Resources
Immigration
Come to Canada Tool – Answer a few questions to find out what 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
IRCC GCKey Account – IRCC
Permanent Residence Portal Sign-in – IRCC
CRS Tool – This tool will help you calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for several federal immigration programs based on the answers you provide
BCPNP – The Skills Immigration and Entrepreneur Immigration pages provide more information about streams within the BCPNP program and how to apply.
The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants – Find a registered immigration consultant
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
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
Emergency Preparedness
BC Active Wildfire Map – BC govt
BC Emergency/Evacuation Map – Provincial map of all natural disasters and related evacuations
When to call 9-1-1 info – Ecomm
Shuswap Emergency Dashboard – Local Emergency and evacuation info from the CSRD
BC Air Quality Map – BC govt
Drive BC – Up to the minute info on BC road conditions accidents ad closures – BC govt
Heat Illness First Aid– Federal govt
Free Portable AC – If you live in an income-qualified household and/or have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority’s Home Care Program you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC).
Benefits and Social Supports
Benefits Finder Tool – Answer the questions to get a customized list of benefits for which you may be eligible.
Canada Child Benefit – The Canada child benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment made to eligible families to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age
Canadian Dental Care Plan – The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) helps make the cost of dental care more affordable for eligible Canadian residents.
The Affordable Child Care Benefit – The Affordable Child Care Benefit is 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 be eligible for income assistance
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. Aslo 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
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
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.
Small Business BC – offers a wealth of business resources and guides to help support and grow your small business
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 (draft) – policy ensuring that immigration status is not a requirement for admission in school.
Access to Justice
Legal Aid BC – free legal assistance for those in BC who qualify.
IRLC – free legal assistance for people with complex immigration issues
Rise Women’s Legal Centre – community legal centre providing accessible legal services to self-identified women and gender diverse people in BC
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