New rule: settlement services aren’t open forever anymore.
If you’re an economic-class PR:
• Before April 2020 → access already ended
• After → your clock is ticking
Check your PR date. It matters more than most people realize.
Details:
International students: one less step.
As of April 1, 2026, eligible students don’t need a separate co-op work permit for program placements.
Already applied? No action needed. IRCC will handle it.
Details:
Gas prices are rising fast and governments are debating tax cuts to bring relief.
But experts warn global supply issues could push prices higher anyway.
For many in London, this means daily costs going up.
What changes would actually help right now?
London housing starts are up 200%+ but only ~7% are single-family homes.
More rentals are coming.
Ownership is still harder to reach.
For newcomers, that gap shapes whether they stay long-term.
St. Thomas’s EV battery plant may export globally.
That’s a big shift for our region.
More production means more demand for skilled workers.
Newcomers already fill key roles in manufacturing and trades. The question now is how we connect people to these opportunities.
Ontario just introduced the Putting Student Achievement First Act, 2026, aiming to tighten control over school boards and standardize learning across the province.
Big changes include:
More provincial oversight
Standardized learning materials
Mandatory exams
Attendance counted in final grades
Free family event in London on May 9:
Spring Market + BBQ + kids activities
Face painting, balloon animals, local vendors
📍 Wonderland Rd S
🕙 10–2
Easy way to get out, meet people, and enjoy the day. Bring a food donation if you can.
Ontario invited 1,334 people through its In-Demand Skills immigration stream this week.
These draws focus on jobs like agriculture and trades.
If you’re working in these fields, check your eligibility early:
Recent changes mean some permanent residents can only access free newcomer services for a limited time.
If you’re eligible, don’t wait. Check early and connect with services now.
Details:
New to Canada and not sure where to start?
IRCC has a simple tool to find free services near you
Settlement
Language classes
Job help
Start here:
Looking for work?
MCC offers:
• Job search help
• Youth employment programs
• Workplace language training
Open to eligible Ontario residents. Ongoing intake.
Details: buff.ly/jnPwhKh
New to London or helping someone who is?
MCC has free programs running this April:
• Job support
• Language classes
• Youth programs
• Health clinic (no OHIP needed)
Start here:
Free webinar April 21: Know your rights when a landlord tries to evict you for renovations, demolition, or "own use," and what to do if it's in bad faith. ASL available. Great for community workers too.
Register:
No family doctor yet? Health Care Connect matches you with a doctor or nurse practitioner accepting new patients in London or Middlesex. Free to use. Register online or call 811. #LondonOntario #NewcomerHealth
Free webinar for community workers: Bill C-12 is now law and changes refugee claims in Canada. CLEO Connect breaks it down Wed. April 29, 12–1:30 PM. ASL available. Register: buff.ly/5neaKWE
IRCC is shortening settlement service eligibility for economic class PRs: down to 6 years as of Apr 1/26, then 5 years Apr 1/27. Applies to current & new PRs + dependents. Worth flagging to clients now. Full notice: buff.ly/PXrCMrR
New from CIHI: an Indigenous-led cancer report where First Nations leaders shaped the story, not just the data. What good health research looks like. Worth reading. buff.ly/n04lzKh #IndigenousHealth #HealthEquity
CIHI has a useful new podcast on Ozempic, diabetes, and rising public drug costs in Canada. It also links to a data tool if you want to look closer:
Podcast:
For health and service-sector partners: CIHI is hosting a webinar on connected care and interoperability standards in Canada. April 14, 12 to 1 p.m. ET.
Register:
This is worth reading. CIHI shares an example of cancer reporting shaped by Indigenous leadership, community knowledge, and local context:
PSWs keep care systems running. CIHI’s new report looks at how better workforce data can help with planning and support:
Caring for older adults is a big issue for many families, including newcomer families. CIHI’s new report looks at long-term care, wellbeing, and staff experience in Canada:
IFHP health coverage for refugee claimants is changing May 1. Hospital & emergency care stay free. New: $4/prescription, 30% co-pay on some services. Free help: call 811 (Refugee HealthLine) or 1-888-614-1880. Free webinar May 7:
Nominations are now open for the Ontario Human Right Commission's 2026 Daniel G. Hill Awards! These awards recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to advancing human rights in Ontario.
Nominate a trailblazer in your community by May 29: bit.ly/4dvFqUN
Do you know an individual who is making a difference in advancing human rights in your community? Nominate them for a Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award to honour and promote their work.
Nominations are open until May 29: bit.ly/4dvFqUN
buff.ly/ArQkzrq
On April 1, federal settlement service access ended for economic-class immigrants across Canada, including long-time residents in London & Middlesex who never knew they still had it.
Our latest Round Up breaks down what changed and who's affected. 🔗
