Settlement Services

New to the Sault?  We can help!  

As a recognized leader in the settlement and integration of newcomers and refugees to Sault Ste. Marie, we can provide the resources and guidance you need to become engaged in social, civic, cultural, and economic life.

Our Settlement Services are conveniently located in downtown Sault Ste. Marie at 477 Queen Street East, Unit #101

Would you like to receive services in French? If so, please contact: Réseau du Nord | Soutien à l’immigration Francophone.

Newcomer Settlement Services

Moving to a new place can be overwhelming, and there is a lot to consider and plan for when you take the leap. At the Sault Community Career Centre, we have a New to the Sault (NTTS) team who is happy to help make the transition to resettlement easier for you and your family. Speak with one of our knowledgeable counsellors to see how we can help!

New to the Sault support services include:

  • Solutions-based counselling for newcomers seeking settlement and employment support
  • Individual and family needs assessment, goal setting, and referrals
  • Support for internationally-trained professionals navigating accreditation and licensure in Ontario
  • Information about your rights and entitlements as a new resident of Ontario and Canada
  • Assistance in filling out forms and applications
  • Help in finding programs and services within the community
  • Aid in developing personal and community relationships and resources
  • Advice, support and advocacy to deal with the effects of migration, culture shock, and other stresses of adjusting to life in Canada
  • English language assessment and training for eligible clients

The Resettlement Assistance Program

The Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) provides immediate and essential support to Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) who are selected overseas on the basis of their need for protection through Canada’s Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program. RAP, which is separate from the Settlement Program, provides a bridge to assist incoming refugees in their settlement and community integration journey. While we do provide needed support for GARs, all New to the Sault (NTTS) services are available to every newcomer residing or moving to Sault Ste. Marie.

Under RAP, GARs are provided with immediate resettlement assistance, orientation services and income support upon arrival in Canada within the first 4 – 6 weeks that they arrive. Financial support is administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and delivered directly to clients. Other services such as assistance at reception centres, the provision of temporary accommodation, help in finding permanent housing and orientation to life in Canada are provided by Service Provider Organizations (SPOs) through Contribution Agreements. Using a hub and spoke model, the Sault Community Career Centre has established a partnership with Thunder Bay Multicultural Association (TBMA) for the RAP program.

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) program services include:

  • Airport reception
  • Temporary and Long-term accommodation
  • Referrals to health care services
  • Linking clients to federal and provincial programs such as Social Insurance Number (SIN), Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), etc.
  • Orientation on topics such as housing, education, health, employment, etc.
  • Financial orientation
  • Life skills training and support
  • Help with Immigration related applications
  • Language assessment
  • Referrals to other essential services in the community

Our RAP program Settlement Consultants and all staff members at the Sault Community Career Centre work towards our common goal of moving refugees to a healthy state of independence by creating an inclusive and accessible environment.

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a free language training program for eligible adult learners. We help newcomers learn effective English communication skills needed to live and work in Canada. Our certified instructors use everyday tasks and real-world examples within their lessons to help those new to Canada learn about our culture and standard of living. Using the Canadian Language Benchmarks, we teach from levels Literacy to CLB 5.

We provide:

  • Transportation supports (gas and bus passes)
  • Free childcare for toddler and preschool children
  • Small class sizes for more personalized attention

Location:

477 Queen Street East, Unit #101. Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Z5

Hours:

Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (½ hour lunch)

Eligibility:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Must be a landed immigrant, a convention refugee, or a person in Canada whose application for Permanent Resident status is being processed
  • Contact us about this program.

To find out if our LINC classes are right for you, or if you would like to register then stop into the Sault Community Career Centre and speak with one of our NTTS Counsellors today!