You may have taken pre-departure seminars like the Canadian Orientation Abroad before moving to Canada. Upon landing in Manitoba, it’s a good idea to take orientation programs to add to your knowledge. Aside from providing an updated overview of Canadian life, these programs connect you to valuable supports that you may need. You will also benefit from meeting other newcomers and start building friendships and connections.

Manitoba Start

Your first stop after you arrive should be Manitoba Start. It is located in Winnipeg at 271 Portage Avenue. Once you register with the organization, you will be referred to the programs you need for employment, language training, education, and other settlement services. You have to present your:

• Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Permanent resident card
• Record of landing and passport

After an initial assessment, your needs will be identified. They will suggest training programs and courses of action that you can take to begin working to meet your immediate needs. Manitoba Start will also register you for an employment readiness workshop depending on your settlement plan and career goals. They could also match you with a career coach to guide you in your initial job application. They have a job matching service wherein newcomers learn about job leads and receive assistance in resume development and interview preparation. It also hosts special training programs and events, such as regular employer cafes, job fairs, hiring events, and information sessions with educational institutions and regulatory bodies.

You may be referred to the Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre (WELARC) for English assessment. WELARC recommends the appropriate language training program available in Manitoba that fits your needs and schedule.

Regional Services

Those who live outside of Winnipeg will have access to orientation programs offered by settlement centres such as:
Arborg (Eastman-Interlake Immigration Settlement Services )
Westman Immigrant Services (Brandon, Boissevain, Kola and Rossburn)
Neepawa and Area Immigrant Settlement Services (Neepawa,Gladstone, Minnedosa)
Portage Learning and Literacy Centre (Portage La Prairie)
Eastman Immigrant Services (Steinbach)
Thompson Newcomer Settlement Service
Regional Connections (Winkler, Morden, Altona)

Refugees, francophones, and older adults

Newcomers belonging to these categories can still register with Manitoba Start and be referred to the appropriate settlement agencies for orientation. For instance, francophones will be referred to Accueil francophone, and refugees to the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) for orientation sessions. Meanwhile, older adults can avail of Settlement Orientation for Seniors from A&O Support Services for Older Adults. Newcomers can also go straight to these agencies without the referral of MB Start.