With outside temperatures reaching very low digits last December and into the new year, many consumers are now finding their utility bills higher than ever before. As the demand for natural gas and power increases during cold temperatures, prices often increase as well. Here are 5 ways you can potentially save on your next utility bill! Change to a fixed …
Hit the Sack
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: Hit the sack. What does “hit the sack” mean? Go to bed in order to sleep Example: I have to wake up early tomorrow, so I think I’ll hit the sack. Before you go, check out our English Learning tips articles! Immigrant Services Calgary offers online language assessment …
February is Black History Month
During Black History Month, we honour the legacy of our fellow people of African, African American and Caribbean heritage and celebrate their achievements and contributions. Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities. The 2022 theme for Black History Month is: “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day”. Everyone is invited to …
Blow Out of the Water
In today’s “English Idioms for Newcomers“, let’s take a look at this expression: blow out of the water. What does “blow out of the water” mean? • To destroy or defeat something or someone completely• To thoroughly impress, overwhelm, or excite someone Examples: • He won every tennis game we played. His performance blew mine out of the water.• That …
Temporary Changes to Passport Application Process
Canada’s borders and international travel has opened up again in recent months, and the demands for passport renewals and applications have been increasing quickly. To keep up with the demand, the federal government has implemented a new temporary passport application process, depending on the urgency of travel plans. If your travel plans begin after 25 business days, you will need …
4 ways to be a good neighbour during a Pandemic
4 ways to be a good neighbour during a Pandemic As the Covid pandemic continues to grow and change, it can hard to find ways to get to know your neighbours, especially if you are new to the city! There are still ways you can help your neighbour and make new friends, even during these challenging times. Try these 4 …
How Play Can Help You Thrive in a New City
New in Calgary and looking to make new friends? PlayCity is for you! PlayCity is a free app that connects you with others who are interested in the same activities – from a hiking buddy to a tennis partner! The PlayCity app is available for download both on Google Play and App Store. Meet PlayCity’s CEO, Hafiz Mitha! Read his story below and learn how sport fueled connection …
October is Women’s History Month
October was designated as Women’s History Month by the Government of Canada in 1992. It is a time to celebrate girls and women who are making a positive impact on our beautiful country. Immigrants of Distinction Awards Immigrant Services Calgary launched its 24th annual Immigrants of Distinction Awards this month, with the theme of unleashing potential to acknowledge the achievements …
Thanksgiving Day 2020
Turkey. Smiling Faces. A family gathering. Yellow leaves. These are the images that often come up when one thinks of Thanksgiving Day. It was declared as a national holiday in 1879. On January 31st, 1957, the Canadian Parliament announced that this would be “a day of general thanksgiving to almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been …
How-to & Smart Tips – Behind the Scenes
The “Smart Tips” series has come far since it started, over a year ago. The project started with research to find out what topics newcomers wanted to learn and has become nine completed videos with six more on the way. The videos have reached thousands of Alberta newcomers. The project goal was to inform newcomers with relatable, real situational videos, …