Resettlement Assistance Program

The Multicultural Association of Fredericton Inc. (MCAF) welcomes Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) to Fredericton through the Resettlement Assistance Program.

Welcome

We help you get settled here. We provide the services you need to help you get started in your new life in Canada.

Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) staff welcome Government Assisted Refugee (GAR) arrivals at the Fredericton airport. RAP staff assist with the immediate and short term needs of new arrivals, including interpretation and transportation to temporary accommodation.

RAP staff support GAR clients to:

Access permanent accommodations, household goods, and healthcare services
Receive orientation to:
- Mandatory federal and provincial programs (Social Insurance Number (SIN), Interim Federal Health Program, New Brunswick Medicare, Canada Child Benefit, Social Assistance Program)
- Canadian life skills, culture and society
- Canada’s financial system, bank account and budgeting
- Housing
- Public education
- Public transportation and neighborhood orientation
- 911 emergency services
- Canadian healthcare system
- Rights and responsibilities
- Children and youth programs
- Employment supports

Financial support for GAR arrivals

The government of Canada, through the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP), provides financial assistance to GARs for basic needs. The amount of assistance varies depending on the number and ages of family members. GAR families receive income support for a maximum of one year or until they are financially self-sufficient.

Learn English or French

In New Brunswick, we speak English, French, or both. New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province.

Adults aged 18 years and older will be assessed to find out their level of English, and placed in a MCAF English language class. While parents take language classes, children (age 6 months to 5 years old) are welcome to attend the Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) program.

MCAF staff support newcomers to register for a free French as an Additional Language class.

Community Connections: First Fredericton Friends

First Fredericton Friends are MCAF volunteers who share their time to help newcomers get settled in Fredericton. First Fredericton Friends introduce newcomers to activities and events in their new community.

Group Programs at MCAF

Attending activities and diverse programs provides newcomers with an opportunity to participate, to enhance networks and to make new friends. Immigrant Women’s, Men’s, Parents’, Senior’s, Girl’s and Guy’s Groups provide opportunities for newcomers to have some fun and share their experiences with other newcomers while settling in their new country.

School and Youth Programs

RAP staff assist newcomer families to enroll children in school. Newcomers can choose to put their children in either the French or English school system. The MCAF Settlement Workers in Schools and Francophone Liaison staff facilitate newcomer families’ participation in the school community and in MCAF children and youth programs.