1 855 474-9777 tax-benefit
parentsupportbc.ca/grandparents-raising-
grandchildren

88 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Child care Licence-Not-Required Child Care

These child care providers can legally provide
Types of child care care for 1 or 2 children (or more if they are
There are 4 kinds of child care in B.C. from the same family), in addition to their
• Licensed child care own. They are not registered with the CCRR,
• Registered licence-not-required child care and they are not licensed, monitored or
• Licence-not-required child care inspected. Licence-not-required child care
providers do not have to meet the same
• In-child’s-own-home care health and safety standards as licensed
providers. Parents and guardians are
Licensed child care
responsible to oversee the care and safety
Licensed child care facilities are monitored
of their children when using licence-not-
and regularly inspected by regional health
required child care.
authority community care licensing
programs. They must meet legislated In-Child’s-Own-Home Care
standards for health and safety, staffing This is when parents arrange for child care at
qualifications, record keeping, space and home – for example, a nanny or a babysitter.
equipment, the number of children and staff, Parents or guardians must decide how to
and programming. Staff at licensed child care choose and hire the child care provider,
facilities are educated to care for children. who becomes their employee. Under this
Facility operators must follow the Community arrangement, the employer needs to:
Care and Assisted Living Act and the Child
• make regular payments to Employment
Care Licensing Regulation.
Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan
Registered Licence-Not-Required Child Care • register the employment situation with
These are unlicensed care providers who Revenue Canada and WorkSafeBC
must have registered with a Child Care
Get more information and details about
Resource and Referral Centre. If they have
these 4 types of child care.
registered, it means they have completed:
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/
• first aid training caring-for-young-children/how-to-access-
• criminal record check for everyone over child-care/licensed-unlicensed-child-care
the age 12 who lives in the home
• character references Finding child care
Childcare BC has information about finding
• home safety assessment child care in your community.
• child care training courses or workshops gov.bc.ca/childcare

Registered care providers also have access There are Child Care Resource and Referral
to support, training, resources, and group centres in communities across B.C. Visit
liability insurance. the government of B.C. website to find the
nearest centre.
Contact your local Child Care Resource and
gov.bc.ca – Search for “child care resource
Referral Centre (CCRR). They can help you
referral centre”
find a licensed or registered, licence-not-
required child care providers who may have
open child care spaces in your area.
Toll-free: 1 888 338-6622
ccrr.bc.ca

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 89

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Affordable Child Care Benefit

The Affordable Child Care Benefit helps
Seniors’ programs and
families pay for child care. It is paid every benefits
month. The amount you can receive
depends on your income, family size, and BC Seniors’ Guide
type of child care. The BC Seniors’ Guide has information
about benefits, health, lifestyle, housing,
Visit the website to find out if you are eligible transportation, finances, safety, and
and to apply. security for older adults. There is also a list
gov.bc.ca/affordablechildcarebenefit of resources, services, and programs. The
Call Child Care Service Centre for more guide is available in English, French, Punjabi,
information. Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Farsi.
Toll-free: 1 888 338-6622 gov.bc.ca/seniorsguide

Contact your local Child Care Resource You can order a free printed copy of the
and Referral Centre. Find the centre in BC Seniors’ Guide by calling the Office of the
your community. Seniors Advocate. The office is open Monday
gov.bc.ca – Search for “child care resource to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
referral” Victoria area: 250 952-3181
Toll-free: 1 877 952-3181
Starting your own child care program
If you decide to operate a child care
program in your own home, you will have to
follow the rules and laws. The community
Care and Assisted Living Act, the Child
Care Licensing Regulation and director of
licensing standards of practice, describe the
requirements for licensed child care. Each
health authority Community Care Facility
Licensing program processes applications
and issues the licence to operate a child care
facility. They can provide information about
getting started.

The B.C. government has information about

starting a child care program.
• Licensed child care facility
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-
supports/caring-for-young-children/
running-daycare-preschool/open-licensed-
child-day-care/licensed-child-care-facility
• Registered, licence-not-required child care
program
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-
supports/caring-for-young-children/
running-daycare-preschool/open-licensed-
child-day-care/rlnr-day-care

90 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Homecare Homecare is provided by local health

authorities. Visit this website and check the
People with disabilities and older adults map to find your health authority. Contact
may need extra help in their daily life. Some the Homecare office in your area to find out
people may leave home and move to a place if you are eligible for home and community
that provides help and medical care. These care services.
places are called “assisted living” or “long- gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/about-bc-
term care homes”. s-health-care-system/partners/health-
Some people who need extra care want authorities/regional-health-authorities
to stay in their own home. They can get Vancouver Coastal Health
assistance and medical support from Vancouver area: 604 736-2033
workers who go to their home. This service vch.ca/your-care/home-community-care
is called homecare.
Fraser Health
There are many situations where homecare Toll-free: 1 855 412-2121
can help. fraserhealth.ca/Service-Directory/Services/
• People with disabilities and older adults home-and-community-care/home-and-
can get homecare so they can live in their community-care#.XqjeSy2ZOV4
own homes for as long as possible.
Island Health
• People who care for a sick or disabled
Victoria area: 250 370-8699
family member can hire homecare to help
Toll-free: 1 877 370-8699
them and let them rest (respite).
islandhealth.ca/our-services/home-care-services
• Sometimes sick people can get care at
home instead of going to the hospital. Interior Health
Kelowna area: 250 862-4200, and press “2”
• People who are nearing the end of their
interiorhealth.ca/YourCare/
life can have homecare. This is called
HomeCommunityCare/Pages/default.aspx
palliative care.
Northern Health
Homecare services provide extra help.
Prince George area: 250 565-2649
People with homecare must be able to care
Toll-free: 1 866 565-2999
for themselves with help from family, friends,
northernhealth.ca/services/home-
and their community.
community-care
If you cannot afford homecare, the
government may cover (subsidize) some of Healthy Eating for Seniors
the cost. To be eligible for subsidized home The Healthy Eating for Seniors handbook has
and community care services, you must: recipes, menu plans, and information on
• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident good nutrition. The handbook is available in
(or have a temporary resident permit by the English, French, Chinese, and Punjabi.
federal minister for immigration) gov.bc.ca - Search for “Healthy Eating for
• have lived in B.C. for at least 3 months Seniors Handbook”

• be 19 years of age or older To order a free copy of the handbook, visit

HealthLinkBC.ca. Search for “Resource Order
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing- Form” or call HealthLink BC.
health-care/home-community-care Toll-free: 8-1-1
TTY: 7-1-1

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 91

 HELP FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Preventing falls Support for people who

Falls are the leading cause of injury among
older adults and can lead to hospitalization
are LGBTQ2S+
and loss of independence. Most falls can be There are many organizations in B.C. that
prevented. You can prevent falls by: support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
• getting regular physical activity to build queer, and Two-Spirit individuals. These
strength and balance organizations have activities, information,
counselling, and other kinds of help. They
• having your eyes checked regularly
can help you in many languages. For more
• having a pharmacist or doctor review information about LGBTQ2S+, see page 129.
your medicines
In the Vancouver area, contact B.C.’s Queer
• moving things that you could trip over or Resource Centre (Qmunity).
slip on Vancouver area: 604 684-5307
Learn more about how to prevent falls and qmunity.ca
protect your health. LGBTQ2S+ youth can get information and
The BC Falls and Injury Prevention Coalition advice from the Pride Education Network.
findingbalancebc.ca pridenet.ca
Parents of LGBTQ2S+ children can get
The B.C. government has information about
information and advice at PFLAG (Parents,
fall prevention.
Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
gov.bc.ca/fallprevention
pflagcanada.ca

Ability411 Find a PFLAG group in your community.

Ability411 has information about technologies pflagcanada.ca/pflag-chapters/british-
and equipment that can help B.C. seniors. columbia
ability411.ca
The Office of the
People with disabilities Ombudsperson
People with disabilities may have special needs The Office of the Ombudsperson can help
for housing or jobs. If you have a disability, you people solve problems with government
can find support programs in your community. services. It is an independent and impartial
Contact Disability Alliance BC. (not biased) office, part of the B.C. provincial
Vancouver area: 604 872-1278 legislature. When people have complaints
Toll-free: 1 800 663-1278 about B.C. government services, the Office
disabilityalliancebc.org of the Ombudsperson investigates to find
out what happened. There are interpretation
The B.C. government, Crown agencies, and services in more than 150 languages. All
corporations offer many supports and services services are free.
to people with disabilities, including financial Toll-free: 1 800 567-3247
supports through disability assistance. bcombudsperson.ca
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-
supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities
Legal help
For information on B.C. laws and legal help,
please see pages 127–134.

92 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

DRIVING
Definitions Traffic tickets
Parking tickets
Insurance
Basic insurance Car crashes
Buying extra insurance Reporting to ICBC

Driver’s licence Buying a car or truck

Driver’s licence from another country Buying from a licensed dealer
Applying for a new driver’s licence Buying a used vehicle from
Driving schools another person
Warranties
Traffic laws Getting a loan
Safe driving
Dangerous driving Vehicles from outside B.C.
Special lanes Car rentals and car sharing
 DRIVING

Definitions
Expiry date – when something ends. Driver’s licences and insurance will expire on a
certain date. When they pass the expiry date, it is illegal to use them. Drivers will need
to renew their license or insurance before they can drive again.
Insurance – a contract where a person pays money to a company to protect an object (like
a house or a car). If the house or car are damaged, the insurance company will pay to
repair or replace it.
Impaired – when a person’s judgement is affected by alcohol or other drugs.
Letterhead – paper that is printed with a company’s name and logo.
Licence / license – there are 2 ways to spell this word, and they mean different things.
You can have a licence, and you can be licensed.
ƒƒ When “licence” is spelled with “ce” at the end, it is the card you put in your wallet. It
shows you have permission to drive in B.C.
ƒƒ When license is spelled with “se” at the end, it describes someone who has a licence
(permission) – for example, a licensed car dealership.
Lien (pronounced “LEEN”) – a legal debt that is attached to an object, like a car. The lien
means that when the owner sells the car, they are supposed to pay the money they owe.
Then the lien is removed. If you buy a vehicle with a lien on it, you are responsible to pay
back the money owed. You can check to see if there is a lien on the car before you buy it.
Renew – to make something new again. If your driver’s licence expires on December 31,
you must renew it before you can drive on January 1.

94 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 DRIVING

Insurance Insurance only protects you if you buy it

before damaging or crashing your car.
The Insurance Corporation of British
Columbia (ICBC) is owned by the B.C. Many things affect the cost of your car
government. ICBC: insurance – who drives your car, where you
• provides basic vehicle insurance, and handles live, if you use your car for work, and your
insurance claims if you have a crash driving record.

• tests new drivers who want a B.C. licence, It is important to list the name of everyone
and gives licences to drivers who have who will drive your car. If a driver who is not
moved here from other countries named on your insurance policy causes a
• confirms a person’s identity when they get crash while driving your car, you might have
a BC Services Card, driver’s licence, and to pay more money. Talk to your Autoplan
health services card broker about listing drivers.

