Simcoe Mukoka YMCA Immigrant Services Citizenship Classes
Are you applying for Canadian Citizenship?
Join the YMCA for an 8 week virtual Citizenship course, starting January 11. The course will help prepare you for the citizenship application process.
Contact Fatme El Sabbagh for more information or register by emailing: fatme.elsabbagh@sm.ymca.ca or call: 249-288-4438.
For more information see the flyers below:
CitizenshipClasses_Flyer2_Winter.pdf
CitizenshipClasses_Flyer3_Winter.pdf
Tamil and Urdu Family Support Groups
January 21st - Virtual Workshop on Mental Health
Newcomers from upper York Region and Simcoe County are welcome to join a workshop on mental health. Please join our guest speaker from Canadian Mental Health Association as we discuss mental health challenges and positive strategies for those new to Canada and feeling overwhelmed or alone.
Pre-registration requested.
Please see the following flyer: 21JAN21 - CAN WE TALK FLYER - final.pdf
Multilingual COVID-19 Health Resources
COVID-19 Resources
- January-February 2021 Ontario's new shutdown multilingual fact sheets:
- Multilingual Do's and Don'ts: Ho to safely use a non-medical mask or face covering:
- Multilingual Resources compiled by National Settlement and Integration Council from the Canadian Public Health Agency Website:
List of COVID resources.pdf
- Public Health Ontario has developed the resources in multiple languages to support stakeholders with the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease.
- Information, resources and factsheets produced by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the public on COVID-19, including information on the symptoms, how to prevent spreading the virus, how to protect others and cope with stress during the outbreak, are available in English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish.
- Online COVID-19 language course
in 101 languages to teach individuals essential English vocabulary
about the pandemic (e.g. "quarantine", "pandemic", "it is an
emergency" etc.)
- An introductory video produced by the WHO on COVID-19 in English with French, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Russian and Spanish subtitles is available here.
- A resource where the WHO debunks common myths about COVID-19 is available in English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
Mental Health Resources
- The Ontario government has
expanded its online and virtual mental health tools, including BounceBack (https://bouncebackontario.ca). It has
developed a series of videos that contain practical tips on managing your
mood, sleeping better, building confidence, increasing activity, problem
solving and healthy living. Videos are available in English, French, Arabic,
Farsi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi.
Resources for Children:
1- A resource on how to speak to children about COVID-19 is available in English and Spanish.
What is Social Distancing?
Multilingual Income Benefits, Credits and Assistance
Emergency Child Care - January 2021
With direction from the Ministry of Education, The County of Simcoe is collaborating with local system stakeholders to facilitate access to targeted Emergency Child Care that will support eligible parents of school-aged children, at no cost to eligible parents, from January 4-8, 2021.
Please visit the following webpage for more information about eligibility and application process:
https://www.simcoe.ca/ChildrenandCommunityServices/Pages/Emergency-Child-Care---January-2021.aspx
The Canadian Child Benefit (CCB) was translated in:
PLEASE NOTE: New information is being updated daily, so we can only confirm accuracy of this document to the last updated. It is important for readers to confirm accuracy of this information.
Georgian College Career and Community Services developed helpful Resources for individuals struggling through COVID - 19. See document below:
Income Support_BA_V3.pdf
1- Employment Insurance
To find out if you are eligible to receive EI regular benefits, you must submit an application online. It will take about 60 minutes to complete the online application. The website takes you step by step through the application process, and provides detailed instructions on how to complete the form. When you apply for Employment Insurance benefits, you will be asked for your email address. If Service Canada needs more information about your claim and cannot reach you by phone, a Service Canada agent will send you a toll-free number by email, asking you to call an agent.
Ontario Works - people who are already receiving social assistance:
Ontario Works provides a range of health-related discretionary benefits to those in receipt of social assistance. These benefits now include assistance with costs related to hand sanitizer, masks or additional cleaning supplies due to the need to self-
isolate or quarantine. Requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis. The maximum benefit available is $100 for single individuals and $200 for couples/families.
To apply for Ontario Works Assistance including Emergency Assistance and Discretionary Benefits, contact 705-722-3132.
