Resources

Last updated: September 10, 2025

Starting a new life in a new place can be both exciting and challenging. To help you navigate this transition, we have compiled a list of useful resources to help you get settled.

Resources Directory (A - Z)

Affordable Child Care Benefit

A monthly payment to help eligible families with the cost of child care.

gov.bc.ca/affordablechildcarebenefit

Child Care Expenses

Parents, guardians, or caregivers paying for child care may be able to deduct money from income taxes.

canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-21400-child-care-expenses.html

ChildCareBC programs

Information about ChildCareBC programs.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/childcarebc-programs

Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Canada

Connect a child with an adult mentor outside of their family for guidance and support.

bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

Help for young people through clubs that offer many after-school programs and activities.

bgccan.com/en/find-your-club

Child and Family Services Search

Essential information and referrals to government and community support services.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/data-monitoring-quality-assurance/find-services-for-children-teens-families

Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs)

A network of professionals who work to support children and youth affected by abuse or violence. Provides information and resources for children who need help and people who want to report a child in danger.

bccyac.ca

Child Behaviour & Development

Information for families with children who need extra care related to behavior and development.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/child-behaviour-development

Foundry

A province-wide network of services for young people aged 12 to 24, including mental health care, substance use services, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer supports, and social services.

foundrybc.ca

YouthInBC Chat

A barrier-free, non-judgmental, confidential support chat service for young people aged 12 to 24. Available from noon to midnight.

YouthInBC.com

BC Automotive Association (BCAA)

Home, car, travel, and small business insurance.

Toll-free: 1 877 247-5551

bcaa.com

BC Registry Services

Information on personal property and vehicle liens (unpaid loans) and lien search services.

bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca/bcreg/pprpg/ppsearch.page

Carpooling and carsharing

Information on carpooling and carsharing.

translink.ca/rider-guide/driving/carpooling-and-carsharing

Child car seat safety

Information on choosing and installing a child car seat or booster seat.

tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/child-car-seat-safety

DriveBC

Up-to-date road conditions and driving tips, including driving times, weather warnings, snow tire requirements, and road conditions.

drivebc.ca

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)

B.C. driver’s licence, insurance, and BC Services Card.

Insurance: 1 800 663-3051

Driver’s licences and IDs: 1 800 950-1498

icbc.com

RoadSafetyBC

Information about road safety in B.C.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/roadsafetybc

Safety and road conditions

Information about safety and road conditions.

icbc.com/road-safety/safety-and-road-conditions

Shift Into Winter

Up-to-date road conditions, winter driving tips, and winter tire guidelines to help you drive safely in winter.

roadsafetyatwork.ca/campaign/shift-into-winter

Vehicle Sales Authority (VSA)

Information about buying vehicles.

vsabc.ca

Adult Education

Options for mature students who want to complete high school or take courses to meet post-secondary program requirements.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/adult-education

BC Transfer Guide

Information about university transfer programs.

bctransferguide.ca

BC School & District Contact Information

School & District Contact Information.

bcschoolcontacts.gov.bc.ca

Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials

Provides information on Canada's education systems and referral services regarding credential assessments for immigrating, studying, or working in Canada.

cicic.ca/857/study.canada

Early Learning Programs

Information about early learning programs for children up to 5 years old.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/support/programs

EducationPlannerBC

Information about career training and upgrading programs.

educationplannerbc.ca

Federation of Independent School Associations in British Columbia (FISA BC)

Information about independent schools.

Vancouver area: 604 684-6023

fisabc.ca

Immunization information

Vaccination Status Reporting Regulation for school-age children.

immunizebc.ca/children/vaccine-status-reporting-regulation

Kindergarten to Grade 12

Kindergarten to Grade 12 (K–12) programs.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)

Information about language classes funded by the Government of Canada.

canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/improve-english-french/classes.html

Le Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique

Information about French programs in B.C. public schools.

Vancouver area: 604 214-2600

Toll-free: 1 888 715-2200

csf.bc.ca

LearnLive BC

Information about study permits.

learnlivebc.ca

Post-secondary institutions

A list of post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/post-secondary-education/find-a-program-or-institution/find-an-institution

Private Training Institutions Branch

Information about finding private English schools and tutors offering English language training.

privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca

StudentAid BC

Financial help for post-secondary education.

studentaidbc.ca

B.C.Employment and Assistance Program

Help for people transitioning from income assistance to sustainable employment, and financial support for people who can’t work because of a disability.

Toll-free: 1 866 866-0800

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/ministry-overview/overview-of-bcea-program

BC Federation of Labour

Information about workers’ rights to safety and fair wages.

