Community Connectors – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you live in New Westminster, you can register to connect with our Community Connectors.

Community Connectors are trusted local helpers. They listen to your situation, ask a few simple questions, and help connect you to services and programs.

You do not need to know which service to ask for. You do not need the “right words.” Just explain what is going on in your life, and we will help you figure out the next steps.

You can register online, and a Community Connector will contact you.

• Finding a job or looking for work
• Career programs for skilled immigrants (credentials, mentoring, networking)
• Education or training
• English classes and conversation programs
• Health care and emotional well‑being
• Government services (SIN, health coverage, child benefits, taxes)
• Housing information and tenant rights
• Food supports (food banks, low‑cost food, markets)
• Money and budgeting
• Transportation (buses and SkyTrain)
• Connecting with a settlement agency
• Immigration information and legal referrals
• Community and social activities
• Technology help (phones, computers, online forms)
• Parenting and family programs
• Help with school for children
• Safety and protection from harm
• Disability and neurodiversity supports

Sometimes the service is in New Westminster. Sometimes it is nearby. We help you understand your options.

Canada has three levels of government, and each one is responsible for different services.

• Federal (Canada): immigration, citizenship, SIN, taxes, pensions
• Provincial (British Columbia): health care (MSP), public schools, disability and income supports
• Local (City of New Westminster): libraries, community centres, local programs, parks

If you are not sure which government to contact, tell a Community Connector what you need and we will help you figure out.

Settlement services help newcomers understand life in Canada and how systems work. They are normally funded by the Federal Government of Canada and services are usually free.

They can help with:

• Understanding health care, schools, housing, and transportation
• Finding English language classes
• Job search and employment preparation
• Filling out forms and applications
• Referrals to legal, immigration, or community supports
• Learning about rights and responsibilities

Settlement services usually do not give money or housing, but they help you understand your options and connect you to the right places.

Community Connectors can help you find a settlement agency that fits your needs and language

Yes. New Westminster is a Sanctuary City.

This means you can access City services without being asked about your immigration status by City staff. The goal is to reduce fear and make sure people can safely use local services.

Examples of City services include:

• Public libraries
• Community centres and recreation programs
• City‑run programs and information services

IMPORTANT: This policy does not change federal immigration law. Immigration matters are handled by the federal government. The Sanctuary City policy is about access without fear to City services.

If you are unsure what information is required, you can always ask before sharing any information.

In New Westminster, education includes in‑person schools, English classes, adult education, online learning, community programs, and post‑secondary education.

Children and youth (ages 5 to 18) can attend public school, which is free for citizens, permanent residents, and refugees. Schools are run by the public school district. Children go to elementary school, middle school, and then high school. All high school students attend one high school in the city. Children do not need to speak English before starting school. Schools provide free English support called English Language Learning (ELL) and some schools offer different program such French Immersion.

Independent (private) schools are also available. They charge fees and follow different teaching approaches. These schools are optional.

Adults can continue learning in many ways. Many newcomers attend Douglas College (ELLA) and Pearson Adult Learning Centre to learn and improved their English skills. Some attend to Pearson to complete high school.

For adults with difficulties with reading or writing, Douglas College I CARE programs are available. These programs move slowly, use simple language, and support people who had little or no schooling before, including refugees.

Many newcomers also attend LINC classes, which are free English classes designed for newcomers, specially for permanent residents and protected persons.

English learning also happens in the community. Free English conversation groups are offered at the Welcome Centre, the public library, and Century House. These groups help people practice speaking and listening in a friendly space, with no tests and no pressure. Community Organizations also offer a less structured English learning opportunities, such English Made Easy offered by The Lower Mainland Purpose Society, or classes specific for certain groups such Community English Class for Immigrant and Refugee Women offered by Pacific Immigrant Resources Society. which help people prepare for work or further education in English. [newwestschools.ca]

Online and flexible learning options are also available. New Westminster Schools offer online high school courses and home learning programs for children, youth, and adults who need flexible schedules, cannot attend in person, or prefer learning from home. These programs are taught by certified teachers and follow the BC curriculum, find the different programs offered in New Westminster newcomers that live in New Westminster #nwmap

Education in Canada is a provincial government responsibility and is designed to be flexible, welcoming, and supportive. People can start learning at any age, in person or online, even with low English or low literacy, and can use more than one program at the same time.

The Welcome Centre is a place that helps newcomers and immigrants in New Westminster

At the Welcome Centre, people can:

• Get help when they are new to the city
• Find English classes
• Learn about schools, health care, jobs, and services
• Practice English in free conversation groups
• Ask questions and get support

You do not need good English to go there.
The Welcome Centre is friendly and made for newcomers.

WINS LIP means Welcoming and Inclusive New West – Local Immigration Partnership.

WINS LIP does not give direct services to people.

WINS LIP:

• Brings organizations together (schools, City, libraries, settlement agencies)
• Helps make New Westminster more welcoming for immigrants and refugees
• Works to fix problems in the system, not only help one person
• Helps services work better together

WINS LIP works in the background, so newcomers can get better support.

Social services usually focus on basic needs and protection, such as:

• Income assistance
• Disability supports
• Child and family protection
• Crisis and safety services

We won’t test you or judge you. We’ll just help you find the right door — and if you want, we’ll stand next to you while you open it.

Community services focus on connection, prevention, and well‑being, such as:

• Settlement and orientation programs
• English classes
• Parenting, youth, and seniors programs
• Food programs and community kitchens
• Cultural and social activities

Many newcomers use both types of services at different times.