ICBC’s website has a lot of useful information If you are moving to B.C., ICBC may recognize
about driving in British Columbia. Some up to 15 years of your driving experience in
information is available in Chinese and Punjabi. another country. You will have to bring your
Toll-free: 1 800 663-3051 driving documents to an ICBC driver licensing
icbc.com office.
icbc.com/insurance/moving-travelling/Pages/
Insurance-discount-for-new-residents.aspx
Basic insurance
You must not drive a car without insurance. You can book an appointment online.
Every car registered in B.C. must have basic icbc.com – Search for “Book road test”
Autoplan insurance. If you cause a crash,
insurance will pay for the damage to the Buying extra insurance
other driver’s car. It also covers medical costs If you have a crash, basic insurance may
for anyone hurt in the crash. not be enough to cover the cost. You can
You can buy Autoplan insurance for buy extra insurance to protect yourself. For
your vehicle at any Autoplan broker’s example, you can buy collision insurance to
office. Autoplan brokers are independent cover the cost of damage to your car, even if
businesses that sell ICBC vehicle insurance. the crash was your fault. Ask your Autoplan
icbc.com/locators broker about extra insurance.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 95

 DRIVING

Driver’s licence Students do not need to get a B.C. driver’s

licence if:
• they have a valid driver’s licence from
another country
• they are registered as a full-time student in
an institution listed on this webpage:
tools.canlearn.ca/cslgs-scpse/cln-cln/reea-
mdl/reea-mdl-1-eng.do?nom-name=BC

Temporary foreign workers in the Seasonal

Agricultural Workers Program can use a valid
driver’s licence from another country for up
to 12 months. After 12 months, you will need
a B.C. driver’s licence.
Driver’s licence from another
country When you drive, always carry your driver’s
You can use your driver’s licence for up to licence with you. A police officer may ask to
90 days after you move here. You should see it.
apply for your B.C. driver’s licence as soon Learn the driving rules and road signs in
as you arrive in B.C. You may have to wait British Columbia. Some may be the same as
for your new licence to arrive in the mail. where you learned to drive. Some may be
If you are visiting, you can use your non-B.C. different. You can take a practice knowledge
driver’s licence for up to 6 months. After test online.
6 months, you need a valid B.C. driver’s icbc.com – Search for “Practice knowledge test”
licence to drive here. Learn to Drive Smart has information about
There are different processes for getting a rules, signs, signals, and road markings in B.C.
B.C. driver’s licence. The process depends on icbc.com – Search for “Learn to Drive Smart”
where your original driver’s licence is from. You can also do the practice test on your
Drivers from some countries may be able smartphone. Download the Learn to Drive
to get a driver’s licence without any extra Smart app from the app store.
tests. Others may need to pass knowledge,
eyesight, and road tests. Applying for a new driver’s licence
icbc.com – Search for “Driver licensing”
• To apply for a B.C. driver’s licence, you
If your driver’s licence is not in English, you must be 16 years of age or older.
will need to provide a translation by an • If you are under 19 years of age, you will
approved translator. need permission (consent) from your
icbc.com – Search for “Language services”. parent or legal guardian. They can come to
Scroll down to “Document Translation” the driver licensing office with you, or you
When you get a B.C. driver’s licence, you will can bring a signed consent form.
need to give up your old licence. • You can apply for a driver’s licence by
icbc.com – Search for “Moving to BC” booking an appointment at an ICBC driver
licensing office. Visit icbc.com and search
“Find a service location”.
• You will need to take 2 pieces of identification.

96 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 DRIVING

• You need different types of licences to You need to make an appointment to take the
drive different types of vehicles in B.C. For road test. You can book your appointment
example, cars, motorcycles, buses, large online.
trucks, and taxis all have different licences. Toll-free: 1 888 715-7775
icbc.com – Search for “Book road test”
Graduated Licensing Program
B.C. has a Graduated Licensing Program. You After 2 years with a novice licence, you can
must pass several levels to get full driving take a second road test and get a full licence.
rights. If this is your first driver’s licence, you There are fees for the knowledge and road
must learn basic rules and driving knowledge tests. After you pass the road test, you will
first. After passing the knowledge test, you pay another fee for your driver’s licence.
can graduate to the next level. This program icbc.com – Search for “fees”
will help you be a safer driver.
icbc.com – Search for “Graduated licensing”
Driving schools
Learner stage If you have never had a driver’s licence, you
The first step in getting a B.C. may want to take driving lessons. ICBC has a
driver’s licence is getting a list of approved training schools. You may be
learner’s licence. You must able to find a driving instructor (teacher) who
take a knowledge test to show speaks your language.
that you know B.C.’s driving icbc.com – Search for “Choose driving school”
rules. You must also have your
Driver Resources
eyesight tested.
There are good driving resources online.
You can take a knowledge test in English, • drivebc.ca and Shiftintowinter.ca have up-
Arabic, Croatian, Farsi, French, Punjabi, to-date road conditions and driving tips.
Russian, simplified and traditional Chinese,
• drivebc.ca/directions.html will tell you how
Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you need
far away other cities and towns are, and
a translator, check with the ICBC driver
how long it will take to drive there.
licensing office.
• hellobc.com/british-columbia/
The learner’s licence is valid for 2 years. You transportation-maps/maps.aspx has
must practise driving with your learner’s maps for cities and regions across
licence for at least 12 months before you can British Columbia.
take your road test. There are some things you
are not allowed to do yet, like drive between
midnight and 5 a.m. You can find a list of all Traffic laws
the rules for the learner’s licence online.
icbc.com – Search for “Get your L” Safe driving
Novice stage Seatbelts
After you have been driving for Seatbelts can protect you from being hurt or
1 year with your learner’s killed if you are in a crash. The law in B.C. says
permit, you can take a road all drivers and passengers (other people in
test to get your novice permit. your car) must wear seatbelts. If you or your
icbc.com – Search for “Get passengers are not wearing seatbelts, the
your N” police can give you a ticket. You will have to
pay a fine.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 97

 DRIVING

Child car seats Young children

Young children must sit in a child car seat. • Children who are more than 12 months old
They must never sit on an adult’s lap. and weigh between 9 and 18 kilograms (20
and 40 pounds) must be in a child car seat.
The child car seat must meet certain
requirements. Your child car seat must: • Child car seats must be properly installed
• meet Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (secured or attached) to the car. Forward-
facing child car seats must always have a
• be approved by Transport Canada
strap that ties the seat to the frame of the
• be new, or almost new. Child car seats have car. Check the instructions for the car seat,
an expiry date. It is usually on the side or or for the car.
back of the seat. Check to make sure your
child car seat has not expired.
• be Canadian. If you buy a child car seat
outside of Canada, it may not meet
Canada’s safety regulations.

There are also rules about using child car seats:

• The child car seat must always be in the
back seat. It must never be in the front
seat. This is because the front seat has an
airbag. If the airbag hits the child car seat,
it can cause serious injuries.
• Children younger than 9 should sit in a Older children
child car seat or booster seat. • Booster seats are used with regular
• Children between 9 and 13 should sit in seatbelts. They are for all children
the back seat, not the front. who weigh more than 19 kilograms
(40 pounds). Children under 9 years old, or
Babies
145 centimetres (4 feet, 9 inches) tall, must
• There is a special child car seat for babies use a booster seat.
and very small children. It is rear-facing
• All children 9 years or older must use
(faces the back of the car).
regular seatbelts.
• All babies under 12 months old and weighing
up to up to 9 kilograms (20 pounds) must sit
in a rear-facing child car seat.

98 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 DRIVING

The BC Automotive Association (BCAA) has Distracted driving

lots of child safety information. Visit the Using an electronic device, such as a mobile
website to: phone, while driving is against the law in B.C.
• find the right car seat for your child’s age This is called distracted driving. Distracted
and size driving is one of the main causes of car crashes
in B.C. If you get caught using a mobile phone
• watch videos on how to install your car
or other electronic device while driving, you
seat safely
may get a ticket and have to pay a fine.
• learn the correct way to buckle your child icbc.com – Search for “Distracted driving”
into the seat
Speeding
The BCAA Child Passenger Safety program
Speeding is driving faster than you are
can teach you how to put in your child car
allowed to. In most cities, the speed limit on
seat correctly. They may have car seat checks
main roads is 50 kilometres per hour (km/h).
(called “clinics”) in your community. Trained
Outside towns and cities, the speed limit is
volunteers will check your car seat and the
usually higher. Watch for speed limit signs.
owner’s manual of your vehicle.
The speed limit is usually 30 km/h near parks
Toll-free: 1 877 247-5551 and schools. You may get a ticket and have to
bcaa.com – Search for “Child car seat” pay a fine if you are caught speeding. These
fines can be very high. If you do not pay
For more information the fine, you may not be able to renew your
• ICBC has information about child car seats. driver’s licence.
icbc.com – Search for “Child car seats” icbc.com – Search for “Speed”
• Transport Canada also has information
about car seats. Special lanes
tc.gc.ca – Scroll down to “Child Car Seat In some cities, there are special lanes on the
Safety” roads for bicycles. There may also be special
lanes for buses and vehicles with 2 or more
Dangerous driving people. These are called high-occupancy
vehicle (HOV) lanes. Electric vehicles and
Driving, alcohol and drugs motorcycles may be allowed to use some
B.C. has very strict laws about driving, HOV lanes. Some highways also have
alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs. If you HOV lanes.
drive while impaired (when your judgement is
affected by alcohol or other drugs), the police Pay attention to special lanes. You can get a
can stop you. You will have to pay a fine. You ticket if you drive in the wrong lane.
may lose your car and your driver’s licence.
You may even go to jail.
• gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/
driving-and-cycling/road-safety-rules-and-
consequences/drug-alcohol
• icbc.com – Search for “alcohol impaired”
and “drug impaired”

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 99

 DRIVING

Traffic tickets If you get a ticket for a driving offense, you may
If you get caught speeding, driving through have to pay more for vehicle insurance. You
a red light, or using a mobile phone or other may also lose your driver’s licence. If you do not
electronic device while driving, you may get pay your tickets, you may not be allowed to get
a ticket and have to pay a fine. Your driver’s a new driver’s licence or insurance.
licence and your car may also be taken away
for a period of time. If the police stop you while Parking tickets
you are driving, stay in your car. The police Check the signs on the street before you
officer will come to your car to talk to you. Do park your car. The signs will tell you when
not get out of the car unless they ask you to. and where you may park. In many places,
parking is only allowed at certain times. For
If you get a ticket, do not pay the police example, some signs and parking meters
officer. You can pay the ticket: say, “No parking between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.”
• by making an appointment at any ICBC Some parking spaces have machines (meters)
driver licensing office where you pay to park. You cannot park in
• at most Autoplan brokers front of bus stops or in front of hydrants
• at any ICBC claim centre (water pipes for putting out fires).

• at a provincial court registry Some parking places are reserved

for people with a physical
You can also pay by cheque, by phone, disability. They are marked by a
or online at PayBC (pay.gov.bc.ca). sign, and are usually close to the
icbc.com – Search for “Pay ticket” entrance of a building. Only
If you think the ticket is wrong, you can ask people with a disabled parking
to cancel it. You have to go to court and permit are allowed to park here. Talk to your
explain why you think the ticket is wrong. If doctor if you need a permit.
the judge agrees with you, you will not have If you park in a no-parking area, park during
to pay the ticket. the wrong time, or do not pay enough money

100 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 DRIVING

for a parking space, you may get a parking Reporting to ICBC

ticket and have to pay a fine. Your car may be If you have a crash, report it to ICBC. This
towed away. If your car is towed, you must is called an insurance claim. If your claim is
pay to get it back. accepted, ICBC will pay to repair the damage.
If you get a parking ticket, you should pay it If you are injured, ICBC will help make sure
as quickly as possible. In many communities, you get the care and support you need for
you will have to pay more money (a late fee or your recovery. If there is damage to your
a penalty) if you do not pay the ticket within vehicle, ICBC will also tell you how to get a
14 days. damage estimate (how much it will cost to fix
your car) and where to get your car fixed.

