Ontario

Digital Skills for a New Beginning

For newcomers to Ontario, digital literacy is a critical tool for successful settlement, employment, and community integration.

Navigating a New Life with Technology

Arriving in a new country presents countless challenges. In Ontario, settlement agencies and community organizations are integrating digital literacy into their core services to help newcomers adapt more quickly. These programs provide crucial knowledge for navigating essential systems that are increasingly online. From applying for a SIN and OHIP to finding housing and registering children for school, digital skills are now a prerequisite for a smooth settlement process.

Training focuses on practical, immediate needs. Workshops are often multilingual and cover topics like using online government portals, setting up an email account, understanding Canadian job search platforms like LinkedIn, and using online maps for transportation. This practical support empowers new Canadians to become self-sufficient and confident in managing their new lives.

Core Skills for New Canadians

  • Accessing Government Services: Guidance on using portals like IRCC for immigration status, ServiceOntario for health cards, and CRA for taxes.
  • Language Learning Tools: Introduction to apps and websites that support English or French language acquisition.
  • Online Job Search: Training on creating a digital resume, using job boards, and networking professionally online.
  • Digital Financial Literacy: Basics of online banking, budgeting apps, and avoiding financial scams.
Person working on a laptop in a modern office setting