Newcomers

A diverse group of people ranging in age from child to senior.

Resources, help and advice for newcomers to Canada.

Blogs for Newcomers

  • Illustration of a family of newcomers.

    New to Canada? The Library Is Here for You!

    Just arrived in Canada and not sure where to start? Look no further—Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is here to help you settle in, connect with your new community, and access free resources and services to support your journey. 

See more blogs about Newcomers

Online Resources for Newcomers

  • Research

    Canadian Encyclopedia

    This encyclopedia includes over 40,000 articles and 60,000 photographs, as well as maps, graphs, games, quizzes and videos. Updated regularly, it contains The Encylopedia of Canada, The Youth Encyclopedia of Canada. (in English only) The Encyclopedia of Music in Canada, Feature articles on different subjects, MacLean’s Magazine articles and The Timeline of Canadian History.

    Content Language
    Bilingual
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
  • Research

    Eureka.cc

    The database allows searchable access to full articles, columns and features from the major French-Canadian newspapers and certain magazines such as Protégez-vous and L`Actualité. News sources include full-text articles from Le Droit, Le Devoir, La Presse, Le Soleil and SRC radio and television. About 20 small Ontario dailies are also included among other French and English language newspapers from across Canada.

    Content Language
    French
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Politique de confidentialité
  • Learn

    Learning Express Library

    LearningExpress Library Canada includes academic skill-building, test preparation and career-related resources all in one easy-to-use online platform. Organized into targeted learning centers, this all-in-one resource supports those looking to improve core academic skills, pass English proficiency tests or the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), prepare for college, join the military or RCMP Police Aptitude Test (RPAT), obtain occupational certification, find a job, change careers, become a Canadian citizen, and much more. Learning centers contain practice tests, interactive tutorials, e-books, articles and flashcards.

     

     

    We have decided not to renew the Learning Express subscription at this time due to consistently low usage over the past several years. As a result, it will no longer be available after June 30, 2026.

    Please know that our print guides, online ebooks, and other official websites remain available to support you.

    Content Language
    English
    Privacy and Terms of Use
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Use
  • Learn

    MAURIL : Digital Platform for Learning French and English

    Mauril is a new, free digital platform to help clients learn English and French.

    • 100% Canadian French and English
    • Exercises designed for all levels
    • Progress at your own pace
    • A wide range of stimulating, entertaining , and captivating content from CBC/Radio-Canada
    • Improve oral comprehension and integrate language knowledge in everyday life
    • Feel more confident using French or English in any context 

     

    Getting started with Mauril is easy. Download the app on Apple and Android mobile phones and tablets, or use the website version. Simply create a profile and access your learning journey from any device, whenever and wherever you wish!

    The platform is called Mauril to pay tribute to the Honourable Mauril Bélanger, the former Ottawa-Vanier MP who championed official languages in Canada. It is financed and endorsed by the Government of Canada, this new tool is designed and deployed by CBC/Radio-Canada, in collaboration with a committee of pedagogical experts..

    Content Language
    Bilingual
    Available Apps
    Apple
    Google
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Events for Newcomers