
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo credit: Greg Rakozy
We serve everyone regardless of your immigration status, and you can also contact us for information and support. However, due to the contract agreement with our funder, certain group activities and services might have eligibility requirements of Permanent Residents or Convention Refugees in Canada.
Q1: Do I need to pay for your services?
A: No. Our services are free of charge, and our friendly staff are here to help you every step of the way.
Q2: What are the eligibility criteria and how can I meet the eligibility?
A: We welcome everyone, regardless of immigration status, and you are always encouraged to contact us for information or support.
A: For certain programs with eligibility requirements, we are required to collect basic information such as your immigration status, legal name, date of birth, and postal code. All information collected is strictly confidential, protected under privacy laws, and used only to deliver our services. Your privacy and trust are very important to us.
A: Settlement services are a right for newcomers to Canada and are funded by the Canadian government. These services help you build a strong foundation in your new community by offering support in areas such as:
• Housing and finances
• Employment and education
• Language learning
• Health care and childcare
• Community connection and integration
All settlement services are free of charge and designed to help you thrive in Canada.
A: We provide comprehensive settlement and integration services, including:
· Settlement Plans: Personalized assessments and detailed plans to help you successfully settle in Canada.
· Information and Referrals: Guidance and connections to community resources, with multilingual support available.
· Programs for Children: Fun and supportive programs that help young children learn, grow, and integrate into their new environment.
· Group Activities: Sessions for parents, children, and families that promote community connection and provide peer support.
A: We offer a variety of group activities and programming, including:
· Cooking Classes
· Summer Activities
· Youth programming
· Language Conversation Circles
· Community Events
· Information& Orientation Sessions
· Volunteer Activities
· Field Trips
· Cultural Events
· And much more!
A. MAS organizes group activities and community events to help families meet new people, share helpful information, and support each other during their move to Canada.
A. Sign up for our newsletter on the MAS website by entering your name and email. You can also follow us on Facebook for updates.
A. Some programs offer free childcare while you attend.
Credit System
A. A credit score shows how well you manage money. It’s important when renting a home, applying for loans, or even getting a job.
A. Use a secured credit card, pay your bills on time, and don’t borrow more than you can repay.
A. It’s a number between 300 and 900 that shows how trustworthy you are with money.
A. Start with a secured credit card, pay bills on time, and use less than 30% of your credit limit.
Children’s Schooling
A. MAS can help. You’ll need documents like proof of address, your child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, and immigration papers.
A. Yes, public school from kindergarten to grade 12 is free.
A. Yes, if you live more than 1.5 km from the school, your child can take the school bus.
Employment
A. Check websites like Job Bank and Indeed. MAS and WorkingNB can help with resumes, job searches, and interview practice.
Transportation
A: There’s no full public transit system, but taxis are available. Many people use their own cars.
A: You may need to take a written test, vision test, and driving test. Some foreign licenses may let you skip parts of the process.
A: Yes, but only for up to 90 days. After that, you must apply for a New Brunswick license.
Community Resources
A: Language classes, settlement help, job search assistance, translation, and community connections.
A: Yes. MAS hosts multicultural events, English Conversation Circles, family programs, youth programs and more. Be sure to check our links section on our website.
Language Classes
A: MAS offers free English Conversation Circles. You may also be referred to programs run by the New Brunswick Multicultural Council (NBMC) and or the College Communautaire Du Nouveau Brunswick (CCNB).
A: You can shop at Sobey’s. Superstore, and local stores. Walmart is a department store in Sussex with larger stores located in the nearby cities of Saint John and Moncton.
Shopping
A: You can shop at Sobey’s. Superstore, and local stores. Walmart is a department store in Sussex with larger stores located in the nearby cities of Saint John and Moncton.
A: Some local stores carry international foods, and MAS can help connect you with specific options or ordering online.
Winter Readiness
A: You’ll need warm a warm coat, waterproof winter boots, thermal layers, gloves, scarf, and a hat. Winter clothing can be found at thrift stores and donated through agencies in town. MAS offers workshops to help you prepare.
A: Watch out for icy sidewalks, dress in layers, and check weather alerts. Don’t leave the house unprepared in extreme cold.
Get in Touch
If you are new to the area or want to learn more about our programs, we would love to hear from you. Visit us, call us, or send us an email to register for services, ask questions, or meet with one of our settlement workers. Together, we will help you feel welcome, supported, and connected in your new home.