Car crashes You can call ICBC 24 hours a day, 7 days a

week. You can also report some types of claims
If you have a crash, take the following steps. online. ICBC offers free interpretation for
1. Dial 9-1-1 if anyone is hurt. 170 languages over the phone. They also have
phone lines for service in Chinese and Punjabi.
2. Move your vehicles off the road (if it is safe
to do so). Dial-a-Claim
Metro Vancouver: 604 520-8222
3. Do not talk about who or what caused
Toll-free (B.C., Canada, and the United States):
the crash.
1 800 910-4222
4. Write down this information: icbc.com – Search for “Report a claim”
ƒƒ name, address, and phone number of
each driver
Buying a car or truck
ƒƒ driver’s licence number of each driver
ƒƒ licence plate number on each driver’s Buying from a licensed dealer
vehicle A company selling vehicles (cars and trucks)
is called a dealer or dealership. Dealerships
ƒƒ insurance information for vehicles not
sell new and used vehicles. In B.C., dealers
insured by ICBC
selling vehicles to the public must be
ƒƒ date, time, and location of the crash licensed by the Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA).
ƒƒ weather conditions Licensed dealers must have a VSA licence
ƒƒ the direction you and any other drivers on their door. They must have a certificate
were travelling in their office that is easy to see. Licensed
salespeople have a VSA licence card.
ƒƒ where you and any other vehicles were
You can find out if a dealer or salesperson is
5. If possible, take photos of the vehicle registered by checking online.
damage and the crash site. You can use publicregistry.mvsabc.com
your phone camera.
A licensed dealer must tell you the history of
6. Give your information to the other driver.
the vehicle. They must make sure the vehicle
7. Get the name, address, and phone number complies with the Motor Vehicle Act. If you buy
of anyone who saw the crash (a witness). a vehicle from a licensed dealer and you have
a problem after the sale, the VSA may help
8. If you have a dash camera in your vehicle, you solve the problem.
you can save the video of before, during,
and after the crash.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 101

 DRIVING

Search online to find a licensed dealer in your its owner. Vehicles for sale by owner are
community. Most dealers have a website with advertised in newspapers and on the internet.
prices and information about their vehicles.
Be careful – many people who say they
Dealers might also advertise in newspapers
are selling their own vehicle are “curbers”.
and on other websites. The law says dealers
Curbers are unlicensed dealers. They may
must show the full price in the advertisement.
have lower prices, but there is more risk to
There may be extra fees, like a documentation
you. For example, the car may not be safe,
fee. Extra fees must also be shown in the
or it may belong to someone else. Curbers
advertisement. Be sure you ask about extra
do not have the same legal requirements as
fees before you agree to a final price.
licensed dealers. If you have a problem with a
Visit the Vehicle Sales Authority website to car from a curber, you will not be able to get
learn more about buying vehicles. There help from the VSA.
are videos in English, Cantonese, Mandarin,
Before you buy:
and Punjabi.
mvsabc.com – Under the “Consumer” menu, • Do your research and learn about the car
look for the “Buying at a dealership” video you are interested in. Also be sure you
know how much money you can spend.
Buying a used vehicle from If you change your mind, you may not
be able to return the car or get a refund.
another person
Decide what kind of vehicle you need
You do not need to go to a dealership to buy before you sign a contract. Think about
a car. You can also buy a car directly from

102 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 DRIVING

vehicle safety, gas mileage, maintenance You will need the year, make (model), and
costs and extra features (such as air vehicle identification number (VIN). There
conditioning or a back-up camera). is a fee to search for a lien. This service
Compare cars and prices by looking on the is included in a CARFAX report. Licensed
Internet or visiting several dealers. You dealers must not sell vehicles with liens.
can negotiate with the salesperson for a carfax.ca
lower price. For more information, visit the BC Registry
• Check the history of the vehicle to find Services website.
out if it has been in an accident or has bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca/bcreg/pprpg/
other problems. You can get a report on a ppsearch.page
vehicle’s history at icbc.com or carfax.ca.
There is a fee to check the car’s history. If Warranties
you are buying from a licensed dealer, ask Having a warranty means the dealer will
them to show you the car’s history report. replace or repair certain parts for free or at a
If the vehicle is used, you should pay a lower price. New cars have a warranty from
qualified mechanic to inspect (check) the the company that made them. Used vehicles
vehicle for you. may have a warranty from the dealership that
• Always take the vehicle for a test drive sells it. There are many types of warranties
before you buy it. Check the tires and and they cover different things. Before you
try every feature (for example, the lights buy a car, find out if there is a warranty, what
and windshield wipers). If you are not it covers, and how long it lasts.
comfortable buying a car alone, bring
a friend with you who has experience Getting a loan
buying cars. You can borrow money to buy a vehicle.
For more information, visit the Buying Ask a bank or credit union for a car loan. A
Guide section of the Vehicle Sales Authority dealership may also lend you money. This
of British Columbia website. is sometimes called “in-house financing”.
mvsabc.com – Under the “Consumers” Compare interest rates at several places.
menu, look for Buying Guide Before you take a loan, be sure to read and
You can also get information from ICBC. understand all terms and conditions. If
icbc.com – Search for “Buy used vehicle” you need help, contact your bank or your
settlement agency.
• Do not pay a deposit (part of the payment
in advance) unless you are sure you will Before you sign the contract or drive
buy the vehicle. If you do pay a deposit, ask away, be sure that any promises made by
what it is for and if you can get your money the salesperson and dealer are written
back. Get important information in written into the purchase agreement. Get copies
documents – for example, a receipt that of everything you sign. Store these
says you paid the deposit, and the list of documents in a safe place. Do not leave the
terms and conditions. dealership with a vehicle if the terms of the
loan or the purchase agreement are not
• People often get a loan (borrow) money to final. Don’t hurry when reading and signing
buy a car. Sometimes, someone may sell legal documents. If you miss something, it
their car before they’ve finished paying their could cost you a lot of time and money in
loan. If you buy the car, you might have to the future.
pay the seller’s loan. This is called a lien. You
should search for liens before buying a car.

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 DRIVING

Vehicles from outside B.C. You can rent cars, trucks, and vans from a
rental company. Vehicle rental companies
If you buy or bring in a vehicle from outside are private businesses. Most vehicle rentals
of B.C., you must pay to have it inspected charge a daily fee. You must also pay for your
before you can register it and get insurance. own gas and insurance. You cannot rent a
Contact an Autoplan broker to learn what you vehicle without insurance.
need to do to bring a vehicle into (import)
B.C. You can also visit the ICBC website. In a car sharing network, cars are owned by
icbc.com – Search for “Import vehicle” a group of people, a business, or a co‑op. You
pay a fee to rent the car. You may also pay
a membership fee to join the network. The
Car rentals and car rental fee in a car sharing network may cost
sharing less than owning your own car. Often, the car
share company pays for gas, insurance, and
It can be expensive to own a car. You have to maintenance.
pay for the car, the insurance, the gas, and
taking care of it. If you don’t need to use a Search online for car rental and car sharing
vehicle very often, you may want to rent a car companies. In the Vancouver area, visit
or join a car share. translink.ca and search for “Car sharing”.

104 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS
Definitions Working
Joining a union
Social Insurance Number
Laws about working
Finding a job Hours of work and overtime
Where to look for a job Time off
Getting paid
How to apply for a job Deductions
Applications Minimum wage
References Children and work
Criminal record checks Vacations
Resumés Holidays
Job interviews Taking time off work
Career profiles
Services for skilled immigrants Losing your job
Being Fired
Getting certified to work B.C. Being laid off
Do I need to get certified? Quitting
Find out if you need to be certified Employment Insurance (EI)
to do your job
Income assistance
Getting certified
Waiting for results If you get hurt at work
Additional Training
How to Get Help
Discrimination and harassment
Starting your own business
 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

Definitions
Certification – Some jobs require workers to have certain education or training. This
is called “certification”. People without this knowledge are not allowed to work in the
career. The person must be certified to work in these jobs.
Colleague – a person you work with.
Compensation – payment to a person who is injured or unemployed.
Confidential – when someone shares information with another person, and that
information is kept private. It is not shared with anyone else.
Employee – someone who works for a company or a person.
Employer – someone who hires a person to work for them.
Fire – to dismiss a worker from their job.
Mediation – working with 2 people or groups to find a solution for both sides.
Post-secondary – formal education after high school. It can be college, university or an
institution.
Spouse – a husband or a wife.
References – people who know you and can recommend you as a good tenant or
employee.
Regulated industry – work that has specific rules about the qualifications that people
need to work in the industry.
Regulatory authority – the organization that sets the rules for an industry or a job.
Termination, layoff – when a job ends, or when a company ends a person’s employment.

106 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

Social Insurance Number • training to build your skills

• work experience
You will need a Social Insurance Number
(SIN) to work in Canada. You also need a SIN • services for people who want to work for
to use government programs and benefits. themselves
Contact the Government of Canada to • help searching for jobs, preparing a
learn how to apply for your SIN and what resumé, contacting employers, and getting
documents you will need to apply. ready for a job interview
Canada.ca/social-insurance-number
• assistive technology and other supports
Toll-free: 1 866 274-6627
for people with disabilities
Your SIN is confidential (private). It has • financial support to participate in services
important information about you. Learn how and to start a job, including child care,
to protect your SIN. transportation, essential work clothes and
esdc.gc.ca/en/sin/protect.page tools, and language interpretation

Find the WorkBC Centre nearest you.

Finding a job WorkBCCentres.ca

Where to look for a job Other resources

• Talk to your local settlement agency.
WorkBC
They may have workshops about job
WorkBC is part of the government of B.C.
search skills, employees’ rights and
You can visit the website to search for jobs
responsibilities, and Canadian workplace
and learn about different careers. You can
culture. Settlement agencies have
also learn about B.C.’s economy, industries,
workshops in many languages. Find a
and job market. You can get information
settlement agency near you.
about employment services and job training
programs available to you. • Permanent residents, including refugees
WorkBC.ca cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
index.asp
There are many resources for newcomers
• Temporary residents, including refugee
to B.C.
claimants, temporary foreign workers,
workbc.ca/Resources-for/New-to-B-C.aspx
and post-secondary international
students
WorkBC Employment Services
welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents
WorkBC Centre staff help people find and
apply for jobs. They have free resources you • The WorkBC Job Board has job postings
can use to find work. Sometimes they provide and career information.
funding for things you might need for work, workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Find-Jobs.aspx
like a bus pass or work boots. They may • The federal Job Bank website also has job
provide skills training and work experience postings and career information.
opportunities. People using WorkBC Centre jobbank.gc.ca
services may be eligible for help with living
• You may be eligible for employment
expenses.
programs to help you find work.
WorkBC Centres provide: workbc.ca/Employment-Services/Labour-
• planning, support, and workshops to help Market-Programs.aspx
you find a job

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 107

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

• The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre has

information and employment programs.
How to apply for a job
Find information online or visit in person. Applications
The office is in the Vancouver Public Library.
Most companies expect you to complete
Address: 350 West Georgia Street,
an application. You will need to give your
Vancouver
address, phone number, work history, and
Website: pwp.vpl.ca/siic
references (contact information of people
• Tell friends, relatives, teachers, neighbours, you worked for). Make sure you have all the
and counsellors that you are looking for a information you need before you fill in an
job. They may share ideas or introduce you application form. Some companies will take
to employers. your application in person. Others will only
• Your local newspaper may have job accept applications online.
postings. Read the Classified section. You
The WorkBC website has information about
can also look in the Classified section on
job applications. You can learn about writing
the newspaper’s website.
a resumé, getting ready for an interview,
• Some businesses post signs on doors and networking (getting to know people who can
windows looking for workers. Many shops, help you find work), and using social media to
cafes, and restaurants do this. Look for find jobs.
signs saying, “help wanted”, “hiring”, or workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Find-Jobs/Power-up-
“seeking”. Businesses might also post your-job-search.aspx
signs at libraries, recreation centres, and
grocery stores. References
• If there is a company you like, you can ask Before you start looking for a job, find some
if they are hiring. You can visit their office, references. References are people who
call on the phone, or send an email. know you and can recommend you for a job.
• Many large companies have special Employers may contact your references to
departments (teams) that hire new workers. ask about your qualifications. You will need
This is called the personnel or human to give their names and contact information
resources (HR) department. For example, (phone number and email address) when you
a hospital, hotel, or school may have apply for a job. Ask former employers and
an HR department. To find jobs in large landlords if they can be your reference.
companies, contact the HR department.
If you are new to Canada, you may not have
• The Public Service sector is B.C.’s largest any references here. Volunteering can help
employer. Visit the website to learn about you get local work experience and meet
career opportunities and see job postings. people who will be a reference for you. For
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/job- information about volunteering, see page 29.
seekers
A WorkBC Centre may be able to help you
• If you need to find skilled employment
find volunteer experience.
in B.C that uses your education and
WorkBCCentres.ca
experience from your home country,
the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants
program may help.
Criminal record checks
welcomebc.ca/Work-or-Study-in-B-C/Work- Some employers may ask for a criminal
in-B-C/Employment-Language-Programs record check. A criminal record check is an
official report from the police. It shows if

