Welcome to St. George Coptic Orthodox Church in Vancouver – British Columbia.
If you will land in Vancouver soon and/or you already landed and need any help, please feel free to email us (newcomers@stgeorge.ca) and we will try our best to help you.
Pray for our service.
Overview on Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley different cities:
Greater Vancouver: includes Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, Maple Ridge, Pit Meadows, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
Fraser Valley: includes Surrey, Langley, Fort Langley, Abbotsford, Mission and White Rock
Approximate distance from some cities to the St. George church
1. From Vancouver: 35 minutes
2. From Burnaby: 14 minutes
3. From New Westminster: 9 minutes
4. From: Coquitlam: : 17 minutes
5. From Richmond: 30 minutes
Our congregation is spread among all these cities mentioned above. However if you are looking to live close to the church, then you may select to live in Surrey.
Weather
Average January temperature: 3ºC / 37ºF
February average high: 7ºC / 45ºF
March average high: 10ºC / 50ºF
April daily high: 14ºC (57ºF)
Average May: 17ºC / 64ºF
June daily high: 19ºC / 67ºF
July average high: 23ºC / 74ºF
August average high: 23°C / 74°F
Average September temperature: 14.4ºC / 58ºF
Average October temperature: 10ºC / 50º
Average November temperature: 7ºC / 45ºF
Average December temperature: 3ºC / 37ºF
Average rent by city:
In BC and in generally in Canada, there are three types of properties which are Houses, Townhouses and Apartment. Although the average monthly rent will differ from one city to the other, but also will differ based on the type of property you rent. The average monthly rent would from $700 to $2,000. In all cases it is important to select a rented property that is close to public transit.
Transit system and fares
Transit in Vancouver is very convenient, so you can take Bus, Skytrain (like metro), Sea bus and West Coast express (train). The following link will help you regarding schedules and fares;
http://www.translink.ca/en/Schedules-and-Maps.aspx
http://www.translink.ca/en/Fares-and-Passes.aspx
Please pay attention to the difference between day pass and the monthly pass (which is a book of tickets that is good for a month and can be bought from 7 eleven, London drugs and Safeway)
Driver Licence
The provincial corporation responsible for driver licensing is called “The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia” or ICBC.
Normally you can drive in the first few months with your licence (presumably issued from Egypt), but you have to arrange for the new BC driver licence.
There are three types of driver licenses here (Learner’s stage L, The Novice stage N and class 5). With L and N you can drive with restrictions, but with Class 5 you can drive without restrictions, but subject to the general rules. In all cases you should take both a knowledge test (by computer) and the Road test. You can obtain the required manual from the ICBC driver licensing office. This link will help you to get more in-depth information about ICBC http://www.icbc.com/home
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number that you need to work in Canada or to have access to government programs and benefits.
The SIN is required for a newcomer to Canada or a temporary resident, Children who are 12 years of age or older may apply for their own SIN.
Parents and legal guardians can also apply for a SIN for children under the age of majority of their province.
Where to apply for SIN
In New Westminster: 100 - 624 Agnes Street
Burnaby: 4279 Canada Way
Surrey: 109 - 12414 82nd Ave
Vancouver: 28 West Pender Street and 757 Hastings Street West
Documents required:
You need to show original document for new comers the main document is Permanent Resident Card (PR)
Medical Service Plan (MSP)
MSP insures medically required services provided by physicians and supplementary health care practitioners, laboratory services and diagnostic procedures
All BC residents must enroll to MSP and pay the monthly premium the rates are
Individual: $57
Family of two: $102
Family of three or more: $114
There could be assistance for permanent residents who have been in Canada for the past consecutive 12 months
Please note that: New residents in B.C. are eligible for coverage after completing a waiting period that normally consists of the balance of the month of arrival plus two months.
How to apply: please follow this link to fill the application
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/msp/infoben/eligible.html#enroll
Working opportunities:
Most of our congregation works in almost all kind of jobs. For example we have doctors, pharmacists, engineers, realtors, accountants and sales representatives.
You can now go to the links that would help you to navigate the job market. Feel free to send your resume and will forward it to the respective person to fine tune it and also send you important tips that helps you in your job search and career advancement.
Service Canada Centre Vancouver - Local Employment Services
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents/job.shtml
Vancouver Area
Service Canada Centre Vancouver (Sinclair Centre and East 10th Avenue Offices) offer a number of programs and services though various service providers to help the unemployed in Vancouver with all aspects of their search for work.
http://www.psc-cfp.gc.ca/ppc-cpp/ecs-scc/index-eng.htm
http://www.sinclaircentre.com/?link=government_of_canada
You arrived in Canada with your dreams, skills and experience. But have you arrived at the job or career you are qualified for?
http://www.skillsconnect.ca/
The Skills Connect for Immigrants Program is funded by the Ministry of Regional Economic and Skills Development through WelcomeBC, and jointly offered by Back in Motion and MOSAIC in the Lower Mainland, and with ISSofBC in Surrey. Skills Connect aims to help skilled immigrants move more quickly into jobs that match their experience and background. We provide specialized assistance to immigrants by helping them to prepare for and obtain employment in every sector of the B.C. economy including transportation, construction, manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare.
Working in Canada Tool
Jobs - Wages - Qualifications - More!
http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/content_pieces-eng.do?lang=eng&cid=1
Progressive Intercultural Community Services
8161 Main Street, #200,
Vancouver, B.C.....604 324-7733
- Immigrants and Newcomers
http://www.pics.bc.ca/
We are still working on this area from our website to get you the most useful websites and contacts. Please check it up often.