Canada Newcomer Resource
Canadian Terms Dictionary
Clear explanations of 20+ government, financial, healthcare, and housing terms every newcomer family needs to know.
C
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A monthly tax-free payment from the Government of Canada to help families with the cost of raising children under 18.
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A mandatory pension plan that you and your employer contribute to from every paycheque. Provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
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The federal government agency responsible for collecting taxes and administering tax laws, benefit programs, and credit payments in Canada.
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A 3-digit number (300–900) that represents your creditworthiness. Lenders, landlords, and employers use it to assess financial reliability.
E
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A federal program that provides temporary income replacement to workers who lose their job, go on parental leave, or cannot work due to illness.
F
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A physician who provides ongoing, comprehensive healthcare for you and your family. Having a family doctor is the foundation of accessing the Canadian healthcare system.
G
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A quarterly tax-free payment from the CRA to help lower-income Canadians offset the cost of Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax.
L
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A legal contract between a tenant and landlord that outlines the terms of renting a property, including rent amount, duration, and rules.
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A document a Canadian employer must obtain from the government to prove no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available to fill a position before…
N
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A document from the CRA sent after you file your tax return. It confirms the CRA has processed your return and shows your refund, balance…
O
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A monthly pension paid by the Government of Canada to most Canadians aged 65 and older, based on years of residency in Canada.
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Ontario's provincial health insurance program that covers most doctor visits, hospital stays, and medically necessary services — free of charge.
P
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An official photo ID card that proves you are a permanent resident of Canada. Required when re-entering Canada by commercial vehicle.
R
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A savings account for a child's post-secondary education. The government adds free grant money — up to $7,200 per child — based on your contributions.
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A government-registered retirement account where contributions are tax-deductible. Used to save for retirement while reducing your taxable income today.
S
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Money paid upfront to a landlord before moving in, held as protection against damage or unpaid rent. Rules vary by province.
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A 9-digit number issued by the Government of Canada that you need to work legally and access government programs.
T
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A tax form your employer issues each February showing your total employment income and deductions for the previous year. You need it to file your…
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A registered account where your money grows tax-free. Withdrawals are also tax-free and do not affect government benefits.
W
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An official document issued by the Government of Canada that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada for a specified time, employer, or occupation.