108 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

you have been convicted (found guilty) of a know you better. It also shows how well you
criminal act (breaking the law). If you have communicate. There are special rules for a
a criminal record, you can still find work. cover letter. For example, a cover letter should
However, some employers will not hire be 1 page or less. It should also have your
people with criminal records – for example, full contact information – your name, phone
schools and child care companies. You can number, email address, and home address.
apply for a criminal record check online.
Find out how the company would like to
justice.gov.bc.ca/eCRC/home.htm
receive your resumé and cover letter – by
email, through a website, or printed on paper.
Resumés
Many companies ask for a resumé and Go to WorkBC’s website to learn how to write
cover letter when you apply for a job. A your resumé and cover letter.
resumé describes your work experience workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Find-Jobs/Power-up-
and education. It says when you had a job your-job-search.aspx
and what you did. The format and content
WorkBC Centres also offer free workshops.
of resumés may be different depending on
Visit the website to find a centre near you.
which types of jobs you are applying for.
WorkBCCentres.ca
A cover letter is a short letter to the employer.
The job search section of Canada’s Job Bank
You should write why you want the job
has information about writing a resumé.
and why you will be good at it. The cover
jobbank.gc.ca/findajob/resume-builder
letter is very important. It lets the employer

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 109

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

Job interviews Services for skilled immigrants

If you are qualified and the employer likes You may be able to use your skills,
your resumé and cover letter, they may experience, education, and credentials to
invite you to an interview. This is a meeting work in Canada.
for the employer to learn more about you.
The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre can help
Interviews are usually at the employer’s
you find information about specific jobs.
location, but they can also be over the phone
They can tell you about different career
or online. The employer will ask questions
opportunities in your field (industry). They
about your education, skills, and work
also support immigrants starting a business.
experience. They might ask things like:
You can find information online or visit
• Why do you want to work here?
in person. The office is in the Vancouver
• Why do you think you are the best person Public Library.
for the job? 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
• Tell me about yourself. pwp.vpl.ca
• Tell me about other jobs you’ve had. Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants helps
professionals use their skills, training, and
Employers want you to explain your skills.
foreign qualifications for work in B.C. They
Practise answering questions before the
can help you get jobs that match your
interview.
experience and background. They also offer:
Employers also want you to care about their • job-related language training
business. Learn about the company before
• career planning and coaching
your interview.
• assessment (checking) of credentials and
At the interview, you can also ask the employer experience
questions. Ask about job duties, wages, work
• communication with regulatory authorities
hours, benefits, and vacation time.
• referrals to employers and mentors
Learn more about resumés, cover letters,
• financial help to pay for professional
and job interviews on the WorkBC website.
training or licenses
workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Find-Jobs/Power-up-
your-job-search.aspx • Canadian work experience opportunities –
for example, through work-study programs
There is also information on Canada’s Job or temporary jobs
Bank website.
jobbank.gc.ca – Click on “Job search” and If your occupation is not practised in B.C. or
“Career planning” in the menu your qualifications are not recognized in B.C.,
Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants can help
you find other options.
Career profiles
WelcomeBC.ca – Search for “Career Paths for
WorkBC has information on more than 500
Skilled Immigrants”
different jobs. It answers many questions
about specific jobs and careers in B.C. You
can learn about working conditions, and job
requirements, wages, and more.
workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Explore-Careers.aspx

110 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

Getting certified to Find out if you need to be certified

to do your job
work in B.C. 1. Go to jobbank.gc.ca
Some jobs in B.C. are regulated. This means
people need special education and training 2. Click “Career Planning”, then click “Job
to do these jobs, and they need to prove that Profiles”
they have the required skills and training. 3. Type the name of your job / career. You
This is called certification. will see a list of jobs. Choose the job name
that is most like yours.
If you want to work in a regulated job, you
will need to show that the education you 4. Next, choose the area: “Province of British
received meets the requirements in Canada. Columbia”. Click “Search”.
You will need to have your certification 5. Under a job’s name, click “Requirements”.
checked, and you may need to get more Read the information about “Professional
education or training to work here. certification and licensing”. You may see a
link called “Regulatory body” (also called
Do I need to get certified? Regulatory Authority). This is the office that
If any of these apply to you, you must find makes the certification rules. Click the link
out if you need to be certified for work in B.C.: to find information about getting certified.
• went to university 6. The Job Bank will say if your occupation is
• went to college regulated in B.C.
• had an apprenticeship Jobs with the same name may be different in
• completed a certificate, diploma, or degree different countries. It can be hard to compare
related to your work them. Jobs that may not require certification
• registered to use a title (for example, in another country may require certification
Doctor or Professor) in Canada. It can even be different depending
on what part of Canada you are in or who
• needed a licence, registration or you work for (for example Health Care
certification for your past work Assistants).
Please note: There are other words that
mean “certified”. These include “authorized”,
“designated”, “licensed”, “member”, or
“registered”.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 111

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

Getting certified • test your job-related skills

To get certified, you must apply to the correct • interview you
regulatory authority. Their website usually • ask for more documents or information
tells you how to apply. You will need to send
official documents from your country. You You must receive your certification before
should start your application as soon as you you can be hired and begin working in a
can. Some regulatory authorities will allow certified job in B.C.
you to apply before you come to Canada. If
not, you should apply right after you arrive. Additional Training
1. Carefully read about registration and You may need to take more training to
joining (“membership”) on the website. work in a certified industry in B.C. This is
called ‘upgrading’ or ‘bridge training’. Ask a
2. Contact the regulatory authority by
regulatory authority or an employer what
phone or email. Ask about your foreign
kind of upgrading or bridging you will need.
documents and training.
3. Prepare your documents for the How to Get Help
application. Talk to the regulatory The Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants
authority before translating or assessing program can help get your qualifications
your documents. The authority may have assessed and recognized in Canada. It can
rules about where to go for this service. also help you apply for professional licences.
4. Ask if you need to take an exam or provide If your occupation is not practised in B.C. or
a reference from your previous employer. your qualifications are not recognized in B.C.,
5. Collect the money to pay the costs. It may Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants can help
cost hundreds – or even thousands – of you find other options.
dollars. If you don’t have the money, you WelcomeBC.ca – Search for “Career Paths
may be able to get a low-interest loan to for Skilled Immigrants”
help you pay the fees. These programs The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre can give
provide financial help: you information about specific jobs and
• The Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants career opportunities. They can also help you
program start a business. Find information on the
WelcomeBC.ca – Search for “Career website. If you live in the Vancouver area,
Paths for Skilled Immigrants” you can visit the office in the Vancouver
• Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Public Library.
350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
ƒƒ SUCCESS: successbc.ca/fcr
pwp.vpl.ca/siic
ƒƒ PICS: pics.bc.ca/programs/
employment/foreign-credential- More Information
recognition/ • WelcomeBC has information about
ƒƒ ISSBC: issbc.org/our-services/fcrloans regulated jobs and foreign credentials.
You can also read stories of immigrants
Waiting for results and their experiences in B.C.
It may take several months for your welcomebc.ca/fqr
application to be assessed. During this time,
• WorkBC has information about
the regulatory authority may:
employment and upgrading programs.
• contact your references and past workbc.ca/labourmarketprograms
employers to check your experience

112 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

• Contact a WorkBC Centre to ask about a Learn more about B.C. post-secondary
foreign credential assessment. They will institutions on page 74.
check the educational programs you took gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/
outside Canada to see if they meet B.C. job post-secondary-education/find-a-program-
requirements. or-institution/find-an-institution
workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC- • Canadian Language Benchmark programs
Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx help you with your English skills. They offer
• The regulatory authority may ask you English assessments, classes, and special
to get an assessment from one of these training. They can help you learn special
organizations: job-related English. Ask your regulatory
• International Credential Evaluation authority what kind of English courses you
Service (ICES) should take for certification.
bcit.ca/ices language.ca

• Canadian Information Centre for • Settlement agencies may provide short

International Credentials training courses to help you find work.
cicic.ca/2/home.canada They may provide free language training.
They can also help you find employers
Other Resources who provide special job training. Find a
• Post-secondary institutions (colleges and settlement agency near you.
universities) have career training and • Permanent residents, including refugees
upgrading programs. You can search the cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
internet for career training programs in index.asp
B.C. schools. Contact the school directly • Temporary residents, including refugee
and ask them about their programs. Before claimants, temporary foreign workers,
you sign up for a program, contact your and post-secondary international
regulatory authority. Ask if the program students
will meet their requirements. welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 113

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

Working If your employer is not obeying these laws,

talk to them about the problem. If the
Joining a union problem is not resolved, contact your union
or the Employment Standards Branch.
A union is a group of employees who work
Toll-free: 1 833 236-3700
together to talk to the employer. Unions
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-
may ask for better wages, benefits, working
business/employment-standards-advice/
conditions, and more. Unions help workers
employment-standards
solve problems with employers. They also
help when the employer breaks the law or You are protected if you make a complaint
breaks a contract. to the Employment Standards Branch. Your
employer cannot fire (dismiss) you because
Unions must be certified to operate in a
you made a complaint. They cannot say they
workplace. That means all the workers have
will fire you or refuse to pay you. For more
voted to support the union. Workers pay
information, visit the website.
dues (money) to be part of the union. Union
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-
dues are automatically deducted (taken from)
business/employment-standards-advice/
your pay cheques. For more information
employment-standards/forms-resources/
about deductions, see page 115.
igm/esa-part-10-section-83
All employees have the legal right to join a
Some workers are not protected by the
union. In some jobs, you must join the union
Employment Standards Act. This includes
to get hired.
workers in self-regulated professions – for
If you are in a union and you have a problem example, doctors, lawyers, and accountants.
with your employer, talk to your union. A It also includes people who have their own
person from the union will work with you and business.
speak to the employer about your situation.
Workers can be hired as a company
For more information about unions, contact
employee or as an independent contractor.
the BC Federation of Labour.
Independent contractors are self-employed
Greater Vancouver: 604 430-1421
– they work for themselves. Sometimes,
bcfed.ca
it is not clear if the worker is a company
employee or an independent contractor
Laws about working (self-employed). This relationship affects
The Employment Standards Act is a law the employee’s rights. The company
to protect workers in British Columbia. and the worker may disagree about this
Employers must follow this law. For example, relationship. If this happens to you, contact
the law says employers must allow workers the Employment Standards Branch.
to take a 30-minute unpaid meal break
within 5 hours of starting work. The law also If you belong to a union, the Employment
says that if you quit your job, your employer Standards Branch cannot help you. If you
must pay you within 6 days for all the hours have a problem, you must talk to someone in
you worked. Other laws protect workers’ your union. See Joining a Union on this page.
rights for other things, such as overtime
pay (higher pay for extra work) and leave Hours of work and overtime
(time off work with pay). The Employment The usual working time in British Columbia
Standards Act applies to full-time, part-time, is 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. If
and casual workers. an employer asks you to work more than

114 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

8 hours in a day, or more than 40 hours in row during a week, you must receive one-and-
a week, they must pay you a higher rate. a-half times your hourly pay for the hours you
This is called overtime pay. Overtime pay is work on your shortest day.
one-and-a-half times (1.5 times) your regular gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-
hourly pay. For example, if your regular wage business/employment-standards-advice/
is $16 per hour, your overtime wage will be employment-standards/hours
$24 per hour.
Getting paid
Part-time or casual workers should get
overtime pay if they work more than 8 hours Most workers get paid every 2 weeks or
in a day. The employer cannot pay you for twice a month. Your employer may pay you
less than 2 hours of work, even if the working with a cheque. Some employers may pay you
time is less than 2 hours. If an employer asks by direct deposit (putting money straight
you to come in to work and you report for into your bank account). You must agree
work, they must pay you for at least 2 hours. in writing to receive a direct deposit. Your
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment- employer must pay you within 8 days after
business/employment-standards-advice/ the end of each pay period. They must give
employment-standards/hours you a pay stub (record) with every cheque.
The pay stub should show how many hours
Some jobs do not have to follow the rules you worked, your pay rate, and overtime
for hours of work and overtime. Contact the hours. It will also show the total amount of
Employment Standards Branch if you have pay you earned, deductions (taxes and fees),
questions about the rules for your job. and your net pay (the money you receive
after all the deductions are made).
Time off gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-
After you have worked for 5 hours, your business/employment-standards-advice/
employer has to give you a 30-minute break. employment-standards/wages
The employer does not have to pay you for
the time of your break. Deductions
The law says that an employer must deduct
If your employer asks you to be ready to work
(take off) money from your paycheque to pay
during your break, or if they ask you to return
for certain taxes and programs. These may
to work before the 30 minutes are over, they
include:
must pay you for the time.
• Income tax: The Canadian government
You may work a split shift. This is a shift
collects taxes from workers to pay for
with a long unpaid break in the middle. For
public services.
example, many restaurant employees work
4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the • Canada Pension Plan: The Canada Pension
evening. The time between starting your first Plan (CPP) is a Canadian government
shift and finishing your last shift must be less program. The pension replaces part of your
than 12 hours. If you work a split shift, the income when you retire and stop working.
employer must pay you for at least 2 hours of If you qualify, you will receive monthly
work for the whole day, not for each part of payments for the rest of your life.
your shift. If you have an employer, they will deduct
half of your CPP contribution from every
In every work week, you should have 1 break
paycheque. The employer will pay the other
that lasts at least 32 hours. This means that
half of your contribution. If you are self-
if your employer asks you to work 7 days in a

