Resources
Immigration
Come to Canada Tool – Figure out some of the immigration programs you can apply for.
PR Pathways – How you can immigrate to Canada, how to protect yourself from fraud, and what to expect after you arrive in Canada.
Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) – Community Futures Shuswap: information page (See additional RCIP resources lower down on this page).
IRCC GCKey Account – File applications for temporary resident documents.
Permanent Residence Portal Sign-in – Complete your PR application online.
CRS Tool – Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for immigration streams within Federal Express Entry programs.
BCPNP – The Skills Immigration and Entrepreneur Immigration pages provide more information about streams within the BCPNP (Provincial Nominee Program) and how to apply.
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants – Find a registered immigration consultant; check their status and past conduct.
CRA Account – Create a CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) account to see information about your taxes and benefits.
Health
Pathways Medical Care Directory – Search database for those seeking a family Doctor in BC
MSP Registration – Registration page for provincial health coverage
Health Connect Registry – Provincial wait list for those seeking a family Doctor in BC
VICCIR – Provides virtual mental health counselling to immigrants and refugees. they offer our services on a sliding fee scale, based on clients’ ability to pay. They work with specially trained interpreters as required
VAST – assists refugees and other newcomers who have endured torture, trauma and political violence through counselling, documentation, education and referrals.
Umbrella Clinic – Community-led Health Services with virtual options and specific supports for Migrant Workers
Salmon Arm Pregnancy Outreach Program – Free and confidential service to support you in having a healthy baby. Available to those with or without immigration status in Canada
New Beginnings Maternity Clinic – Vancouver-based comprehensive maternity care for women with or without immigration status who do not yet have provincial Medical Service Plan (MSP) Coverage.
Emergency Preparedness
BC Active Wildfire Map – See where fires are in BC, including danger level and fire bans.
BC Emergency/Evacuation Map – Provincial map of natural disasters and related evacuations.
When to call 911 – Info on police, fire, and medical emergencies.
Shuswap Emergency Dashboard – Local emergency and evacuation info from CSRD (Columbia Shuswap Regional District).
BC Air Quality Map – provincial map showing air quality from low to very high risk.
DriveBC – Timely info on BC road conditions, accidents, and closures (BC government).
Heat-Related Illness & First Aid– Advice on heat-related illness and treatment (Interior Health).
Benefits and Social Supports
Benefits Finder Tool – Answer questions to get a list of benefits for which you may be eligible.
Canada Child Benefit – a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with raising children under 18 years of age.
Canadian Dental Care Plan – Reduces the cost of dental care for eligible Canadian residents.
The Affordable Child Care Benefit – a monthly payment to help eligible BC families with the cost of child care.
Employment Insurance (EI) – benefits and leave information for workers and families; how to apply and how to submit a report.
Income Assistance – If you are in need and have no other resources, you may qualify for financial support.
Transportation
Shuswap Transit System – Find routes, schedules and maps for the public bus system in Salmon Arm and surrounding area – BC Transit
Learn to Drive Smart – Study manual for those looking to take their Knowledge Test. Also available in 简体中文, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ , فارسی, Tiếng Việt, اللغة العربية الفصحى الحديث ة, and Español – ICBC
Knowledge Test Practice Quiz – ICBC
Newcomer drivers licensing info – ICBC
Ebus – regional transport option serving BC and Alberta
Rider Express – a second regional transport option serving BC and Alberta
Housing
BC Housing – provincial agency tasked with managing housing supports in BC
CMHA Salmon Arm – local non-profit organization that runs the subsidized housing options in Salmon Arm and Revelstoke
SAFE Society Transition House – provides temporary accommodations and 24 hour support to adult women and their children who are seeking safe shelter from abuse by an intimate partner or other abuser
Fraser Ave Shelter – no-cost shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Located in Salmon Arm
Salmon Arm Homes for Sale/Rent – Facebook group with active rental postings in the Shuswap
CELPIP Resources
CELPIP YouTube webinars – Includes recorded webinars (listen anytime) and live ones (You must register – scroll to the bottom). Most webinars are 90 minutes to two hours long.
CELPIP Study Guide: Listening and Speaking – The audio is here and you can use the accompanying 2019 book at the SISS office/library. The book is also available through Okanagan Regional Library, orl.bc.ca)
CELPIP Study Packs – These study packs contain a lot of useful material, including sample answers for writing and speaking.
- CELPIP Writing Pro (Target 5)
- CELPIP Writing Pro (Target 9+)
- CELPIP Speaking Pro (Target 5)
- CELPIP Speaking Pro (Target 9+)
CanAvenue.ca – A free English learning resource for CLB 3-7 learners (beginners to intermediate). It has Canadian content (like CELPIP) with practice in all four skills and pronunciation.
