Guides for newcomers

Practical, plain-language guides for building a life in Canada.

Government Documents

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A 9-digit number you need to work in Canada or access government programs and benefits.

Manitoba Health Card

Allows eligible residents to access insured health care services in Manitoba at no direct cost.

Manitoba Identification Card

A government-issued photo ID for Manitoba residents 12 and older who don't have a driver's licence. Apply at any MPI Service Centre or Autopac agent.

Driver Licensing & Vehicle Registration

Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)

Knowledge and road tests, driver's licence, vehicle registration and insurance — through MPI or any Autopac agent.

Government Benefits

Manitoba Child Benefit

Monthly benefits for lower-income Manitoba families with dependent children — up to $35/month per child, plus help with prescription eyeglasses.

Career & Settlement Services

Manitoba Start

Central registration services for all newcomers arriving in Winnipeg — one location for access to settlement services and employment programs.

Immigrant Centre Manitoba

Free settlement supports: immigration forms, language bank, employment services, nutrition and computer training, driver education classes, and document notarization.

Opportunities for Employment (OFE)

Free employment services connecting job seekers and employers to build long-term, sustainable matches in Winnipeg's labour market.

Language Training

WELARC (Language Assessment & Referral)

Helps newcomers find the right English or French language classes to build the skills needed for work, education and everyday life in Canada.

Transportation

Winnipeg Transit

Bus routes and schedules, Peggo card and fares, Transit Plus (accessible transit), and Transit on Request.

Unicity Taxi

Local taxi service across Winnipeg.

Duffy's Taxi

Local taxi service across Winnipeg.

Greencity Taxi

Local taxi service across Winnipeg.

Peg City Car Co-op

Short-term vehicle rentals by the hour or day.

Enterprise Car Rentals

Daily or weekly car rentals.

U-Drive Car Rental

Daily or weekly car rentals.

U-Haul

Moving truck rentals and moving supplies.

Low-Income Support

Manitoba Rental Assistance (Rent Assist)

Helps low-income renters afford housing by providing financial assistance toward rent.

Harvest Manitoba (Food Bank)

The province's largest food assistance organization — connects people with food banks and community food programs, and provides food hampers to eligible households.

New Journey Housing

A resource centre for newcomer housing in Manitoba, focused on Winnipeg — helping newcomers rent or purchase a home.

WINNpass (Low-Income Bus Pass)

Lets eligible Winnipeg residents purchase adult monthly transit passes at a reduced rate.