Ontario Works - Emergency Assistance for Ontarians Ontario Works helps people who are in temporary financial need. It includes Emergency Assistance for Ontarians who are in a crisis or facing an unexpected emergency, have no access to other supports and are unable to meet basis living expenses. Access to Emergency Assistance may be available to those who are waiting for new COVID-19 support from the federal government to become available. Applicants may be eligible for up to 48 consecutive days of assistance.
To apply for Ontario Works Assistance including Emergency Assistance and Discretionary Benefits, contact 705-722-3132.
3 - Additional Support for Individuals and Families:
South Simcoe COVID-19 Community Response Fund:
If you are in need of a one time financial assistance for basic needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to receive assistance from a limited fund. To see if you qualify please see the document below: SouthSimcoeCOVID_EmergencyFund.pdf
One-Time Financial Assistance for Ontario Parents - The Province announced additional funding support to parents while Ontario schools and child care centres remain closed. The funding will include a one-time payment of $200 per child age 0-12, and $250 for those 0-21 years of age with special needs.
Parents must apply to receive this funding and can do so online.
Parents already receiving Support for Parents payments through direct deposit will be automatically eligible for this new financial support and do not need to submit a new application.
Special GST Credit Payment - The government is providing a one-time special payment starting April 9 through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families. The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples. There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically.
Mortgage Support - Canadian banks have committed to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis to find solutions to help them manage hardships caused by COVID-19. This includes permitting lenders to defer up to six monthly mortgage payments (interest and principal) for impacted borrowers. Canadians who are impacted by COVID-19 and experiencing financial hardship as a result should contact their financial institution regarding flexibility for a mortgage deferral. This gives flexibility to be available − when needed − to those who need it the most. You are encouraged to visit your bank’s website for the latest information, rather than calling or visiting a branch.
Check your local City website for additional supports such as free transit, additional garbage collection, deferred property tax payment and additional community support projects including funding for families.
Simcoe County Settlement & Language Training Services
Bradford Immigrant and Community Services (BICS):
BICS has now resumed
operations after the holidays. Clients can be assisted via
telephone, and email. LINC (Language
Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes are currently offered
online.
Clients requiring any assistance can call the office number (905-775-3343) or send an email to inquiries@bradfordimmigrant.ca.
For more information please visit: http://bradfordimmigrant.ca
English Language Learning Classes:
The English Learning Classes want to assure you that the health and well-being of our students and staff remains a top priority for the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB). We are in regular contact with our local health authority, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), and continue to take their direction on all matters related to COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus).
Registration
To register for our classes and get more details please contact the Learning Centre:
- Barrie – 705-725-8360 x 45151
- Bradford – 905-775-4432
- Collingwood – 705-445-9019
or email Gerry Anderson at
ganderson@scdsb.on.ca
Job Finding Club for Immigrants:In
efforts to slow and prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus, the
Job Finding Club for Immigrants at Georgian Employment Services centres
will be closed to walk-in traffic until further notice. However, they
will continue to serve clients remotely. That means this site will not
provide face-to-face services at this time.
You can access all services by connecting to them with:
TEXT: (705) 315-0393 or 705-796-2016;
EMAIL: iwantajob@georgiancollege.ca;
PHONE: (705) 722-1505 ext. 4103 or 4110
For more information please visit: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/job-finding-club-immigrants/
Occupational Specific Language Training (OSLT) Classes:
Georgian College will be offering Workplace Communications Skills for Professional Managers (focused on business and technology) from October to March, and a variety of courses for health care professionals starting at the end of September.
All courses are offered remotely, with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous delivery, and are open to permanent residents and protected persons whose English skills are at an intermediate level (Canadian Language Benchmark 6 to 8.) There is no charge for students to participate in these courses and, as the courses are delivered remotely, students from across the province can participate.
See www.GeorgianCollege.ca/oslt for more information. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about a course or to book a CLB assessment, please send an email oslt@georgiancollege.ca or call 705.728.1968, ext.5329.
ProfessionalManagers_GeorgianCollege_Flyer.pdf
HealthCare_GeorgianCollege_Flyer.pdf
Welcome Centre - Mobile Unit:
The
Mobile Unit will be serving clients virtually in:
- AllistonMU Alliston Gateway Flyer - Virtual Service Update.pdf,
- Collingwood MU Collingwood Gateway Flyer - Virtual Service Update.pdf,
- Orillia MU Orilla Gateway Flyer - Virtual Service Update.pdf
- Wasaga Beach MU Wasaga Beach Gateway Flyer - Virtual Service Update.pdf
Staff
will be maintaining their regular availability of 8am-8pm, Monday –
Friday. Clients can reach the Mobile Unit at mobileunit@welcomecentre.ca or call our multilingual communication line at 1-877-761-1155.