Vancouver area: 604 430-1421

Email: organize@bcfed.ca

bcfed.ca

Canada Labour Code

Federally regulated industries and workplaces.

canada.ca/en/services/jobs/workplace/federally-regulated-industries.html

Canadian Human Rights Commission

Discrimination complaints under federal human rights law.

Toll-free: 1 888 214-1090

chrc-ccdp.gc.ca

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants

Helps professionals in using their skills, training, and foreign qualifications for work.

welcomebc.ca/CareerPaths

Criminal Records Review Program

Apply for a criminal record check.

justice.gov.bc.ca/eCRC/home.htm

Employment and Social Development Canada

Learn how to protect your Social Insurance Number (SIN).

canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin/protection.html

Employment Insurance (EI)

Information about Employment Insurance benefits and leave.

canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei

Employment Standards

Information about hiring, firing, quitting, getting fired or laid off, getting paid, hours and overtime, taking time off, statutory holidays, and more.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards

Federal Job Bank

Thousands of jobs across Canada with online job boards and career websites.

jobbank.gc.ca

Helpline for Children

Assistance for children and youth who need help. The helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Toll-free: 310-1234 (no area code is needed)

International Credential Recognition

Information about international credential recognition.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/regulatory-authorities/oicr

International Credential Recognition Loans

Financial help for getting certified.

SUCCESS: successbc.ca/fcr

PICS: fcrloans.ca/brands/pics/

ISSBC: issbc.org/our-services/fcrloans

MOSAIC’s Migrant Worker Program

Support for foreign workers who are having trouble at work with harassment, discrimination, or safety issues.

Vancouver area: 604 324-7979

Email: migrantworkers@mosaicbc.org

mosaicbc.org/services/settlement/migrant-workers

My Self Serve (MySS)

Online access to income and disability assistance.

myselfserve.gov.bc.ca

Professional Credential Recognition

Information about Professional Credential Recognition.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/regulatory-authorities

Service BC

Contact information for various B.C. government programs, services, and representatives.

Vancouver area: 604 660-2421

Toll-free: 1 800 663-7867

Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre

Employment information and programs.

Vancouver area: 604 331-3603

vpl.ca/siic

Social Insurance Number

Information about the Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Toll-free: 1 866 274-6627

Canada.ca/social-insurance-number

WorkBC

Information about finding a job and working in B.C.

Toll-free: 1 877 952-6914

workbc.ca

WorkSafeBC 

Information about safe and healthy workplaces across B.C.

Toll-free: 1 888 967-5377

worksafebc.com

BC Cancer

Cancer screening services, including breast, cervix, colon, and lung cancer screening.

screeningbc.ca

BC Centre for Disease Control

Provincial programs and clinics that support public health and help control the spread of disease in B.C.

bccdc.ca

BC Dental Association

Find a dentist.

yourdentalhealth.ca/visiting-your-dentist/find-a-dentist

BC Emergency Health Services

Information about ambulance billing.

bcehs.ca/about/billing

BC PharmaCare

Information about what BC PharmaCare covers.

Vancouver area: 604 683-7151

Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/pharmacare-for-bc-residents/what-we-cover

BC Services Card

Information about accessing government services for B.C. residents.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/government-id/bc-services-card

Canada's Food Guide

Guidelines and considerations on healthy eating.

food-guide.canada.ca/en

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

Solutions to address alcohol and other drug-related harms.

ccsa.ca

Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

Help to make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible children under 19 and adults over 65.

canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan.html

Crisis Line Association of BC

Emotional support, crisis and suicide assessment/intervention, and resource information.

Toll-free: 310-6789 (no area code is needed)

crisislines.bc.ca

Fair PharmaCare

Helps B.C. families pay for many prescription drugs.

Vancouver area: 604 683-7151

Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100

gov.bc.ca/fairpharmacare

Get Checked Online

An easy way to test for STIs without visiting a health care provider. This service is provided by the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).

604 707-5603

getcheckedonline.com

Health fee for international students

Information about health fees for international post-secondary students with study permits who are enroled in MSP.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/health-fee-international-students/pay

HealthLink BC

Free, non-emergency health information and advice in B.C.

Call 8-1-1 for HealthLink

Call 7-1-1 if you have trouble hearing

healthlinkbc.ca

Healthy Kids Program

Helps low-income families to pay for basic dental care, prescription eyeglasses, hearing instruments, or alternative hearing assistance for children under 19.

