The First Days
14 things to do in your first weeks in Ontario, Canada:
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number. You can do this at Service Canada.
- Apply for a health card. In Ontario, you can apply for a health card as soon as you arrive. You can do this at Service Ontario.
- Apply for the Canada Child benefits. It is a benefit the federal government gives to parents with children under 18 years old. Complete the Canada Child Benefits Application form to see if you are eligible.
- Open a bank account. Here you can find a list of documents you will need to open a bank account.
- Apply for a Driver’s license. DriveTest Centres offer driver licensing and examination services. It includes knowledge and road tests on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation (MTO).
- Locate a Settlement Agency. Once in Peterborough, please call the New Canadians Centre to make an appointment.
- Locate the Community Health Centre near you. The Peterborough Walk-in clinic and Peterborough Regional Hospital are both located in Peterborough city. Bring your health card, private insurance card or the Interim Federal Health document.
- Locate your local employment resource centre. In Peterborough, there are several centres you can visit. You can also speak with an employment counsellor at the New Canadians Centre.
- Locate a library. The Peterborough Public Library has valuable resources for the whole family.
- Get information on your rights as an employee and a tenant.
- Get proof of your child’s immunization to register for school.
- Get maps of streets and public transportation routes. Peterborough Public Transit operates.
- Consider an English class for yourself. The New Canadians Centre offers free English Language Learning programs.
- For more information on what you should do during your first two weeks in Ontario, visit Settlement.org.