The Mobile Unit is hosting online English Conversation Circles Mondays from
10:00-11:00 am and Thursdays from 5:00-6:00 pm for Simcoe County Residents. For more information please see the following flyer: Simce County English Conversation Circles - Online.pdf
For more information please visit: http://www.welcomecentre.ca/
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka - Immigrant Services:
As
of Friday March 13th, 2020 YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Immigrant
Services suspended their in person services. They continue to provide
settlement support services via phone, text, email and zoom.
English Language Learning services are using remote and online services and platforms to connect with students.
If you are having contact with individuals who require support please have them phone or text - 705.241.2501.
The YMCA is hosting Virtula English Conversation Circles every Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 pm. For more information please email jessica.dinner@sm.ymca.ca.
YMCA of Simcoe-Muskoka Conversation Circle.pdf
For more information please visit: https://ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/immigrant-services/
Ontario Health Coverage
March 20, 2020
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve globally and locally, Ontario
is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance
Plan (OHIP) coverage. Additionally, the province will cover the cost of
COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for
OHIP coverage.
Together, these measures will ensure that no one will be discouraged
from seeking screening or treatment for COVID-19 for financial reasons.
For more information, please visit: https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-expands-coverage-for-care.html
If you do not have health coverage
Document for Uninsured Simcoe County Residents.pdf
Community Health Centres are mandated to provide services to people residing in Ontario who do not have Ontario Health Insurance coverage and who are considered a priority population for the purposes of Community Health Centre services.
There are 3 Community Health Centres in Simcoe County:
Barrie Community Health Centre
Address: 490 Huronia Road, Barrie, ON, L4N 6M2
Telephone: 705-734-9690
Website: www.bchc.ca
Centre de sante communautaire Chigamik Community Health Centre
Address: 845 King Street Unit 10, Midland, ON, L4R 0B7
Telephone: 705-527-4154 or 1-855-527-4154
Website: www.chigamik.ca
South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre
Address: 14 Ramblewood Drive Unit 202, Wasaga Beach, ON, L9Z 0C4
Telephone: 705-422-1888
Website: www.southgeorgianbaychc.ca
Ontario and Simcoe County COVID-19 Healthcare Resources
Ontario Ministry of Health
For information on COVID-19 please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website. It provides information about the virus, how people can protect themselves and what to do if they have contracted the virus.
Self-assessment tool
Ontario launched an enhanced and interactive self-assessment tool.
This tool takes the public through a series of questions to inform
those who are concerned they may have contracted COVID-19.
Contact your primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 if you are experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus.
Please do not visit an assessment centre unless a health care professional has referred you.
Simcoe County COVID-19 Assessment Centres
Please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website to see the locations and hours of operations of the assessment centre in your area.
There are currently eight assessment centres in Simcoe County:
- Alliston
- Barrie
- Bradford
- Collingwood
- Innisfil
- Midland
- Orillia
- Wasaga Beach
COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
Immigration and Travel
June 8, 2020
The Government of Canada has implemented travel restrictions. Below is an overview of some of the travel restrictions, exemptions and immigration impacts.
PLEASE NOTE: New information is being updated daily, so we can only confirm accuracy of this document to the last update. It is important for readers to confirm accuracy of this information.
1 - Leaving Canada
The Government of Canada has issued an official advisory to Avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice. Many countries across the globe are issuing similar advisories and closing their borders to international travellers.
Click here to find out more information about travelling outside of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html
2 - Entering Canada
COVID-19 testing required for people flying into Canada
Starting 11:59 pm (EST) January 6, 2021, air travellers 5 years of age or older will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result to the airline prior to boarding international flights bound for Canada. See the news release for air travellers.
Mandatory 14-day quarantine or isolation
Everyone entering Canada must follow mandatory isolation or quarantine requirements. Not respecting the mandatory requirements is a serious offence with consequences and penalties.
