News. For Newcomers | June 10, 2026

Alberta voters will head to the polls on October 19 for a major referendum, and the separation question is getting most of the attention. But for newcomers, the immigration-related questions may matter more.

The referendum asks whether Alberta should seek more control over immigration, limit access to some provincially funded programs for certain temporary residents, and charge fees or premiums for some temporary residents using healthcare or education services. These questions are not binding, so they will not change immigration status, healthcare access, or provincial programs right away.

For now, Alberta remains part of Canada, and current immigration rules still apply. But newcomers, international students, temporary workers, and AAIP candidates should watch the referendum closely, as the results could influence future provincial immigration and service policies.

Quebec is reopening the PEQ on July 2, bringing back one of its most popular permanent residence pathways for French-speaking workers and international graduates. The first intake will run until October 31, 2026, and will only accept people who were already eligible when the program closed on November 19, 2025.

Both the worker and graduate streams will reopen, and Quebec says there will be no cap during the first intake. This is important news for temporary residents who planned their studies, jobs, and immigration pathway around PEQ before it was closed. Eligible candidates should review the updated requirements, gather documents, and apply as early as possible.

Newfoundland and Labrador invited 108 candidates on June 10 through its provincial immigration programs.

A single father in Winnipeg has been denied the Canada Child Benefit for his two Canadian children because of a gap between tax and immigration law. Although he is legally allowed to remain in Canada and cannot be deported to Somalia, he does not have the specific immigration status needed to qualify for the benefit.

A Tax Court judge said the case highlights a “crack” in the legal system that has gone unfixed for 25 years. Advocates say the rules can leave some parents in immigration limbo without access to support meant to help children, especially when permanent residence applications can take many years to process.

Building credit in Canada can feel confusing, especially when there’s so much advice online. The reality is that many common beliefs about credit scores are simply myths, and following them could actually hurt your financial progress.

If you’re new to Canada, one of the first things to know is that you typically won’t arrive with a Canadian credit score. That means building credit from scratch is an important part of your financial journey.

Our guide breaks down seven common credit score myths, including:

Understanding how credit works can make it easier to qualify for things like loans, mortgages, rental housing, and even some jobs. If you’re looking to build a strong financial foundation in Canada, this is a great place to start.

Starting a business in Canada can come with challenges, but planning ahead can make them easier to manage. Newcomer entrepreneurs can prepare by:

Our guide shares practical steps to help newcomers prepare for the realities of running a business in Canada.

How long does it take to feel settled in Canada? According to a survey of newcomers and immigrants, most people (53%) said it takes about five years to truly feel settled, while 28% said it can take closer to 10 years.

One of the biggest factors is financial stability. Many newcomers say they started feeling more at home after reaching important milestones such as building an emergency fund, paying off debt, buying a car, or saving for a home. These goals don’t happen overnight, but they can help reduce stress and create a stronger sense of security and belonging.

Rather than focusing only on major achievements, our article recommends setting smaller, realistic financial goals that build momentum over time. From opening your first Canadian bank account and establishing credit to creating a savings plan, each step can help you feel more confident and settled in your new life in Canada.