Toll-free: 1 866 866-0800

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/policies-for-government/bcea-policy-and-procedure-manual/health-supplements-and-programs/healthy-kids

Heart and Stroke Foundation

Information about heart disease and stroke.

heartandstroke.ca

Interim Federal Health Program

Limited, temporary coverage of health-care benefits for specific groups of people in Canada who don’t have provincial, territorial, or private health-care coverage.

canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-within-canada/health-care/interim-federal-health-program/eligibility.html

Interim Federal Health Program – Services and Information

Search by location for a variety of providers that can offer their services under the IFHP program.

ifhp.medaviebc.ca/en/providers-search

Managing your health

Programs and services to help you stay healthy.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health

Medical Services Plan (MSP)

Information about B.C.’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) including eligibility, services covered, services not covered, out-of province coverage, BC Supplementary Benefits, etc.

Vancouver area: 604 683-7151

Toll-free: 1 800 663-7100

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp

Medical Services Plan (MSP) Supplementary Benefits

Information about partial payment for certain medical services obtained in British Columbia.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/benefits/services-covered-by-msp/supplementary-benefits

Medimap

Find a nearby walk-in clinic or Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).

medimap.ca

Mental health and substance use services

Resources, services, and supports that can help with mental health and substance use.

bcmhsus.ca/mental-health-substance-use-services

QuitNow BC

A free program to quit or reduce tobacco and e-cigarette use.

Toll-free: 1 877 455-2233

quitnow.ca

Trans Care BC

Connects trans people, their loved ones, and clinicians with information, education, training, and support.

Toll-free: 1 866 999-1514

Email: transcareteam@phsa.ca 

transcarebc.ca

BC Housing

Housing listings, rental assistance programs, affordable rental and market rent housing, and subsidized housing.

Vancouver area: 604 433-2218

Toll-free: 1 800 257-7756

bchousing.org

BC Housing – Emergency Shelters

Find emergency shelters, drop-in centres, outreach workers, transition houses, and safe homes.

bchousing.org/housing-assistance/homelessness-services/emergency-shelter-program

BC Human Rights Clinic

Help for people with provincial human rights complaints.

Vancouver area: 604 622-1100

Toll-free: 1 855 685-6222

Email: infobchrc@clasbc.net

bchrc.net

BC Human Rights Tribunal

Information about human rights complaints in B.C.

Vancouver area: 604 775-2000

Toll-free: 1 888 440-8844

Email: BCHumanRightsTribunal@gov.bc.ca

bchrt.bc.ca

BC Society of Transition Houses

Information about staying safe or preparing to leave a dangerous relationship.

bcsth.ca/safety-planning/

BC211

Operates the Shelter and Street Help Line, assisting people in Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Victoria.

Phone or text: 2-1-1

bc.211.ca/shelter-lists

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Information about buying a home and getting a mortgage.

cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Co-operative Housing Federation of BC

Offers services for finding and living in a co-op, including consultation, group buying, and conflict resolution.

Vancouver area: 604 879-5111

Vancouver Island: 250 384-9444

Toll-free: 1 866 879-5111

chf.bc.ca

Housing and tenancy

Information about renting or buying a place to live, housing and tenancy laws, tenant and landlord rights, and resources.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner

Understand what personal information landlords are allowed to collect.

oipc.bc.ca/documents/guidance-documents/2202

Recycle BC

Information on what you can and can’t recycle, where to take recyclables, and curbside collection schedules.

recyclebc.ca/where-can-i-recycle

Recycling Council of BC

Recycling information, including an encyclopedia and a hotline.

Vancouver area: 604 732-9253

Toll-free: 1 800 667-4321

Email: info@rcbc.ca

rcbc.ca

Residential Tenancy Branch

Information for tenants and landlords in B.C.

Vancouver area: 604 660-1020

Victoria: 250 387-1602

Toll-free: 1 800 665-8779

Email: HSRTO@gov.bc.ca

gov.bc.ca/landlordtenant

Return-It

Information about returning empty drink containers for a refund, as well as recycling electronics and large appliances.

return-it.ca

Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC)

Free legal education and advocacy for B.C. tenants.

Vancouver area: 604 255-0546

Toll-free: 1 800 665-1185

tenants.bc.ca

Food Banks BC

Find a food bank in your community.

Toll-free: 1 855 498-1798

foodbanksbc.com

B.C.Government – Overdose Prevention

Information about decriminalizing people who use drugs in B.C.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/overdose/decriminalization

Gambling Support BC

Free information and support for people dealing with problem gambling behaviour.