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 115

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

employed, you pay the whole contribution. Your employer cannot deduct money
The government also gives money to from your pay to cover business costs. For
the program. The amount you get will example, an employer cannot deduct money
depend on how much you worked. If a to pay for breakage, property damage, or
CPP contributor dies, their husband or wife theft. Your employer is also not allowed to
may be eligible to get their CPP payments. ask you to pay for these types of expenses.
These are called survivor benefits.
For more information, see the Employment
• Employment Insurance (EI): Employment Standards Branch website.
Insurance is a Canadian government gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-
program. It helps workers who lose their business/employment-standards-advice/
jobs. EI gives you monthly payments while employment-standards/wages/deductions
you look for a new job. Everyone working
in Canada pays some money to the EI fund.
Minimum wage
EI payments (premiums) are deducted
The minimum wage is the lowest amount a
from your monthly paycheque. Employers
worker can be paid per hour. As of June 2021,
also pay. If you lose your job and you have
the minimum wage in B.C. is $15.20 per hour.
paid into EI, you may qualify for EI benefits
Employers must pay all workers at least the
(payments).
minimum wage. This wage is the same for
• Taxable benefits: Some employers give full-time, part-time, and casual workers.
employees free benefits – for example, a
parking space, a bus pass, or dental care. For more information about the minimum
Free benefits are treated like part of your wage, see the Employment Standards Branch
income. You will pay tax for them. website.
Gov.bc.ca – Search for “Getting paid for work”
• Union dues: Unions collect dues (fees)
from members. If you are in a union and Some workers are paid at a “piece rate”.
the union has an agreement with your This means they are paid for the amount
employer, union dues will be deducted of work they do, not the number of hours.
from your pay. For example, if you work picking fruit on a
• Voluntary deductions: You can ask to farm, you may be paid for every pound of
pay for extra insurance plans or donations
to charities through deductions on
your paycheque. These deductions are
voluntary – you do not have to do it.
You must give your employer written
permission to make these deductions.
You can also ask your employer to deduct
money for other things, including:
• pay advances (wages paid before you
worked)
• things you bought from the employer
(for example, if you work at a tire store
and buy tires on credit)
• personal use of the employer’s property
(for example, if you rent a vehicle or
apartment from the employer)

116 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

fruit you pick. If you are a writer, you may Holidays

earn a certain amount of money for each Most holidays in Canada are set by the
word. Regardless of how you are paid, you government. They are called statutory
must be paid at least the minimum wage. holidays. On statutory holidays, you get a
Some workers, such as those picking fruit day off work, but you still get paid. There are
or vegetables, may have different minimum some requirements for these rules to apply.
wages. Ask how you will be paid before you For example, you must have worked for your
start work. employer for 30 days or more. You must have
worked at least 15 of the 30 days before the
Children and work holiday. If you do work on a statutory holiday,
Canadian law says children under 15 years your employer should give you time-and-a-
old cannot work during school hours. They half pay for all the hours you work as well as
can only work before and after school. To an average day’s pay. Time-and-a-half pay
hire children under 15, an employer must is your regular hourly salary, plus half. For
get written permission (a letter) from the example, if you earn $16 per hour, time-and-
parents. Children under 12 years old are a-half would be $24 per hour. An average
usually not allowed to work. They must day’s pay is what you normally earn in a day
have a child employment permit from the of work. If you do not work on a statutory
Employment Standards Branch. holiday, you are still entitled to be paid an
average day’s pay.
Children may do small jobs before or after
school – for example, delivering newspapers There are 10 statutory holidays in British
or babysitting. These jobs are not covered by Columbia:
the Employment Standards Act. • New Year’s Day (January 1)
For more information about hiring young • Family Day (third Monday in February)
people, visit the Employment Standards • Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday,
Branch website. in March or April)
Gov.bc.ca – Search for “Hiring young people”
• Victoria Day (Monday before May 24)

Vacations • Canada Day (July 1. If July 1 is a Sunday, the

statutory holiday is on July 2)
All workers must get at least 2 weeks of paid
vacation after working for 1 full year. If you • B.C. Day (first Monday in August)
leave your job before you take your vacation, • Labour Day (first Monday in September)
your employer must give you some extra
• Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)
money for vacation pay. Vacation pay should
be at least 4% of your earnings. After staying • Remembrance Day (November 11)
in a job for 5 years, you should get 3 weeks of • Christmas Day (December 25)
vacation and 6% vacation pay.
For more information on Statutory Holidays
For more information on vacations, see the in British Columbia, see the Employment
Employment Standards website. Standards website.
Gov.bc.ca – Search for “Vacations” gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-
business/employment-standards-advice/
employment-standards/statutory-holidays

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 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

Taking time off work

Employees can take a leave (time off work)
for certain reasons. If you need to take
leave for 1 of these reasons, your employer
does not have to pay you, but the Canadian
government may give you some money.

Maternity and parental leave

Maternity leave is a break from work for
women who are pregnant. Pregnant women
may take up to 17 weeks of maternity leave.
It must start on or before the day the baby is
born. If you need maternity leave, you should
apply as soon as possible. You need to ask at
least 4 weeks before you want to go.

If a woman cannot return to work because

of the birth or termination (ending) of the
pregnancy, she may take another 6 weeks off.

Parental leave is a break from work for

parents with a new baby. Women who took
maternity leave may take up to 61 weeks of
parental leave. Other parents may take up
to 62 weeks of parental leave. Parents who
adopt a child can also take parental leave.

Parents may apply for Employment Insurance

benefits during maternity and parental
leave. This means the government will give
Compassionate care
you some money while you are not working.
Parental benefits may be shared between Compassionate care leave
eligible parents. If you need to care for a someone in your
family who is sick or dying, your employer
Parents need to apply to receive EI maternity must let you take time off work. This is called
or parental benefits. They are not paid compassionate care leave. There is no pay
automatically. for compassionate care leave. There are laws
about compassionate care leave. You can take
For more information:
up to 27 weeks of compassionate care leave
• B.C. Employment Standards Act website in a 12-month period. You must get a medical
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment- certificate saying your family member has
business/employment-standards-advice/ high risk of death within 26 weeks.
employment-standards/time-off/leaves-of-
absence Get more information about compassionate
• EI Maternity and Parental Benefits Overview care leave, and find out if you are eligible.
canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei- gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-
maternity-parental.html business/employment-standards-advice/
employment-standards/time-off/leaves-of-
absence

118 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

EI Caregiving benefits and leave If you cannot work because you are sick,
Some people need to take time away from injured, or in quarantine, you can apply for
work to care for or support someone who Employment Insurance sickness benefits.
is critically ill, injured, or dying. You may be esdc.gc.ca/en/ei/sickness/index.page
able to receive up to 55% of your earnings
through EI. Family Responsibility Leave
Some workers have to take time off work to
As a caregiver, you do not have to be related care for a sick family member. They may need
to or live with the person you care for or to attend their child’s school activity. People
support, but they must consider you to be may take leave from work to care for family.
like family. This is called family responsibility leave.
There are 3 types of benefits: Employers must give workers up to 5 days’
general family responsibility leave every year.
• Family caregiver benefit for children
The law does not require employers to pay
• Family caregiver benefit for adults employees during family responsibility leave.
• Compassionate care benefits
Critical Illness and Injury Leave
For more information and to see if you are An illnesses or injury is “critical” if it is
eligible, visit the Government of Canada possible that the person could die. Employees
website. can take time off from work to care for family
canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/caregiving. members who are critically ill or injured.
html Critical illness and injury leave is not paid.
Workers may take up to 16 weeks of leave to
Bereavement Leave care for a critically ill or injured adult family
A person may take time off from work member. For a child, they may take up to
after a family member dies. This is called 36 weeks of leave.
bereavement leave. Employees may take up
to 3 days of bereavement leave. Bereavement Domestic or sexual violence
leave is not paid. The family member must be Employees experiencing domestic or sexual
immediate family. violence can take time off from work. They
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment- can take up to 5 days off with pay, and up to
business/employment-standards-advice/ 5 days of leave without pay. Up to 15 weeks
employment-standards/forms-resources/ of additional unpaid leave is available. For
igm/esa-part-6-section-53 more information about domestic or sexual
violence, see page 80.
Sickness Benefits
When people are sick, they may take time
off from work to recover. A person who can’t
work due to personal illness or injury may
take up to 3 days of unpaid, job-protected
leave each year.

This leave applies to employees who have

worked for their employer for at least
90 days. If asked, employees need to provide
enough information to satisfy their employer
that they are ill or injured and therefore
entitled to the leave.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 119

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

Losing your job for example, if the worker steals from the
employer or hurts or threatens someone.
Being fired These reasons are called “just cause”. If your
employer says they have just cause to fire
An employer cannot fire (dismiss) a worker
you without notice or pay, and you disagree,
for no reason. Employers must give the
contact the Employment Standards Branch.
worker written notice (letter or email)
See the listing on page 114.
before the job ends. If the employer does
not give written notice, they need to give When you leave a job, your employer must
compensation (extra pay). The employer give you a record of employment. You
may also have to give both written notice need this paper to apply for Employment
and compensation. There are rules about Insurance (EI).
compensation and written notice.
• If a person has worked for an employer Being laid off
for less than 3 months, the employer If an employer doesn’t have any work
does not need to give written notice or available, they may need to fire a worker. This
compensation. The first 3 months of work may happen even if the worker did nothing
are often called the “probationary period”. wrong. A worker who is fired because the
• If the person has been at the job for more company has no work is “laid off”. Employers
than 3 months, the employer must give laying off workers must follow the same
1 week’s notice or 1 week’s pay. rules. They must give written notice and / or
• If the person has been at the job for a year, compensation.
the employer must give 2 weeks’ notice or Sometimes there can be a temporary layoff.
2 weeks’ pay. The employer must show:
• After 3 years, the employer must give • the worker was told about the temporary
3 weeks’ notice or 3 weeks’ pay. layoff when they were hired, or
• The amount of written notice or pay • the layoff is part of the industry the
increases with each year a worker stays in worker’s industry (for example, seasonal
the job. The maximum is 8 weeks’ notice or work like logging or fruit picking), or
pay after 8 years of work.
• the worker agrees to the temporary layoff.
A worker may not do their job well. A worker
If the employer lays the worker off for any of
may also not behave well (for example,
these reasons, they must bring the worker
being late for work). The employer cannot
back to work within 13 weeks. If the employer
fire the worker the first time the problem
does not bring the worker back, they must
happens. They must warn the worker that the
give compensation as though they had
behaviour is unacceptable. They must explain
dismissed the worker.
how to fix the problem. They must give the
worker time to change. The employer must Some employers use different words to
give a final warning that the worker will be describe ending a job. These words include
fired if they do not change. If the problem “dismiss”, “fire”, “terminate”, or “layoff”.
happens again, the employer may fire the Check with your employer to make sure you
worker without notice or pay. understand what they mean.
gov.bc.ca//gov/content/employment-
In some cases, an employer may fire a
business/employment-standards-advice/
worker without notice or pay after just one
employment-standards/termination
problem. This must be a serious problem –

120 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

Quitting more about EI and find out if you are eligible.

