How to start your new life in Canada

Taking Advantage of Available Services

According to the Government of Canada, more than 160,000 people become Canadian citizens and take an oath of citizenship at ceremonies across the country. The oath is a personal commitment to accept the responsibilities and privileges of Canadian citizenship.

As a new Canadian, you may be able to take advantage of a wide range of free services within your community. Newcomer services are provided through the Government of Canada and are designed to ease your transition into Canadian life. Settlement professionals will be able to assist with things such as:

Look for a job
Get a language assessment
Register for language classes
Find a place to live
Fill out forms and applications
Sign up your kids for school
Learn about community services

You and your family may also be able to access free pre-arrival services before arriving in Canada. Pre-arrival services are designed to help:

Prepare for your move to Canada
Get your education, work experience and credentials recognized in Canada
Connect with employers to find a job
Connect with free services after you arrive in Canada

Access to pre-arrival services is based on a number of conditions found here.

Other Available Services

Throughout your community there are a number of services, businesses and programs which can make it easier to adjust to life in Canada.

Library

Many libraries offer classes and programs specifically for new immigrants to help them integrate and settle in their new community. People can find books in their language at most public libraries, as well as ESL materials in books and audio books. There are ESL classes, Conversation Circles and library tours available. Some libraries offer settlement services for newcomers to help find information about employment or volunteer opportunities.

Community Centres

Community centres across Canada offer a number of useful programs for new families to Canada. Joining activities and programs at your local community centre is also a good way of meeting new people who share your interests. Programs offered by many community centres include:

Health, fitness and recreation
Child care
Education
Leisure
Many other areas

Volunteering and community groups

There are many opportunities for people with common interests to gather. These can range from book clubs to sports organizations – most community centres will feature listings from local organizations and social media can also be very useful.

Schools, community centres, sports groups and other local organizations are also always looking for volunteers to assist with their day-to-day operations, and are a great way to meet other members of your community.

Which Province Suits You

Canada’s provinces vary greatly in terms of population density, resources and industries. Choosing a province to reside in which best suits your wants and needs will help ease the transition into Canadian life.

British Columbia

Capital city: VictoriaLargest city: VancouverPopulation: 4.4 million

British Columbia has several key industries including mining, fishing and forestry. Small businesses comprise 98% of the province’s commerce and are the main source of employment for British Columbians working in the private sector. BC’s tourism industry has grown significantly in the past decade, now employing 1 in 15 working British Columbians.

Saskatchewan

Capital city: ReginaLargest city: SaskatoonPopulation: 1.1 million

Saskatchewan has long been Canada’s agricultural hub. Roughly 95% of the provinces produced goods from its natural resources and their refined counterparts such as grains, livestock, oil and gas, potash, uranium and wood. Many people work in manufacturing companies that produce foods and beverages, chemicals, machinery and wood products.

Alberta

Capital city: EdmontonLargest city: CalgaryPopulation: 3.6 million

Alberta’s main industries include energy, agriculture and forestry. The energy industry makes up a quarter of the province’s GDP and includes the oil sands, natural gas and coal. Alberta is also Canada’s second largest agricultural producer.

Manitoba

Capital city: WinnipegLargest city: WinnipegPopulation: 1.2 million

Also notable for agricultural industry, Manitoba has a sizable wheat industry responsible for 40% of the province’s crop production. Other industries of note in the province include machinery, transportation and mining.

Quebec

Capital city: Quebec CityLargest city: MontrealPopulation: 7.9 million

Quebec is Canada’s only province with a dominant French-speaking population. Quebec’s mining and forestry industry generate billions in international export revenue and Hydro-Québec is a world leader in hydroelectric power, with tens of thousands working for these industries. Those interested in immigrating to Quebec should note that the province has established its own immigration programs and has requirements and distinctions separate from the Federal government’s streams for Canadian immigration.

Ontario

Capital city: TorontoLargest city: TorontoPopulation: 12.8 million

Seven of the world’s largest vehicle manufactures operate 14 plants in Ontario, making the province one of the world’s superpowers in terms of manufacturing. Other notable sectors include technology, mining and forestry as well as the arts.

Nova Scotia

Capital city: HalifaxPopulation: 921,700

Nova Scotia is home to bases in offshore and inland fishing, mining and drilling. Shipping is also common in Halifax as it is one of the main Atlantic ports.

New Brunswick

Capital city: FrederictonPopulation: 751,000

New Brunswick is the only official bilingual province in Canada. Main industries in the province include manufacturing and tourism.

Prince Edward Island

Capital city: CharlottetownPopulation: 140,200

Prince Edward Island is both Canada’s smallest province in terms of size and population. Major industries include agriculture and tourism.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Capital city: St John’sPopulation: 514,000

Another of Canada’s smallest provinces, notable industries in Newfoundland and Labrador include agriculture, fishing, tourism, energy, mining and forestry.

Finding Work Once You Arrive

There are many jobs available in Canada, however many of these jobs can be difficult for new Canadians to obtain. Security guard jobs can be a great way to have a rewarding career in an exciting industry.

Becoming a security guard may be a great starter job for anyone coming to live in Canada. This is due to the requirements of the position. All one needs to do is take 40-hours of security training (with CPR and first aid as well), take an exam and apply for a security licence. Upon receiving your security license, you will be able to find security guard jobs across the country.

So why should you pursue a career in security?

A job as a security guards in Canada pays an average of 35,000 dollars a year, which is a solid wage for an entry level position in Canada. Becoming a security guard can also be a good first step for new Canadians in getting into the Canadian work force.

Competent and trustful security guards are highly sought after by many different companies and organizations across Canada. A security guard job may also be a viable second income or job if one already has a main position at another workplace.

As a new Canadian, there are some qualities that security guard employers are looking for that you may not have quite yet. However, with a little bit of hard work and determination, you can become a security guard in Canada. For any security position in a Canadian province or territory, you will need proper security training to secure a position as a security officer.

Fluency in English

For some provinces, namely Alberta and British Columbia, you are required to be fluent in the English language. If you are not yet fluent in English, don’t worry! There are plenty of resources that can help you become fluent in English. Some of these resources include:

English language schools and courses, which can give a certificate to prove your understanding of English. Check out this Ultimate Guide to Learning English in Canada
Public libraries often have many English language learning resources for anyone to use! From free English learning programs to books, CD’s and DVD’s.
Colleges and Universities in major cities often have English learning courses. Look up the major learning institutions in your city and their programs.
The more you use it, the more comfortable you’ll be with English so consider using it as often as possible at your job.

Security Training

In order to become a security guard, you will need to complete 40 hours of security training and have a clean criminal record in Canada. You will also need to complete your first aid and CPR training, as these courses range from being assets to be being required in order to be employed as a security guard. Below are requirements by province:

After you have completed these courses, you will need to take a provincial security exam. Make sure to study before the exam, as you need to score 80% or higher in order to pass. Once you have passed the exam, you can apply for a security licence and start looking for a security guard job!

If you are looking for a reliable security training program that can fit into your busy schedule, consider our approved program. The entire course can be taken online and allows you to learn at your own pace. We even help you book and prep for the provincial exam. To learn more, visit us here.

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