Toll-free: 1 888 795-6111 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

gamblingsupportbc.ca

GameSense

Information to gamble safely and avoid getting into financial trouble.

gamesense.com

Help Starts Here

Help for addiction, mental health, substance use, wellness, and stress, as well as support for counseling.

helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca

Here to Help

Information about mental health and substance use to support yourself or others.

heretohelp.bc.ca

Kids Help Phone

Serves children experiencing abuse or mental health challenges.

Toll-free: 1 800 668-6868

kidshelpphone.ca/call

National Suicide Crisis Helpline

Help for people experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Call or text: 9-8-8 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Toward the Heart

Harm reduction information, including how to respond to overdoses and details on naloxone programs.

towardtheheart.com

Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST)

Trauma counseling services.

Vancouver area: 778 372-6593

Email: referrals@vastbc.ca

vastbc.ca

9-1-1

Emergency services including police, fire, and ambulance.

9-1-1

ecomm911.ca

BC Accessibility Directorate

Give feedback on accessibility barriers when accessing government services.

Toll-free: 1 800 663 7867

Email: accessibility@gov.bc.ca

B.C.municipal police departments

Municipal and First Nations police departments.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/policing-in-bc/bc-police-forces#municipal

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Protect yourself against scams and fraud.

canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/scams-fraud.html

Canada Safety Council

Information to help protect individuals and families against cyberbullying and online scams.

csagroup.org/article/research/childrens-safety-and-privacy-in-the-digital-age

Canada's National Do Not Call List

List your phone number to reduce telemarketing calls.

lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/en

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

Information on past and current scams affecting Canadians. Report fraud and identity theft.

Toll-free: 1 888 495-8501 (7 am – 1:45 pm Pacific Time)

antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

Civilian Review and Complaints Commission

Helps people with complaints about the conduct of RCMP members if they are not satisfied with the RCMP’s response.

Toll-free: 1 800 665-6878

crcc-ccetp.gc.ca

Emergency information

Information on active emergencies throughout British Columbia. 

EmergencyInfoBC.ca

Emergency support services

Information on supports that are available to people that have been evacuated from their home due to an emergency.

ess.gov.bc.ca

Ending Violence Association of BC

Find information about programs across B.C. served by EVA BC that provide support to anyone experiencing gender based violence.

Toll-free: 1 877 633-2505

Email: evabc@endingviolence.org

endingviolence.org/need-help

Get Cyber Safe

Information about cyber security and simple steps people can take to protect themselves online.

getcybersafe.gc.ca/en

Identity theft information

Learn how to protect yourself against identity theft. 

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/financial-legal-matters/scams-and-fraud/identity-theft

Immigration fraud and scams

Information about recognizing and reporting immigration fraud and scams.

welcomebc.ca/AvoidFraud

Investment fraud information

Resources to help you recognize, reject, and report investment fraud.

investright.org/fraud-awareness/avoid-investment-fraud

Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC)

Information and help for anyone with a complaint against municipal police.

Toll-free: 1 877 999-8707

opcc.bc.ca

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Information on how to protect personal information.

priv.gc.ca/en/for-individuals

Pedestrian safety

Information about being safe as a pedestrian (walking on the street).

icbc.com/road-safety/sharing/pedestrian-safety

PreparedBC

Information on how to prepare for an emergency.

preparedbc.ca

Racist Incident Helpline

A culturally safe and trauma-informed resource for people who have experienced or witnessed a racist incident, but who may not want to or know how to report it to police. 

1 833 457-5463

racistincidenthelpline.ca

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Information about the RCMP, news, and getting record checks.

rcmp.ca

Protection from elder abuse and neglect

Information about elder abuse and neglect.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/health-safety/protection-from-elder-abuse-and-neglect

Seniors First BC

Information, advocacy, support, and referrals for older adults and those who care for them.

Vancouver area: 604 437-1940

Toll-free: 1 866 437-1940

Email: info@seniorsfirstbc.ca

seniorsfirstbc.ca

Settlement agencies in B.C for permanent residents, including refugees 

cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/services/index.asp

Settlement agencies in B.C for temporary residents, including refugee claimants, temporary foreign workers, and post-secondary international students

welcomebc.ca/temporaryresidents

BC Safe Haven program

Supports refugees as they go through the refugee claim process.

welcomebc.ca/start-your-life-in-b-c/find-newcomer-services

Government-Assisted Refugees (GAR) program

Settlement assistance for refugees. This support may include a place to live, clothing, food, and help finding work.

canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/resettle-refugee/government-assisted-refugee-program.html

NewToBC

Information about public libraries and services for newcomers.

newtobc.ca

Public library

Find your public library.

gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/arts-culture/public-libraries/find-your-public