African Diaspora Association of Canada (ADAC) http://www.africancanadiandiaspora.org/home_en.htm
To foster value-adding contributions to Canadian society, and to form sustainable partnerships that directly benefit deserving African communities in Africa and Canada.
American Women's Club of Oakville http://www.awco.ca
Founded in 1977, the American Women's Club of Oakville (AWCO) is a non-profit organization which serves both the community and its members. Membership includes U.S. born and naturalized citizens. The club is open to residents of the Halton and Peel regions of Ontario, Canada. In addition to meeting on the second Thursday of every month, September to May, the Club sponsors special events and regularly scheduled activities.
American Women's Club of Toronto http://www.awcto.com/
The club is open to any woman who is American by birth or citizenship and currently living in Toronto.
Calgary Newcomers Club http://www.calgarynewcomersclub.com/
A non-profit social club run by member volunteers. The mandate of the club is to provide its members with social interaction with other women who are new to Calgary, through shared interests and activities.
India-Canada Association (ICA) http://www.indiacanada.org/newica/Templates/main.html
The Association shall strive to promote social, cultural and educational interests of its members, develop understanding between members of its community and such other residents of Canada as interested in the welfare of this community, and make the latter aware of issues of concern to the community. The Association shall help promote and retain Indian languages and cultural traditions as essential components of multiculturalism in Canada.
Newcomers Clubs in Canada http://www.newcomersclub.com/Canada/ab.html
Canada’s Newcomers Clubs are a great way to meet other women who are (or were at one stage) new to Canada. This site lists various Newcomers and Moms Clubs in the following locations (some have web sites, others just have telephone numbers for you): Calgary; High River; Lethbridge; Medicine Hat; Okotoks; Red Deer; Edmonton; Fort McMurray; Sherwood Park; and St. Albert.
General Links
Canadian Relocation Systems http://www.relocatecanada.com/
Welcome to Canadian Relocation Systems,the Online Guide for people Relocating or Moving in Canada, organized by City and Categories of interest from Arts to Weather.
CIC Canada Immigrate to Canada http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.html
Every year, Canada welcomes thousands of new residents. Coming to Canada as an immigrant is an exciting opportunity, but also a great challenge.
If you are interested in immigrating to Canada, you have a number of options when applying for permanent residence status. Read about these programs and decide which class suits you and your family best.
National Organization of Immigrant and Visible Minority
Women of Canada (NOIVMWC) http://www.noivmwc.org
An organization which exists to ensure equality for immigrant and visible minority women within an officially bilingual and multicultural Canada.
Settlement.org http://www.settlement.org
Providing information and answers
to settle in Ontario, Canada
True Canada http://truecanada.ca/
Welcome to True Canada, your essential reference tool for emigrating to Canada and settling into your new life here. As well as all the ‘official’ information, True Canada aims to give you a flavour of daily life, the culture, the sense of humour- what life is like in Canada from a newcomer’s perspective.
Academie Ste. Cecile International School http://www.stececile.ca/
An International Baccalaureate school which offers the internationally recognized curriculum and examinations.
Bishop's College School http://www.bishopscollegeschool.com/
Nestled in the heart of Quebec's historic Eastern Townships, Bishop's College School is a culturally diverse, bilingual, independent boarding and day school for grades seven through pre-university (12).
Calgary French & International School http://www.cfis.com/
As an independent school, our doors are open to support the needs of the larger community. We are a Public Private Partnership (P3) model that aims to achieve goals for the mutual benefit of the community and school.
College International Marie de France http://www.mariedefrance.qc.ca/
College International Marie de France is distinguished by a broad international perspective, a secular and open to the local culture and international. These features are unique to Quebec in general and Montreal in particular
La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science http://www.lacitadelleacademy.com/
La Citadelle International Academy of Arts & Science is a truly bilingual private educational institution whose goal is to offer unique educational and instructional settings through which students learn and excel, in both English and French in a modern and technologically advanced multidisciplinary context.
Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific http://www.pearsoncollege.ca/
Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific is a unique two year pre-university school for two hundred students selected from around the world based solely on their personal merit, potential and demonstrated commitment to engage actively in creating a better world.
Nancy Campbell Collegiate Institute http://www.nancycampbell.net/
NCCI is an accredited Canadian international private school, dedicated to inspiring academic excellence within a clear moral framework and offering classes from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12/AP.
Stanstead College http://www.stansteadcollege.com/
Stanstead College is an independent boarding and day school for boys and girls in Grades 7 through 12.
The York School (Toronto) http://www.yorkschool.com/
International Baccalaureate World School offering PYP, MYP, and Diploma Programmes.
Toronto French School http://www.tfs.ca/
A bilingual education. An international perspective. A co-educational environment. And the highly respected International Baccalauareate Diploma.
Country Nationals
Canuck Abroad.com http://www.canuckabroad.com
For the Canadian expatriate, information and resources - including a forum.
Canadian Government - Consular Affairs on retiring abroad http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/retirement_abroad-en.asp
The Consular Affairs Bureau provides information and assistance services to Canadians living and traveling abroad. These services are clearly established in international law and, more specifically, under the terms of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, to which Canada and many other nations are signatories.
Local News in English
Canada.com
Online presentation of many local and national Canadian newspapers, including:
Looking for work in another country requires more than just the obvious CV translation. You will be confronted with issues
that probably didn't even cross your mind when you decided to go for an international career, but don't underestimate
the big impact they can have on the outcome of your adventure! Think for example about the different rules and
habits regarding immigration, job application procedures, the selection procedures and the management culture.
These tips were kindly provided by volunteer Expat Women Mentors in 2007. ExpatWomen.com shares these tips in an effort to help but takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information.
Provided by Juliette G, French, in Ottawa, Canada
1.
Since Canada is an English country and economically developed, you might think it's similar to your home country. Sure, culture shock isn't as obvious as in, let's say, moving to China. However, Canada has its own culture and particularities you will need to master to feel comfortable here!
2.
Canada has two official languages: French and English. Quebec is proud to emphasize on the French side of Canada and more and more people are willing to study the language. It benefits everyone: better professional opportunities; less tension between Quebec and the federal government; and it's also a window on another culture!
3.
Ottawa is a very safe city, which thrives on local associations. You're always welcome to join one which fits your needs or your skills!
4.
Really, winter isn't that bad... Well, it does get cold, but snow is a lot of fun, plus the three other seasons are gorgeous!
5.
Ottawa is a great outdoor city where life is still relatively cheap, compared to Toronto or Montreal.
Provided by Sue D, British, in Toronto, Canada
1.
Get a secured credit card as early as possible to start building up your credit history. If you have no credit history, you will be denied a credit card as well as many other items unless you pay a deposit, e.g. a cell phone.
2.
Make sure you have some form of private health insurance to cover you for 3 months as you are not eligible for the free Ontario health plan (OHIP) until you have been in Ontario for 3 months. Apply for the OHIP card as soon as possible.
3.
Apply for your SIN (social insurance card) card as soon as possible otherwise you can not be paid. Go to the HRSDC offices (human resource and social development Canada). Be prepared for a long wait!
4.
Get your driving test done as soon as possible. Be warned, auto insurance is high in Ontario and in particular in Toronto. You will probably have to take a test unless you have a US driving license.
5.
Day care is hard to find for children under the age of one as maternity leave in Canada is 1 year. There are some places but often these are full time only. Get your name on a waiting list ASAP especially if you are looking at daycares within a school as these have very long waiting lists (in Toronto).
Provided by Miriam H, British, Whitby, Toronto, Canada
1.
Research much as possible about the country and city you are moving to.
2.
Get as many references as you can, personal, business and financial.
3.
Before leaving your homeland, locate a bank with an overseas partner and open an account prior to relocating; eg-hsbc was our choice and it made the transfer of funds so much easier.
4.
Get in touch with the city council in the city you are relocating to in order to get info regarding population, business, house prices, taxes etc.
5.
Get your driving license ASAP as most places insist on it as id.
