Desi News Corp - Index

Desi News Corp - Desi News - April 2009 - Index

Welcome to
Canada!
s Canada’s Minister of Citizenship,
Immigration and Multicul-
Ahistory
turalism, I am proud of our nation’s
in welcoming newcomers from
around the world.
Each year, Canada welcomes nearly
a quarter of a million new permanent
residents. Canada would not be the
prosperous nation it is today without
these individuals. Their accomplishments
and contributions to our country
have been tremendous, enriching
all areas of Canadian society. I thank
them for their contributions to Canada.
The Government of Canada understands
that adapting to a new country
is challenging. This is why we fund various
service providers in communities
across the country to deliver programs
and services for newcomers. Recognizing
the importance of such programs
and services, since 2006 we have invested
an additional $1.4 billion over five
years in programs for newcomers
across Canada. I encourage you to visit
the Citizenship and Immigration Canada
website, at www.cic.gc.ca, to learn more
about the services the Government of
Canada provides for newcomers.
Once again, I thank you for considering
Canada as a destination of choice
and hope this publication will help inform
you about the opportunities and
experiences our country has to offer.
A nation built by immigrants
ou’ve come to Canada with many
dreams and hopes. You’ve made
YHowever,
the right decision!
as a new immigrant, you may
country, by definition, requires us to make
an effort learn about the country we
choose to make our homes in, to open ourselves
up to new experiences.
find the process of settling in slightly bewil- iMigrate, the new section we introduce
dering. Rest assured, Canada and the this month, is a starting point. Compre-
province of Ontario have many innovahensive and information-packed, iMigrate
tive and immigrant-friendly programs to is supported with the latest information
help guide you in your first days in your from the federal and provincial Ministries
new country.
of Citizenship and Immigration.
A poster on my office wall claims IMMI- Having received this issue of Desi News
GRANTS ARE THE BRICK AND MORTAR OF OUR at Pearson International upon arrival, I
NATION. As you settle in and discover your hope you will continue to turn to iMigrate
new neighbourhoods, you will find in our future issues for more information
Greektown, Little India, Little Italy and and stories about people who, once new
Chinatown are all living proof of a welcoming
culture that accepts us as we are.
And yet, Canada and immigrants share
a symbiotic relationship that continues to
immigrants, are now proud Canadians.
evolve. The process of settling in a new Editor
Editor
You need a SIN Card
to work in Canada
To work in Canada, you must have a
Social Insurance Number. This is a ninedigit
number that you will need to look
for a job and to receive government
benefits. It’s also called the SIN number.
You can get a SIN application form
through the Human Resources Centre,
run by the federal government near you.
You can also get a form through your
local immigrant-serving organization or
from the post office, or on the Internet at
www www www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/sc/sin/
www www .servicecanada.gc.ca/en/sc/sin/
index.shtml
index.shtml. index.shtml The SIN card will be sent
to you in the mail.
There is a small fee for processing
the application.
Applying for your Health Card
Doctor Search service of the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario to
locate a doctor in your area.
You can call 416-967-2626 416-967-2626 in Toronto
or 1-800-268-7096, 1-800-268-7096, ext. ext. 626, 626, from elsewhere
in Ontario.
Telehealth
If you are sick, but you do not know if
you need to go the emergency department
at your local hospital, call Telehealth
Ontario. Telehealth Ontario is a free,
confidential telephone service you can
call to get health advice from a registered
nurse. It is available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week.
You can get service in English and
French, and translation for some other
languages. Call 1-866-797-0000 1-866-797-0000 from
anywhere in Ontario.
How to find a dentist
For the most up-to-date and authoritative
information about health care Use the Find a Dentist service of the
coverage in Ontario, visit the Ontario
Ontario Ontario Dental Association.
Health Health Insurance Insurance Plan Plan (OHIP) (OHIP) web site. To find a dentist anywhere in Ontario,
Or, for more info, call the Ministry of Health except for Toronto, call 416-922-3900
416-922-3900.
416-922-3900
infoline at 1-800-268-1
1-800-268-1153
1-800-268-1 153 (toll-free in There will be a cost if this is a
The The Honourable Honourable Jason Jason Kenney
Kenney
Ontario only). In Toronto, call 416-314-5518.
416-314-5518. long distance call for you.
PC, MP
To find a dentist in your
Minister of Citizenship,
How to find a family doctor
in Toronto, please call
Immigration and Multiculturalism Doctor Doctor Search Search Service: Service: Use the 416-967-5649
416-967-5649.
416-967-5649 iMIGRATE