CBC Radio – Listen to the news and many Canadian podcasts to prepare for CELPIP or just improve your English. Download the Google Play app here.
IELTS Resources
IELTS Free Practice Tests and Resources – Official practice material for IELTS General Training (GT) and IELTS Academic.
IELTS Ready Member – Free access to British Council resources to kickstart your IELTS prep journey. Includes 6 practice tests, one IELTS familiarisation test, tips/videos from teachers, etc. You can also upgrade and pay for more materials by becoming a Premium Member.
IELTS Ready, the Go To Platform – Access material here after booking an IELTS exam and logging into your Test Taker portal account. Material includes detailed e-learning, an online assessment tool, sample tests, and interactive activities.
IELTS Webinars – There are webinars about every two weeks at 9:00 a.m. UK time (topic list on this page). If you can’t register to watch webinars in person, you can still watch them later on the Official Take IELTS FaceBook page.
Free IELTS Familiarisation Test – Take a free online IELTS GT or Academic Test (Note: You will only get scores for listening and reading, not writing. Speaking is not included.).
Tips to Prepare for Your Test Day – from ielts.org and ielts.ca.
Seniors' Resources
Seniors’ Resource Centre – A hub for seniors’ programs, volunteer services, (medical) transportation help, income tax help, nutritious meals, social support, daytrips, and referrals.
5th Avenue Seniors’ Centre – Has social activities, games, dancing, exercise, and other opportunities to connect with others.
handyDART – Bus service from homes in Canoe/Salmon Arm to locations such as the doctor or shopping malls. Available for disabled people (Register to check eligibility).
OAS (Old Age Security) – A pension for legal residents of Canada who a) are 65+ and b) have lived in Canada at least 10 years (since age 18). Low-income people may receive the GIS top-up (Guaranteed Income Supplement) with OAS.
CPP (Canada Pension Plan) – A pension for anyone who a) is 60+ and b) has legally worked in Canada (or has pension credits from a spouse after divorce or separation).
BC RAHA (Rebates for Accessible Home Adaptations) – Offers rebates to low-income households to adapt homes for independent living. See also the federal HATC (Home Accessibility Tax Credit) for credits to renovate, making a home more accessible.
French Resources
Mauril – A fun and engaging way to learn French, designed my teachers and based on authentic material from CBC radio. Has material for beginners to advanced learners. You can use it on a computer or download the app (Apple or Google play) on your phone. Mauril is also available for studying English.
Rosetta Stone – A very popular online program for learning languages; many people pay for it. However, it’s free to sign up if you get (or have) an ORL library account and sign in, using your library card #
Duolingo French. You can use Duolingo on your phone and do it anytime online in bite-size chunks. Although you can pay for Superduolingo, it’s not necessary. You can use Duolingo for free.
French Language Books at SISS in Salmon Arm – (in-office use only). ABC TCF with 200 practice exercises, and TEF with 250 activities. They focus on the two French language proficiency exams (TCF and TEF) accepted by IRCC for PR applications.
SISS French Conversation Circles – These have been held on the last Saturday of every month; contact SISS staff if interested.
RCIP
Fraud Warning from Community Futures – SISS staff have seen a significant surge in employer abuse and fraud since the launch of RCIP and Community Futures North Okanagan has issued this warning on the topic. Please take care and know that you can reach out to SISS staff for a confidential appointment if you or someone you know has been impacted.
RCIP Community Futures Page – info regarding the Rural Community Immigration Pilot specifically for the North Okanagan Shuswap region
RCIP IRCC Page – IRCC overview of Rural Community Immigration Pilot and instructions for prospective applicants
RCIP Document Checklist – list of documents that will be required at time of application for PR
RCIP Designated Employer List – list of employers who have been approved to participate in the RCIP program in the North Okanagan. Keep in mind that Fast Food and Gas Stations (marked with an asterisk * are not currently eligible to recommend RCIP candidates).
Volunteering Opportunities
SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) – care for animals and/or office administration
CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association)– Help in the CMHA thrift shop (sort clothes, work as a cashier) or maybe other roles.
Shuswap Food Action – do gardening, prepare and deliver food for (school) meals, etc.
Second Harvest – Help sort or pick up food
U Grow Girl – Sunshine Club Harvesting Volunteer (seasonal work).
Interior Health – volunteer work at Shuswap Lake General Hospital and Bastion Place.
Shuswap Hospice Society – offer rewarding opportunities to provide end-of-life care and support.
Red Cross – support with loaning medical equipment (wheelchairs, walkers) to people in need.
