Newcomers to Quebec
As a newcomer to Quebec, you have many rights, some of which may be new and unfamiliar to you. This web guide brings together Éducaloi articles and videos that may be of particular interest to you. It also includes links to other web guides and legal topics. You can click on the links provided to see many more articles on each topic.
What to know before you ask for Social Assistance
You have little or no income or savings, but you still need to eat and put a roof over your head. You might be eligible for social assistance (welfare). Your current financial situation, financial resources available through other programs, and whether you have a spouse can all affect your eligibility. Here is what you need to know about social assistance before you apply.
Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration
The ministère offers information on immigration procedures and on programs to help immigrants integrate in Quebec.
Justice Pro Bono
Justice Pro Bono has a free information service to assist temporary foreign workers in better understanding and asserting their rights (ex. working conditions, being fired). The service is offered in English, French and Spanish at 438-337-6002 (WhatsApp) and 1-866-999-4881 (toll free).
Paying a Reduced Price for Childcare
In Quebec, some parents are eligible for “reduced contribution” (lower-rate) or free daycare available at early childhood centres and subsidized private daycares. At these places, for less than $10 a day, your child has access to early childhood education, snacks, a meal and educational materials for 261 days out of the year.
Justice Pro Bono
Justice Pro Bono has a free information service to assist temporary foreign workers in better understanding and asserting their rights (ex. working conditions, being fired). The service is offered in English, French and Spanish at 438-337-6002 (WhatsApp) and 1-866-999-4881 (toll free).
Personal Information: What Are Your Rights?
Personal information is part of our everyday lives, whether we realize it or not. This pamphlet will help you understand what personal information is, what your rights are and what to do if those rights aren’t respected.
Social Assistance (Welfare) and Child Support Payments
When you apply for social assistance (welfare), the Ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale (department of employment and social solidarity or MTESS) is likely to ask you to apply for child support, if you have children. A legal aid lawyer can help you with this, free of charge.
The Public Health Insurance Plan
Quebec’s Health Insurance Plan is a public plan that gives all Quebecers access to free health care. The plan is managed by the health insurance board, called the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec or the “RAMQ.”
The Public Drug Insurance Plan
To be part of the public plan, you must register for it through the RAMQ. Registration under the drug insurance plan is not automatic like it is for the general public health insurance plan.