Getting Settled
The Sault welcomes you!
In Sault Ste. Marie, we believe in a “No Wrong Door” experience for newcomers. This means no matter where you go first, there will be knowledgeable and caring people there to guide you to the services and supports you need to get settled and established in the community.
There are free and accessible supports available throughout your settlement journey to help you find a home, find employment, access health care services, locate schools and language classes, and access other government and community services.
We recommend registering for the following services and programs which will help you settle faster and easier into the community.
“New to the Sault” Settlement Services
The Sault Community Career Centre’s “New to the Sault” program provides settlement services to immigrants, refugees and other newcomers at no charge.
Settlement services are your first connection in the community. They can help you navigate and learn about your new community, provide you with up-to-date information and resources, and link you with other supports available.
New to the Sault’s settlement specialists provide:
- One-on-one counselling to help newcomers navigate employment and settlement services
- Individual and family needs assessments, goal setting and referrals
- Assistance opening a bank account, finding a place to live, finding a family doctor, registering your child for school, accessing legal services, locating childcare and other things you will need in your first days
- Assistance in completing forms and applications for government programs and services
- Connections to social and cultural groups and referrals to community programs
- Advice, support and advocacy to deal with the effects of migration, culture shock, and other stresses of adjusting to life in Canada
- Information on your rights, entitlements, Canadian laws, and income tax requirements
- English language assessment and training for eligible clients
- Assistance with translation and interpretation
New to the Sault settlement consultants offer services in over 12 languages.
English Language Programs
Even though the name of our city is French, English is by far the most common language spoken around town. If you want to enjoy life to the fullest and maximize your employment opportunities, we recommend enrolling in a language program to learn or improve your English.
NORTHLAND ADULT LEARNING CENTRE
Northland offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs accredited by Languages Canada. All their classes use authentic materials and cover topics of interest to adults. Orientation to Canadian culture is an integral part of this program. They offer field trips, presentations, videos and social activities to allow students to apply both formal and practical English skills.
- English as a Second Language - General Classes All Levels
- English for Academic Purposes
- TOEFL Preparation
- Workplace English Language Skills
- IELTS Preparation
For more information about Northland programs, email northland@adsb.on.ca or call the program coordinator at 705-945-7109.
LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR NEWCOMERS TO CANADA (LINC)
LINC, offered by the Sault Community Career Centre, is a free language training program for eligible adult learners. We help newcomers learn effective English communication skills needed to live and work in Canada. Our certified instructors use everyday tasks and real-world examples. Using the Canadian Language Benchmarks, we teach from levels Literacy to Benchmark Level 5.
To learn more, contact Saira Anjum, Manager of Newcomer Programs at 705-759-0909 ext. 4232 or at saira.anjum@saultcareercentre.ca
Francophone Services
Are you new to the Sault Ste. Marie and looking for supports and services in French?
CÉFA is a non-profit organization that offers French language training and services to Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area. CEFA connects French-speaking newcomers to the wide variety of French social and cultural groups, as well as Francophone services in the community.
Employment Programs
As you’ll see on our job board, there are many good jobs and careers available in Sault Ste. Marie.
Sometimes, however, great employment opportunities can be found on the “hidden” job market.
It’s important in your first days to register for employment services to help you make connections and find more of the types of jobs you’re looking for.
Employment Solutions and the Sault Community Career Centre provide free Employment Ontario employment programs and services to support job seekers find work or access training. They offer one-on-one guidance, career counselling, assistance with résumés and interviews, and many other services.
The YMCA of Sault Ste. Marie offers the Starting Transitions Toward Employment Program
(STTEP) program to assist youth make a successful transition into the workplace. Newcomer youth are eligible for the STEP program.
Starting a Business
Sault Ste. Marie is also a great place to start a business. With lots of opportunity, low start-up costs and a wide range of customized supports and services, the Sault offers a great start-up culture.
Whatever you're looking for, the Sault’s employment agencies have the resources to help you find jobs and connect with employers in Sault Ste. Marie.
Getting Established
The Welcome to Sault Ste. Marie website provides lots of up-to-date information and links to supports to help you start your life in the Sault.
If you’re looking to find a house, access health care, register your child in school, or learn more about local transportation, we have you covered.
Explore our website. We’ve made it easy to discover Sault Ste. Marie from wherever you are in the world.