Outdoor Recreation
Shuswap Trail Alliance – Maps and information about local hiking/biking/paddling opportunities
Salmon Arm Recreation – Schedules for the local pool, gymnasium and ice rink
Camping in the Shuswap – SISS info-sheet
Shuswap Youth Soccer – Local soccer association with a large recreational youth league every spring.
Salmon Arm Baseball – local baseball league with teams for kids from 6-18 years old.
Employment
Find Employment in the Shuswap – SISS info-sheet developed specifically for newcomer job seekers in the region
Workforce Hub – local job board serving the Shuswap
Work BC Salmon Arm – local government office supporting with career planning and job search needs
Paid Sick Days in BC – BC govt
Community Futures Shuswap – provides small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs access to services from including financing to training programs
Employment Insurance – find information and apply for unemployment benefits through the federal govt.
Resume and Cover Letter Tip Sheet – SISS
Accelerate Okanagan – gives entrepreneurs the mentorship, connections, and community they need to build technology-driven businesses
Workplace Safety
WorkSafe BC – Report an injury as work and access information on workplace safety in BC
AgSafe BC – videos and information on safety in agricultural settings
Pesticides and your health – WCEL
Tractor rollover info – WorkSafe BC
Pesticide Storage – WorkSafe BC
Tips to stay cool when working – Youtube
Right to refuse unsafe work – BC govt
Workplace bulling and harassment – WorkSafe BC
Support for workers experiencing sexual harassment – MWC
Report on agricultural workers and extreme heat – RAMA and UBC
Migrant Worker Rights
Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers – info and application form for those looking to flee an abusive employer
ESDC Complaints Portal for Foreign Workers – submit complaints to the federal government if you are in Canada on a work permit and feel you have been misled or mistreated by your employer or recruiter
Humanitarian and Compassionate Claims for Migrant Workers – JJ4W
SAWP Program – Employer Responsibilities – CAN govt
Migrant Workers Centre – free legal support and assistance with immigration issues
Migrant Worker Service Map – AMSSA
Government overview of TFW rights – CAN govt
Refugee Claimants
Music
Roots and Blues Festival – Local music festival offering a variety of live music over three days in July each year
Shuswap Coffee House Circuit – small halls across the region host open mics throughout the winter. Admission is usually only a 5$ donation
Okanagan Caribbean Festival – Festival celebrating Caribbean music and culture. Held annually in Kelowna.
Wednesday on the Wharf – Live music every Wednesday evening throughout the summer at Marine Park, downtown Salmon Arm
Music by the Bay – Every Thursday on the waterfront at Centennial Field in Blind Bay, during the Summer months at 5:30, complimentary music concerts are presented for everyone’s enjoyment
Shuswap Intergenerational Choir – discover the power of music to unite and inspire across generations.
Education
School District 83 – local school district serving the Shuswap and north Okanagan
School Locator – find your catchment school when you arrive in the region
Okanagan College – local college offering several programs and trainings
Student Aid BC – loans and grants for those wishing to pursue post-secondary education
StrongerBC grant – covers up to $3,500 for eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions.
SD83 Sanctuary Schools Policy – policy for families living in the north Okanagan-Shuswap ensuring that immigration status is not a requirement for admission in school
Education Planner BC – plan and apply for post-secondary education in BC
Access to Justice
Legal Aid BC – free legal assistance for those in BC who qualify.
IRLC – free legal assistance for some people with complex immigration issues
CLAS – non-profit law firm serving people in BC. Provides legal assistance and work to advance the law to address the critical needs of those who are disadvantaged or face discrimination
Rise Women’s Legal Centre – community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in BC
Migrant Workers Centre – free legal support and assistance with immigration issues
BC Human Rights Commission – info about filing complaints in cases of discrimination
BC Employment Standards – info about filing complaints in issues related to wages
Food
Second Harvest Food Bank – Weekly distribution of free food hampers to those in need. Pickup downtown Salmon Arm
Shuswap Food Action – local non-profit that works to build community around local food and raise awareness of food security issues affecting our community.
Good Food Box – monthly low cost food box filled with fruits, veggies and other staples.
First United Weekly Lunch – Free lunch. No need to make a reservation – the doors open at 11:00 and food is served at 11:30.
Free Community Lunch –
Provides a free nutritious lunch to those in need in Salmon Arm who might not otherwise have a hot meal during the day
Other Newcomer Supports
VDICSS – outreach services with staff based in the North Okanagan
Kamloops Immigrant Services – Settlement and outreach services with staff based in Kamloops
Kelowna Community Resources – Settlement and outreach services with staff based in the Central Okanagan
Watari – outreach services for migrant workers with staff based in the Central Okanagan
RAMA – volunteer-run collective providing outreach services to migrant agricultural workers, based in the Okanagan
SOCIS – Settlement and outreach services with staff based in the South Okanagan