Workers may decide to quit (leave) a job. canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-
There is no law saying workers have to benefit.html
give early notice. But it is better to tell If you lose your job, visit your local WorkBC
the employer early. Most people tell their Centre. They have free services to help you
employers 2 weeks before they finish. find a job.
The employer does not have to pay any WorkBCCentres.ca
compensation if you quit.
Income assistance
Employment Insurance (EI)
You can only collect EI for a few months.
Employment Insurance (EI) provides money Your EI may end before you find a job. If
to workers who lose their jobs through this happens, you may qualify for help from
reasons they can’t control – for example, the provincial government. This is called
there isn’t enough work to do, the work British Columbia Employment and Assistance
happens in summer or in winter, or the Program. It is also called income assistance,
company lays everyone off. To receive EI, you or welfare.
must be ready, willing, and able to work. You
must also be actively looking for a new job. For information, visit the Employment and
Assistance Program website.
Always apply for EI benefits as soon as you gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-
stop working. You can apply for benefits for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-
even if you have not yet received your manual/ministry-overview/overview-of-bcea-
Record of Employment (ROE). If you delay program
filing your claim for benefits for more than Toll-free: 1 866 866-0800
4 weeks after your last day of work, you may
lose benefits. You can also call Service BC.
Toll-free: 1 800 663-7867
People who quit their jobs are not eligible for
EI. Self-employed people are also not eligible You can apply for income assistance online.
for EI. Not all jobs are covered by EI. Learn myselfserve.gov.bc.ca

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 121

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

If you get hurt at work Discrimination and

The law says employers must make sure harassment
workplaces are safe and healthy. They must
The B.C. Human Rights Code is a law that
make sure you have the safety equipment
protects workers from unfair treatment.
you need. They must give you training and
Employers cannot refuse to hire people for
information to stay safe. You must follow
reasons that are not related to the work. This
the employer’s safety instructions. If you
includes skin colour, race, marital status,
see something unsafe, you must tell the
family background, religion, sex, sexual
employer right away.
orientation, age, or a disability.
WorkSafeBC helps prevent injuries at work.
All people have the right to feel safe at
They train employees and workers. They also
work. If an employer or colleague makes
help people who get hurt at work. People with
unwelcome sexual advances (for example,
a work-related illness or injury may not be able
always asking you for a date, telling
to work. If this happens to you, WorkSafeBC
unwelcome jokes, or touching you), this
may give you compensation (money for
is called sexual harassment. It is also
lost wages) and cover medical care costs.
harassment if people criticize or joke about
Employers pay for WorkSafeBC coverage.
your home country, ethnicity, or religion. The
If you have an accident at work, get help Human Rights Code protects you against
right away. Some companies have a first these behaviours.
aid attendant. Call them or go to see them. • Learn about human rights protection
Report the accident to your supervisor or gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/human-
employer as soon as possible. If anyone rights/human-rights-protection
witnessed (saw) the accident, you should
• Learn about your human rights and duties
ask them to report what they saw. Fill out
bchrt.bc.ca/human-rights-duties/index.htm
a report form. Your company may have
accident report forms. If they don’t, you • Learn more about the B.C. Human Rights
can call the Teleclaim phone line. If you Code
need to see a doctor, let your doctor know bchrt.bc.ca
that you were injured at work. If you miss
If you experience discrimination for any
work because of your injury or illness, call
reason included in the Human Rights Code,
WorkSafeBC.
you can make a complaint to the B.C. Human
For more information, contact WorkSafeBC. Rights Tribunal.
It can help you in more than 170 languages.
B.C. Human Rights Tribunal
It also has printed information in traditional
Vancouver area: 604 775-2000
and simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Korean,
Toll-free: 1 888 440-8844
Vietnamese, Spanish, and French.
TTY: 604 775-2021
Claims Call Centre / Teleclaim
bchrt.bc.ca
Toll-free: 1 888 967-5377 (1 888 WORKERS)
worksafebc.com

122 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

If the employer is federal (for example, a The actions people think of as harassment
bank, the Government of Canada, Canada can be different, depending on their
Post, or an airline company), contact the country or culture. Talk with your union
Canadian Human Rights Commission. representative, or a settlement worker. They
chrc-ccdp.gc.ca will help you understand if the behaviour is
harassment.
The Justice Education Society has videos
about harassment, discrimination, and You can also contact your settlement agency.
human rights in English, Mandarin, and Find a settlement agency near you.
Punjabi.  • Permanent residents, including refugees
justiceeducation.ca – Search for “Human cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
Rights” index.asp
For advice about discrimination or • Temporary residents, including refugee
harassment, or if you want to make an official claimants, temporary foreign workers, and
complaint, contact the BC Human Rights post-secondary international students 
Clinic. They can answer your questions and welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents
give you more information.
If you are a foreign worker and you are
BC Human Rights Clinic having trouble at work with harassment,
Vancouver area: 604 622-1100 discrimination, or safety, contact MOSAIC’s
Toll-free: 1 855 685-6222 Migrant Worker Program.
Email: [email protected]
MOSAIC
bchrc.net
236 889-8541 (Spanish)
There are other kinds of harassment that 236 889-4115 (Tagalog)
are not included in the Human Rights Code. 604 218-7347 (Cantonese & Mandarin)
They include things that make someone 604 704-5346 (Spanish)
feel embarrassed or afraid. Some examples Email: [email protected]
include spreading gossip or bad stories, mosaicbc.org/services/settlement/migrant-
criticizing a lot, name calling, staring, yelling, workers/
ignoring or excluding a person, and blocking
a person’s path.
Starting your own
Your employer is required to provide a
harassment-free workplace. If someone is business
harassing or bullying you, you can report There are many rules and laws for people
it. Write down what happened. If anyone who have a business. For example, the
witnessed (saw) the other person harassing Employment Standards Act tells you how to
you, ask them to write what they saw. If you treat people who work for you (see “Laws
belong to a union, talk to them. You can also about working” on page 114). Businesses
tell the person’s boss or your boss. must register with the government. You must
follow strict rules for managing money. You
Although these things may not be part of the
must report what you earn and what you
Human rights Code, you may be protected by
spend. In many business sectors, you may
WorkSafeBC.
need to get special government licences and
worksafebc.com – Search for “Bullying”
to follow special rules.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 123

 EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS

There are programs that can help you. • The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre has
information, resources, and programs
• Small Business BC provides information
for new immigrants who want to start a
to help you start or grow a business. You
business. Find information online or visit in
can learn about finance, sales, marketing,
person. All services and resources are free.
imports, exports, regulations, government
The office is in the Vancouver Public Library.
help, and training. You can meet with a
350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
business advisor and join online programs.
pwp.vpl.ca/siic/
Metro Vancouver: 604 775-5525 
Toll-free: 1 800 667-2272 • Some universities and community colleges
smallbusinessbc.ca offer courses to help you start your own
business. Find out if there are any business
• B.C.’s Small Business Branch provides courses at a college or university near you. 
resources to help you start or grow a educationplannerbc.ca 
business. Resources and guides include:
• Small Business Resources Handout
• Starting a Small Business Guide
• B.C. Import / Export Guide
• Starting a Franchise
These resources are also available in
Korean, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, and
Traditional Chinese.
gov.bc.ca/resourcessmallbusiness

• WorkBC’s Self-Employment Services can

help you develop your skills and start
your own business. Services for eligible
participants include:
• business plan development
• self-employment orientation and
assessment workshop
• entrepreneurial workshops
• coaching and mentoring
• business launch and implementation

Visit your local WorkBC Centre and find out

if you are eligible.
WorkBCCentres.ca

124 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT,
AND IMMIGRATION
Definitions The courts
Going to court
Canada’s legal system
Young people and the law
Human rights Separation and divorce
Using a lawyer
Freedom of Information and How to find a lawyer
Protection of Privacy Act Help if you cannot afford a lawyer
Gender identity For more legal information
Hate crimes Government
Help for victims of crime Government of Canada
Provincial government
The police Local government
Calling the police Indigenous government
Police arrests
Complaints against the police Immigration and citizenship
Being a witness
 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

Definitions
Bylaw – a law made by a local government. It applies to a town, a city, or a region.
Child support – money paid by a divorced parent to help pay to raise their child. The
money is generally paid to the other parent.
Court proceedings – the formal activities of a lawsuit or a case when it is heard in court.
Division – a smaller group inside a bigger organization. For example, the hiring division
might be part of a Human Resources department in a company.
Parenting arrangements – an agreement between parents who are divorced. The
arrangements can be about how much time a child spends with each parent, when each
parent can see the child, and if a parent pays the other for the costs of raising their child.
Protection orders – a judge’s order to help protect a person from someone who might
hurt them.
Violation – to break the rules. It is often used to describe breaking laws or regulations.

126 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

Canada’s legal system • your gender identity (whether you are a

woman, a man, non-binary, or Two-Spirit)
There are 3 main levels of government in
• your gender expression, or how you
Canada. Each level of government makes
present and show your gender, including
laws. The Canadian (federal) government
your name, the clothes you wear, or the
makes laws for the whole country. Provincial
activities you like
and territorial governments make laws
for their province or territory (like British • your family situation (whether you are
Columbia). Municipal governments make married, divorced, single, raising children,
laws for their town or city (like Vancouver or pregnant, or able to get pregnant, for
Victoria). Canadian citizens have the right to example)
vote for all levels of government. • your religion, including how you dress in
public, at home, and at places of worship
People who are charged with breaking the law
may have to go to court. The court will decide • your political beliefs, including who you
if they are guilty. If a person is found guilty, the vote for and the changes you want
courts will decide the punishment. Canada’s • whether you have a physical or mental
court system is separate from the government. disability
The laws in Canada may be different from If someone treats you differently for any of
your previous country. One of the most these reasons (for example, if a landlord will
important laws in Canada is the Charter not let you rent a home, or someone will not
of Rights and Freedoms. The Charter says serve you in a restaurant or store), this is
that all Canadians have the right to speak discrimination.
freely, have their own religion, live and work
anywhere in Canada, and be part of peaceful There are some exceptions. For example,
political activities. some rental homes or condominium
Canada.ca – Search for “Guide charter rights buildings are just for seniors (people over 55).
freedoms” They can refuse to rent to people younger
than 55. Public buildings can have separate
bathrooms for men and women.
Human rights You can get help if you have a problem related
Human rights laws protect people from to discrimination. The BC Human Rights
discrimination. Discrimination is when Clinic is operated by the Community Legal
someone treats you differently because of: Assistance Society. It helps people understand
• your race, the colour of your skin, where and protect their rights. It also provides
you were born, or your ancestry free legal services. It can help people with
• your age, whether it be because you are provincial human rights complaints.
old or because you are young BC Human Rights Clinic
• your sex, whether you were assigned Toll-free: 1 855 685-6222
male, female, or intersex (not fully male or bchrc.net
female) at birth
The BC Human Rights Tribunal helps with
• your sexual orientation, whether you are provincial human rights complaints. If you
attracted to people who have the same experience discrimination from a provincial
gender as you, a different gender than government department or agency, a
you, who do not identify as either male or landlord, or a local business, you should
female, or people of more than 1 gender

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 127

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

contact the BC Human Rights Tribunal. They Canadian Human Rights Commission
can help you file a complaint. Toll-free: 1 888 214-1090
chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
BC Human Rights Tribunal
Toll-free: 1 888 440-8844
bchrt.bc.ca
Freedom of
The B.C. government has more information
Information and
about human rights online. Protection of Privacy Act
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/human-rights
B.C. has laws to protect your privacy.
Watch videos about human rights in People and businesses cannot get or use
B.C. in English, Mandarin, and Punjabi. your personal information (for example,
justiceeducation.ca/legal-help/rights/human- your name, address, birth date, or Social
rights/human-rights Insurance Number) without your permission.
The law gives you the right to see information
The Canadian Human Rights Commission about yourself (for example, your medical
helps with federal human rights complaints. records). You also have the right to see any
If you experience discrimination from a reports about you (for example, reports by
federal government department, bank, teachers, employers, or the police).
telecommunications company (telephone,
internet, TV, or radio), or transportation You can ask to see records and personal
company (airline, bus or train), you should information about yourself. This is called a
contact the Canadian Human Rights “freedom of information request”. You can
Commission. They can help you file also ask for information about someone you
a complaint. are responsible for, such as a child.
gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation

128 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

Gender identity In Canada, it is illegal to discriminate against

people because of their sexual orientation
Gender identity is your personal sense of or their gender identity. Canadian law also
being a man, a woman, non-binary, or Two- recognizes marriages between people of all
Spirit. The shape of your body, how you look, genders and supports families of all kinds
and the sex you were assigned at birth may adopt children. People in Canada have the
not be your gender identity. right to identify and express their gender in
There are many different ways to describe their own way. Some people have treatment
and talk about gender. or surgery to change the way they look.

