News & Updates - March, 2016

News about and for newcomers to Ontario and the latest updates from Settlement.Org.

Thursday, March 31 2016
- Be Bear Wise As Warm Weather ArrivesOntario and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding people to take simple precautions this spring to prevent attracting black bears as they come out of hibernation.
Monday, March 28 2016
- 2016 Budget AnnouncedThe 2016 Budget has been released. It includes changes to income tax rates, child benefits, post-secondary education, Employment Insurance and investment in infrastructure. Multilingual information on the budget is available.
Monday, March 28 2016
- Transit Fare Equity SurveyThe City of Toronto is looking at ways to make public transit more affordable for people with low incomes. City staff wants to hear what residents who make less than $36,000 a year think about different discount options.
Wednesday, March 23 2016
- Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program Re-Opening in 2017The Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program will begin accepting applications again on January 3, 2017. The application forms will be available online before that date. In 2017, 10,000 new and complete applications will be accepted in this program.
Tuesday, March 22 2016
- Ontario Prohibits Carding And Street ChecksOntario has banned the race-based collection of identification by police. There are also new rules for police interactions with the public.
Monday, March 21 2016
- Beware of scammers posing as CRA employeesThe Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has released a video to warn the public about a scam. In the scam, callers pretend to be CRA employees and ask for money or personal information.
Friday, March 18 2016
- Filing tax returns after separation or divorceMany things change after separation or divorce, including what tax credits and benefits you might be eligible for. You must tell the CRA if your marital status changes during the year. Generally, the deadline for filing your tax return is April 30, 2016.
Friday, March 18 2016
- Ontario Increasing Minimum Wage In OctoberOn October 1, 2016, Ontario will raise the minimum wage from $11.25 to $11.40. The special minimum wage rates that apply to liquor servers, students under 18, hunting and fishing guides and homeworkers will also increase at the same time.
Friday, March 18 2016
- Language Training for Canada Video in ArabicImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the release of the Language Training for Canada video in Arabic.
Wednesday, March 16 2016
- New Osgoode clinic offers employment law services to Jane-Finch communityResidents of the Jane-Finch community who are facing employment law issues can now get help from the Community and Legal Aid Services Programme (CLASP). CLASP has officially launch its new Employment Law Division one-year pilot project.
Wednesday, March 16 2016
- New Travel Smart AppThe Government of Canada has released a new Travel Smart app to help you access important information when you are travelling.
Tuesday, March 15 2016
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Requirement Now in EffectStarting today, March 15, 2016, visitors are expected to have an eTA. However, from March 15, 2016 until fall 2016, you can board your flight without an eTA, as long as you have appropriate travel documents such as a valid passport.
Wednesday, March 9 2016
- March Break Activities For All To EnjoyGet outside and explore a provincial park or learn something new at one of Ontario's world class museums. There are so many options to keep all Ontarians, young and old, excited during this March Break.
Wednesday, March 9 2016
- 2016 Employer Awards for Refugee EmploymentThree businesses have been awarded the 2016 Employer Award for Refugee Employment. These awards are administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in partnership with Hire Immigrants Ottawa.
Tuesday, March 8 2016
- Immigration Levels for 2016 AnnouncedThe Government of Canada plans to bring in between 280,000 and 305,000 new permanent residents in 2016. In addition to economic immigrants and refugees, there will be a special emphasis on family reunification.
Tuesday, March 8 2016
- Three Community Leaders Receive Award for Leadership in Immigrant EmploymentThe recipients for the Ontario Award for Leadership in Immigrant Employment have been announced. The award acknowledges employers and organizations that encourage workplace diversity as well as individuals who have accomplishments in this area.
Monday, March 7 2016
- Celebrate Maple Syrup SeasonDuring Ontario's maple harvest season, mid-February to early April, more than two million litres of syrup is produced. You can visit a local maple syrup producer to try some delicious syrup.
Thursday, March 3 2016
- Simcoe County Age-Friendly Community SurveyIf you are over 60 and live in Simcoe County, you are invited to fill out a survey on how to make the region a better place to grow older in. The survey is also available to caregivers and service providers online or in hard copy until March 31, 2016.
Wednesday, March 2 2016
- Changes to Consumer Laws for TV Service ProvidersTV service providers must now offer affordable basic packages to customers. These packages cannot cost more than $25 a month. They also must offer either the option to pay for individual channels or small packages of no more than 10 channels.
Wednesday, March 2 2016
- Changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)Ontario has announced changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for the 2017-18 academic year. The changes will make average tuition free for many eligible low- and middle-income students.
Tuesday, March 1 2016
- Register Your Children for Summer CampsRegistration for summer camps is opening soon for Toronto and some other municipalities. It is important to register your children early, or they might not get a spot. Many cities have recreation subsidies for families with low incomes.
Tuesday, March 1 2016
- Canada Welcomes 25,000 Syrian RefugeesCanada has now welcomed more than 25,000 Syrian refugees as part of the #WelcomeRefugees initiative

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News & Updates - March, 2016

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