City of Calgary Bylaw Update: New rules for safer roads

Settlement ISC Uncategorized

The City of Calgary has passed a new safe passing bylaw coming into effect on September 1, 2019. This bylaw requires motorists who are driving slower than 60km/hr to have at least one metre of space when passing a cyclist. Cyclists who are driving faster than 60 km/hr will need to have at least 1.5 meters of space when passing. Additionally, drivers can now legally cross a solid yellow line (when safe to do so) to pass a cyclist. Those who fail to leave the minimum safe passing distance may result in a $203 fine.

Open for Business Act effective September 1

Settlement ISC Community, Updates

The Open for Business Act was passed to help reduce burdens on employers. This means that there are changes to the employment standard rules. On September 1, 2019, the act will give employers and employees the option of having straight-time banked overtime hours arrangements. Additionally, the act will return to the previous general holiday pay and banks overtime rules. This will not require employers to provide holiday pay even if they are not open that day.

Habesha United BBQ & Soccer Tournament

Settlement ISC Community, Updates

Over the weekend, Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) hosted a Habesha United BBQ & Soccer Tournament in collaboration with the Habesha United Soccer Club and Excel Family & Youth Society at the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association. This free event showcased the culture of the Eritrean and Ethiopian Communities through a coffee ceremony, cultural resource booths, kids activities and a youth soccer tournament. Entertainment included cultural dances, face painting, henna and also a fashion show. ISC would like to thank the many participants who came and participated and also the organizations who made this successful event possible.

Back to School Reminder 2019

Settlement ISC Community, Newcomer Information, Updates

There are two main public school systems in Calgary, the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD).  For CBE, classes start on September 3, 2019 for those who are on the traditional school calendars. Those who still have not enrolled their children into school yet may register on August 28, 2019 for schools on the …

August 2019 Power Breakfast Networking Event For Newcomers

Settlement ISC Community, Employment, Updates

Immigrant Services Calgary hosted a Power Breakfast networking event on the morning of August 21, 219 at the New Central Library.
Newcomer clients were able to talk and connect with employers from differing industries such as finance and accounting. This event allowed for like-minded professionals to network and hear inspirational stories of immigrant professionals and their journey to settling in Canada. Immigrant Services Calgary would like to thank our clients and partners for the positive feedback and participation to make it a success!

Bake Sale to Support the Terry Fox Foundation

Settlement ISC Community, Updates

Immigrant Services Calgary’s Seniors Program and Youth Inclusive Program put their culinary skills to work this week as they baked some sweet treats for their much anticipated bake sale to support the Terry Fox Foundation. The youth and seniors will join forces again in September to walk in the Terry Fox Run and Walk. Congratulations youth and seniors for a great job …

Settlement Services in Calgary

Settlement ISC Citizenship & Immigration, Community, Updates

In Calgary, there are immigrant serving agencies that offer settlement services to newcomers. These services are free for eligible newcomers and are often available in many languages. Agencies that offer settlement services aim to help newly arrived immigrants adjust to their new life in Canada. Settlement services can include: Job searching Finding a place to live Language assessment Filling out …

Windmill Microlending Announces New Mentorship Program

Settlement ISC Community, Employment

To better support people in achieving professional success, Windmill Microlending has launched a new Mentorship Program. The program will help mentees navigate the Canadian labour market and provide necessary skills and tools to help them find employment that matches their skills, experience and education.

Book Launch: A Colourful Life

Settlement ISC Community, Newcomer Information, Seniors, Updates

On August 9th 2019, Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC) hosted a book launch celebration. The Honourable Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing, also attended this celebration and presented the signature ceremony and book presentation. The book, titled “A Colourful Life”, is collection of poems and stories written by immigrant seniors from the creative writing class for seniors at ISC. This book is a result of a collaboration between ISC and Mount Royal University. Over 12 weeks, professors and students from Mount Royal and immigrant seniors worked together to write and craft stories about the topic of home.