• Cisgender people have a gender identity The B.C. government has a gender-equity
that matches the sex they were assigned office. Visit the website for more information.
at birth. gov.bc.ca – Search for “gender equity”
• Transgender people have a gender The Canadian government has a Secretariat
identity that does not match the sex they (department) that works to improve equality
were assigned at birth. for LGBTQ2S+ communities. Visit the website
• Gender expression is how you present and for more information.
show other people your gender, such as Canada.ca – Search for “LGBTQ2S+”
what name you use, the clothes you wear,
For more information on agencies and
the activities you like, and the sound of
LGBTQ2S+ groups, see page 92.
your voice. It is also the pronouns (he, she,
they) people use to describe themselves.
In Canada, some people prefer to be
described as “they” instead of “he” or “she”.
Hate crimes
It is against the law for someone to hurt you,
• LGBTQ2S+ is short way of referring to
or say they will hurt you, for any of these
people of many different gender and sexual
reasons:
identities. The letters stand for lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer, and Two- • your race
Spirit. The + sign shows that there are more • skin colour
identities and communities than listed here. • religion
• Sexual orientation is about the gender of • national or ethnic origin
the people you are sexually or romantically
• language
attracted to, the gender of your partner,
and the kinds of relationships you have • age
with people of different genders. Some • mental or physical disability
people are only attracted to people with
• sex
the same gender. Others are attracted
to people with a different gender. Some • sexual orientation
people are attracted to both genders. • gender identity or expression
• Non-binary refers to people who don’t see If you experience a hate crime, ask for help.
themselves as either a man or as a woman. Call 9-1-1 or your local police office.
There are many different non-binary
gender identities. The B.C. government has an information
• Two-Spirit is a term created by Indigenous website about hate crimes.
peoples to talk about a range of genders hatecrimebc.ca
and sexualities.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 129

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

Help for victims of crime non-emergencies – for example, if a

neighbour has a noisy party or someone
The person who is hurt in a crime is called a steals your bicycle. In most communities, the
victim of crime. emergency number is 9-1-1. In some very
VictimLinkBC has information and support small communities, the number is not 9-1-1.
for all victims of crime. They will help you Ask your settlement agency or search online
find resources in your community. They also for your local emergency number.
provide immediate crisis support to victims ecomm911.ca/911-dispatch/how-9-1-1-works
of family and sexual violence, including You should call the emergency number:
victims of human trafficking exploited for
• if you are in danger
labour or sexual services. The service is
free, confidential, and available in many • if you see someone else in danger
languages. VictimLinkBC is funded by the • if a serious crime has just happened
B.C. government. It is available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. You can ask for help in your own language.
Toll-free: 1 800 563-0808 Tell the person the name of your language.
Email: [email protected] They will find someone to translate.

If you are a victim of crime, visit these You should call the non-emergency number:
websites for information and guidance. • if no one is in danger

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal- • if time has passed since the crime

justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you- happened
are-a-victim-of-a-crime To find your community’s non-emergency
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal- phone number, visit ecomm911.ca.
justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you- If you are not sure which number to call, call
are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/ the emergency number. Tell the police what
victim-services-directory is happening. They will help you. You can call
the police any time, day or night.

The police The E-Comm website lists emergency phone

In Canada, the police are separate from the numbers. It has information in several
government and the army. The police are languages.
part of the community and their job is to ecomm911.ca – Search for “interpretation
protect the people in it. services.”

Most communities in B.C. are served by the Police arrests

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The police make sure people follow the law.
The RCMP is Canada’s national police Police can arrest people who break the law.
organization. Some larger cities have their
own local police instead of the RCMP. Police must also obey certain laws. When
they arrest people, police officers must
Calling the police say who they are. They must show their
Many cities and towns have 2 telephone identification. They must explain why they
numbers for the police. One number is are arresting you. They must also tell you
for emergencies only – for example, a what your rights are.
fire or robbery. The other number is for

130 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

If you are arrested, the police officer may should tell the police. If you are asked to
ask for your name and address. You must tell testify (go to court and say what you saw),
them this. But you do not have to say anything you must go.
more until you talk to a lawyer. You have the
If you see a car crash, you can give the driver
right to talk to a lawyer. If the police arrest you
your name and phone number. They may
or ask you questions about a crime, they must
need you to tell police what you saw. They
let you phone a lawyer right away. They must
may also need you to tell the insurance
let you talk to the lawyer alone.
company or the court.
If you do not know a lawyer or cannot afford
For more information about what to do in
one, contact the Brydges Line. It is run by
a car crash, see page 101.
Legal Aid BC and is available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. Child abuse is a serious crime. The law
Toll-free: 1 866 458-5500 says witnesses must report child abuse.
lss.bc.ca/legal_aid/brydgesLine If you witness a child being hurt, abused,
or neglected, you must report it.
You can also ask the police for the legal aid
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/public-safety/
phone number. The police officer must give
protecting-children/reporting-child-abuse
you the number and let you call it. For more
information about lawyers and legal aid, see
page 133.
The courts
If you are arrested, the police must take you Different courts deal with different kinds of
to court or release you (let you go) within legal problems. The main courts in B.C. are:
24 hours.
• BC Court of Appeal
Complaints against the police • BC Supreme Court
If you have a complaint against the municipal • Provincial Court of British Columbia, which
police, you have a right to say what has 5 divisions:
happened. You can contact the Office
ƒƒ The criminal division handles criminal
of the Police Complaint Commissioner.
law cases. The BC Supreme Court deals
Toll-free: 1 877 999-8707
with the most serious crimes.
opcc.bc.ca
ƒƒ The traffic, ticket, and bylaw division
If you have a complaint against the RCMP, handles traffic tickets. It also handles
you can contact the Civilian Review and tickets for federal offences and municipal
Complaints Commission for the RCMP. bylaw violations.
Toll-free: 1 800 665-6878
ƒƒ The family division handles family
crcc-ccetp.gc.ca
support, parenting decisions, and
protection orders.
Being a witness
ƒƒ The youth court division handles people
A witness is someone who sees something
from 12 to 17 years old who are charged
happen, such as a car crash or a crime.
with a crime.
Witnesses can give information to police.
They can help the police find a criminal
or understand who caused an accident.
Witnesses are very important in Canadian
law. If you witness a crime or accident, you

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 131

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

ƒƒ The small claims court division handles Canadian law says people 18 years or older
disagreements about business and are adults. If people over 18 break the law,
money between $5,001 and $35,000. they must go to adult court.
gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/
Families with children who broke the law
courthouse-services/small-claims/how-
can get advice. Government programs have
to-guides/what-is-small-claims
workers who can talk to families. These
For more information, visit the Provincial programs have different names in different
Court of British Columbia website. areas. If you or your family need legal advice,
provincialcourt.bc.ca/types-of-cases contact your local immigrant settlement
agency. They can help you find these
Civil Resolution Tribunal services. Find a settlement agency near you.
The Civil Resolution Tribunal resolves small cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.
claims up to $5,000. It also has jurisdiction to asp
resolve certain accident claims up to $50,000.
civilresolutionbc.ca
Separation and divorce
Sometimes, couples with children separate or
Going to court
divorce. They need to decide how to take care
British Columbia courts operate in English, of their children. Sometimes, the court helps
and for certain matters, in French. You can ask parents make decisions about how to care
for an interpreter to help you communicate. for children.
The court will provide interpreters for:
• all criminal proceedings Getting a divorce is a court process, but
parents do not always need to go to court.
• family proceedings in Provincial Court
They can get help from Family Justice
• traffic court Centres. People who work in Family Justice
• municipal bylaw cases Centres have special training in family law.
They can help couples agree about parenting
You only get an interpreter if you ask for one. (where the children live and how much time
For a criminal trial, people who speak French they spend with each parent). They can also
can ask for the whole trial to be in French. help parents make a decision about how
You must do this before the trial begins. much money they will pay to support their
children, and maybe to each other. Family
Justice Centres are free and confidential.
Young people and the law
Sometimes young people break the law. In Find a Family Justice Centre near you.
Canada, there is a special law for children 12 clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1019
to 17 years old. It is called the Youth Criminal
Justice Act. Justice Access Centres provide help with
family and civil law issues that affect
Young people do not go to the same court everyday life.
as adults. They go to a youth court. It is the gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/about-bcs-
same for an adult who was under 18 years justice-system/jac
old at the time of the crime. The judge in
youth court will make sure the young person You can also call Service BC to find a Family
gets a lawyer. Justice Centre.
Greater Vancouver: 604 660-2421
Victoria: 250 387-6121
Toll-free: 1 800 663-7867

132 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

People can get information and take a free lawyer will talk to you for free for up to 30
online course about being a parent after minutes.
separation and divorce. Toll-free: 1 800 663-1919
gov.bc.ca/parentingafterseparation accessprobono.ca/lawyer-referral-service

Legal Aid BC also has information, resources, • Contact your local immigrant settlement
and workshops for parents and families. agency. They can help you find these
familylaw.lss.bc.ca services. Find a settlement agency near you.
• Permanent residents, including refugees
If you have a low income, you may be able
cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/
to get free legal advice from a family lawyer
index.asp
over the telephone. Family LawLINE lawyers
gives advice about family law issues. • Temporary residents, including refugee
claimants, temporary foreign workers,
To learn more about the Family LawLINE, call and post-secondary international
Legal Aid BC. students
Vancouver area: 604 408-2172 welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents
Toll-free: 1 866 577-2525
familylaw.lss.bc.ca/call/family-lawline Help if you cannot afford a lawyer
Legal aid is a free service for people who
Using a lawyer cannot afford to hire a lawyer. Legal aid can
If you have a legal problem, you may need help with some types of criminal law, family
a lawyer. Sometimes a lawyer can help you law, and immigration law problems. If you
solve a problem before you go to court. cannot afford a lawyer, contact Legal Aid BC
to find out if you are eligible.
How to find a lawyer Greater Vancouver: 604 408-2172
• Contact the Lawyer Referral Service. This Toll-free: 1 866 577-2525
service will give you the name of a lawyer. lss.bc.ca
You can call and make an appointment. The

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 133

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

i For more legal information

The Immigration and Refugee Legal The Dial-A-Law website has free legal
Clinic provides free legal representation information. You can read or listen to
and advice to low-income refugee information online. You can also listen to
claimants, immigrants, and people without information on the telephone.
legal status. Services include complex Toll-free: 1 800 565-5297
refugee claims, time-sensitive refugee dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca
claims, and appeals.
The BC Human Rights Clinic helps people
Vancouver area: 778 372-6583
with provincial human rights complaints.
Email: [email protected]
They provide free legal services.
irlc.ca
Vancouver area: 604 622-1100
Seniors First BC provides free legal help Toll-free: 1 855 685-6222
for people aged 55 and older. The Seniors bchrc.net
Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) provides
information and referrals to seniors. The BC Human Rights Tribunal deals with
Vancouver area: 604 437-1940 human rights complaints in B.C.
Toll-free: 1 866 437-1940 Vancouver area: 604 775-2000
seniorsfirstbc.ca Toll-free: 1 888 440-8844
bchrt.bc.ca
Clicklaw is a legal information website. It
provides legal information and education The Canadian Human Rights Commission
to people in B.C. They have information protects human rights in Canada.
from more than 40 organizations. Toll-free: 1 888 214-1090
clicklaw.bc.ca chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
Justice Education Society of BC Justice Access Centres provide help
provides information on how the B.C. with family and civil law issues that affect
court system works. everyday life. These include separation
Vancouver area: 604 660-9870 or divorce, income security, employment,
justiceeducation.ca housing, and debt.
The People’s Law School helps people gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/about-bcs-
solve everyday legal problems. It provides justice-system/jac
information and support so you can find Family Justice Centres provide services
the right legal help. It does not provide to British Columbians going through
legal advice on individual legal problems. separation or divorce. Find a Family Justice
If you need legal help, the People’s Law Centre near you.
School can refer you to legal services. clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1019
The website has many helpful resources.
Vancouver area: 604 331-5400 Access Pro Bono is a non-profit society.
Email: [email protected] They help low-income people find
peopleslawschool.ca volunteer lawyers. Their services are free.
Toll-free: 1 877 762-6664
PovNet has information about problems
accessprobono.ca
with poverty and the law.
povnet.org