Travel Requirement App - ArriveCAN
Starting November 21, 2020, all travellers flying to Canada will need to submit the following information via ArriveCAN by either using the free mobile app, or by signing in online before they board their flight:
• contact information
• travel information
• quarantine plan (unless they are exempt)
• COVID-19 symptoms self-assessment
3 - Temporary and Permanent Residency Applications
The Government of Canada has put in special measures to help temporary and permanent residents and applicants affected by COVID-19. For more information, click here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-special-measures.html
4 - Refugee Claimants
There are many changes to the procedures for those intending on claiming asylum in Canada and those who have already made claims and are awaiting their hearings: Please check out the UNHRC's website on the most up to date information: https://www.unhcr.ca/newsroom/key-information-asylum-seekers/
5 - International Students
International students post-graduation work permit eligibility won't be affected if their Fall 2020 courses are only offered online due to #COVID19. Students can begin programs online from outside Canada and complete up to 50% of them outside the country. In addition, students will not have time deducted from the length of a future post-graduation work permit for studies completed outside of Canada, up to December 31, 2020. For more information, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/pgwpp-rules-covid19.html
Local Volunteer Opportunities
April 20, 2020
During this difficult time, it is more important than ever to come together and help those in need, ensuring Ontarians have access to food, medicine and basic necessities.
1- Ontario:
The Ontario government is encouraging volunteerism to support seniors, people with disabilities and other Ontarians impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Please see the attached information, share with your members and visit www.sparkontario.ca if your not-for-profit organization needs volunteers or someone from your community is interested in helping those impacted by COVID-19.
2- County of Simcoe:
The County of Simcoe counts 8 care-mongering Facebook groups set up by county residents. The groups offer help to others within their communities, particularly those who are more at risk of health complications related to coronavirus. See the document below for more information:
Caremongering.pdf
3 - City of Barrie:
The Barrie Social Support Task Force connects business donations with social agencies. Seeking donations of non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, toiletries and more. For more information please visit the task force webpage or email connect@barrielibrary.ca or call 705-728-1010 option #4.
4 - South Simcoe:
Volunteer South Simcoe provides volunteering opportunities from local organizations. Click here to visit their website or call 705-435-4900 ext. 201 to learn more.
New:
CONTACT Community Services is launching a new program to support seniors living in South Simcoe who are feeling isolated due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Seniors can sign up for a “Check in and Chat” once or twice a week and will be paired with a volunteer who will call them at a designated time to see how they are doing. The volunteers will also help navigate challenges the seniors may be having due to social distancing measures, such as getting groceries or medications.
For more information, please see the document below: Check in and Chat.pdf
COVID-19 Employers/Employees, Landlord/Tenants rights Q&A
COVID-19: A Guide for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada
Please find below the “COVID-19: A Guide for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada" from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in the following languages:
The themes covered include:
- Information about COVID-19, including how the disease spreads and individuals at an elevated risk for developing complications related to COVID-19;
- What TFWs should know before coming to Canada;
- Rights and Responsibilities of TFWs during the mandatory 14-day quarantine period, including employer responsibilities and tips to maintain good mental health;
- Rights and Responsibilities of TFWs during non-quarantine period, including how to access health care and health-related information;
- Income supports for TFWs in Canada;
- Contact information for government authorities related to health care, TFW Program compliance, Employment Standards, and Occupational Health and Safety.
Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers - Multilingual Resources
Ontario Human Rights Code
The
Ontario Human Rights Code has developed a series of questions and
answers for understanding your human rights and obligations during the
COVID-19 pandemic. These questions and answers cover the rights and
responsibilities of employers and employees, tenants and landlords, as well as residential institutions.
Please click on the following link for more information: http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/covid-19-and-ontario%E2%80%99s-human-rights-code-%E2%80%93-questions-and-answers-0
COVID-19 Resources for Businesses and Employers
1 - The County of Simcoe Economic Development Office is working with partners to consistently update COVID-19 business resources.
For more information, please visit the website: https://edo.simcoe.ca/covid-19-business-resources
Do not hesitate to reach out to the team at: edo@simcoe.ca
2 - Georgian College Career and Employment Community Services developed a document to help support local businesses affected by COVID-19. See document below to access the resources: Support_for_local_businesses_BA_V3.pdf