134 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

Government Provincial government

Canada has 10 provinces and 3 territories.
Canada has 3 levels of government:
Each has the power to change its laws
• federal and manage its own lands. Provincial and
• provincial or territorial territorial governments are responsible
• municipal or local for education, health care, some natural
resources, and road regulations. Sometimes,
These governments are elected by federal and provincial governments share
Canadians. power. For example, both the federal and
provincial government make laws about
Government of Canada agriculture, natural resources,
The federal government is based in Ottawa. and immigration.
It is responsible for things that affect all
You can get information about the
Canadians. These include immigration,
government of British Columbia from
national defence, foreign affairs,
Service BC.
employment insurance, banking, postal
services, shipping, railways, telephones, Service BC
pipelines, and criminal law. Vancouver area: 604 660-2421
Victoria: 250 387-6121
You can get information about the federal
Toll-free: 1 800 663-7867
government from Service Canada. All
servicebc.gov.bc.ca
information is available in French and English.
There are 87 provincial ridings in British
Service Canada
Columbia. Each riding elects 1 Member
Toll-free: 1 800 622-6232 (1 800 O-Canada)
of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) to
Canada.ca – Search for “Service Canada”
represent them. The MLA has an office in the
Find a Service Canada location near you. community. It is called a constituency office.
servicecanada.gc.ca/tbsc-fsco/sc-hme.jsp
You can find your MLA online.
Every province and territory in Canada has leg.bc.ca/learn-about-us/members
federal ridings (election districts). Each riding
For information about voting in British
elects 1 Member of Parliament (MP) to the
Columbia elections, visit Elections BC.
Government of Canada. There are 42 federal
Elections.bc.ca
ridings in British Columbia. The MP for each
riding has an office in the community. This is
called a constituency office.
Local government
Local governments are for cities, towns,
Use your postal code (part of your mailing villages (municipalities), and regional
address) to find your MP on this website. districts. Local governments usually provide
ourcommons.ca/en/members police service, fire protection, garbage
collection, drinking water, sewers, and
For information about voting in Canadian
recreation (parks and community centres).
elections, visit Elections Canada.
Elections.ca – Search for “My voter’s guide” Every local government has an office where
you can ask questions, discuss problems,
pay property taxes, and get a business
licence. These are often called “city hall”.

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 135

 LEGAL SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT, AND IMMIGRATION

Local government offices and websites have Get information on how to become a
information about the community, services, Canadian citizen.
parks, recreation, and other programs for canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
residents. citizenship/services/canadian-citizenship.html

Find your municipality or regional district. Each year, B.C. welcomes new immigrants
civicinfo.bc.ca/directories to the province. There are provincial and
federal immigration programs to help
For information about voting in local
foreign workers, international students,
government elections, visit Elections BC.
and experienced entrepreneurs and their
Elections.bc.ca
families immigrate to B.C. to work and start
businesses.
Immigration and If employers in B.C. cannot find qualified local
citizenship workers, they can use immigration programs
like the BC Provincial Nominee Program
The Government of Canada is responsible for (BC PNP) to recruit people from around
immigration and citizenship. For information the world.
on immigration, visit the Immigration, welcomebc.ca/PNP
Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html

136 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
In Canada, many people use short forms made from the first letters of the words in a group
of words. Sometimes we say these letter by letter. For example, we say “E-S-L” for English as a
second language. These abbreviations are pronounced letter by letter:

ABE Adult Basic Education

ATM Automated Teller Machine
B.C. British Columbia
BCEA British Columbia Employment and Assistance
CCRR Child Care Resource and Referral Centre
CPP Canada Pension Plan
EI Employment Insurance
ESL English as a Second Language
GIC Guaranteed Investment Certificate
GIS Guaranteed Income Supplement
ICBC Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
ID Identification
LGBTQ2S+ Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and Two-Spirit
LINC Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada
MOSAIC Multi-Lingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities
MSP Medical Services Plan
OAS Old Age Security
RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police
SPCA Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
STD Sexually transmitted disease
STI Sexually transmitted infection
TV Television
UPCC Urgent and Primary Care Centre
WAVAW Women Against Violence Against Women

Sometimes we pronounce these short forms as a word. For example, we say the word PIN for
Personal Identification Number. These acronyms are pronounced as words:

ICES International Credential Evaluation Service

PIN Personal Identification Number
SAFER Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters
SIN Social Insurance Number

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 137

INDEX
Symbols Cannabis 15, 85
Career profiles, WorkBC 110
8-1-1 59
Cars 25
9-1-1 19, 20, 61, 130
Buying 101
Crashes 101
A
Driving 96
Abuse 80–84 Rentals 104
Acronyms and abbreviations 137 Sharing 23
Addiction 67, 85 Cash 47
Agencies to help newcomers 4 Charter of Rights and Freedoms 127
Airlines 26 Cheques 49
Alcohol and other drugs 15, 63, 84, 99 Child
Problems with 84 Care (daycare) 89
Ambulance 19 Car seats 98
Apartment 33 Children
Assault 80 And work 117
Support for 88
B Colleges 74
Banking 48 Continuing education 75
By telephone, internet and smartphone 50 Distributed (distance) learning 75
Machines 50 English classes 76
BC211 7, 79 Post-secondary education 74
BC Early Childhood Tax Benefit 88 Community, recreation, and seniors’ centres 28
BC Employment and Assistance Program 86 Compassionate care 118
BC Family Bonus Program 88 Continuing education 75
BC Newcomers’ Guide Courts 131
Apps 3 COVID-19 65
Ordering d Credentials 110
Using 3 Credit cards 49
BC Provincial Nominee Program 8, 136 Crisis centres 79
BC Services Card 57
Benefits for families with children 88 D
Bicycles 24 Debit cards 49
Buses 25 Deductions 115
BC Transit 22 Dentist 62
handyDART 23 Disabilities, people with 92
HandyDART 23 Property tax deferral 53
TransLink 21, 23 Subsidized housing 41
Business Transportation 22
Private companies, doing business with 51 Discrimination
Starting your own 123 Housing 34
Work 122
C Distributed (distance) learning and
Canada Child Benefit 52 homeschooling 74
Canada Pension Plan (CPP) 115 Doctors 59
Canadian citizenship 136 Finding a family doctor or a nurse
practitioner 59

138 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 INDEX

Drinking and driving 99 G

Driver’s licence 96
Gambling 84
Driving 96
Problems with 84
Distracted 99
Garbage and recycling 38
Schools 97
Gender identity 129
Drugs
Goods and Services Tax (GST) 47
Prescription 61
Government 135
Problems with 84–85
Government-assisted refugees 5
E Graduated Licensing Program 97
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 53
Early years programs 72
Education H
Post-secondary 74
Harassment 122
Secondary 72
Hate crimes 129
Education system 71
Health
Emergencies 19
Getting healthy and staying healthy 64
Calling the police 130
Health insurance 57
Medical emergencies 60
HealthLink BC 58
Emergency shelters 86
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) 6, 58
Employment and income assistance (welfare)
Help
86
Families 88
Employment Insurance (EI) 121
Housing 41
Deductions 115
Seniors 90
Employment Standards 114
Victims of crime 130
English 76
Holidays 117
English language learning for children 73
Homelessness 86
ESL classes for adults 76
Hospital 60
Eviction 39
Hours of work 114
Eye exams and eyeglasses 62
Housing
F Buying a home 42
Emergency housing 86
Families Help 41
Benefits 88 Renting housing 33
Help for 88 Subsidized housing 41
Social customs 14 Types of housing 33
Federal government 135 Human rights 127
Ferries 26
Food banks 87 I
Foreign qualifications recognition (FQR) 112
Immigrant settlement agencies 4
Francophone settlement services 5
Immigration and citizenship 136
Fraud and scams 18
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Freedom of Information and Protection of
Canada (IRCC) 8, 81, 136
Privacy Act 128
Income assistance 86, 121
French education programs 73
Income tax 51
Indigenous peoples 11
Institutes (educational) 74

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 139

INDEX

Insurance Sending and receiving 26

Car 95, 101 Maps
House 43 British Columbia h
Medical 58 Vancouver region 143
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) 6, 58 Maternity and parental leave 118
Internet Medical
Banking by Internet 50 Emergencies 60
Getting Internet service 38 Insurance 58
Online fraud and scams 18 Medical Insurance 58
Using the Internet 7 Medical Services Plan (MSP)
Interpreting and translation services 5 Coverage 57
Fees and assistance 57
J Register 57
Job Supplementary Benefits 57
Applying for a job 108 Medicine
Finding a job 107 Buying 61
Getting certified to work in B.C. 111 Pharmacies 61
Getting hurt on the job 122 Prescriptions 61
Losing a job 120 Mental health 63
Job interviews 110 Alcohol and other drugs 63
Metric and imperial measure 48
L Minimum wage 116
Money 47
Landlord 33–40
Banking 48
Becoming a landlord 43
Borrowing and owing money 51
Language, assistance 61–68
Investing 54
Laws
Sending money 50
Traffic 97
Mortgage 42
Working 114
Lawyer 133 N
Legal
Information 134 Nursing services (8-1-1) 59
System 127
LGBTQ2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, O
transgender, queer and Two-Spirit) 92, Old Age Security Pension (OAS) 53
129 Ombudsperson, Office of the 92
Libraries 27 Optometrists 62
Loans Owing money 51
Car 103
Foreign qualifications recognition (FQR) 112 P
Property tax deferment 53 Parental leave 118
Student 74 Pension 53
Local government 135 People with disabilities 92
Losing your job 120 Property tax deferment for 53
Low-cost housing 41 Subsidized housing for 41
Transportation for 22
M PharmaCare and Fair PharmaCare 61
Mail 26

140 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

 INDEX

Pharmacist 61 Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) 71

Police 130 Shopping 47
Arrests 130 Social customs 14
Complaints against police 131 Social Insurance Number (SIN) 107
Reporting car crashes 101 Special needs (children in school) 72
Traffic laws 97 Sponsorship
Post office 26 Breakdown 85
Post-secondary education 74 Refugees 5
Prescription drugs 61 Subsidized housing 41
Private health insurance 58 Supplementary Benefits 57
Property taxes 53
Public health units 63 T
Taxable benefits 116
Q Taxes 51
Qualifications 110 Paying taxes 51
Taxis 23
R Telephones 16
Rape, sexual assault 80 Banking by telephone 50
Recreation 28 Long-distance calls 17
Refugees Mobile phones 16
Government-assisted refugees 5 Traffic laws 97
Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) 6, 58 Trains 26
Privately sponsored refugees 5 Translation and interpreting services 5
Refugee claimants 6 Transportation 21
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) 75 Travel
Renting 33 Between communities 25
Residential Tenancy Agreement 35
Resumés 109 U
Unions
S Joining a union 114
Safety Union dues 116
Job 122 Universities
Online 18 Continuing education 75
Personal 18 Distributed (distance) learning 74
Schools Post-secondary education 74
Independent (private) 72 Upgrading 112
Post-secondary 74 Utilities 35
Public schools 71
Seatbelts 97 V
Seniors Vacations 117
Community, recreation, seniors’ centres 28 Vehicles
Financial help 53 Buying and selling 101
Seniors’ programs and benefits 90 From outside B.C. 104
Senior’s Supplement 53 Victims of crime 130
Service BC 8 Violence, abuse, and neglect 80
Service Canada 8 Volunteering 29
Settlement agencies 4

British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services 141

INDEX

W
Walk-in clinics 60
Walking 24
Welfare (income assistance) 86, 121
Witness 131
Working (also see job) 114
Discrimination and harassment 122
Getting certified to work in B.C. 111
Getting hurt 122
Laws about 114
Leave 118
WorkSafeBC 122

Y
Young people
Help for 82
Young people and the law 132

142 British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide to Resources and Services

Vancouver region