About the Law

This section is your guide to understanding some laws that govern Canada and Ontario, including your rights and responsibilities as a Canadian citizen or a new resident. These are covered in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

You can also locate information about workers’ rights in Ontario, child protection laws, women’s rights and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Rights and Responsibilities of Immigrants

Rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident in Ontario

Justice Ontario

Justice Ontario is a one-stop source for questions about Ontario’s legal system, including:

Finding a lawyer
Tickets and fines
Lawsuits and disputes
Family and criminal law
Human rights, and
Wills and Estates

You can also call Justice Ontario at 1-866-252-0104 for legal information in over 170 different languages.

Human Rights, Law and the Police

Human rights

Learn about what human rights protection Ontario offers. To read more, select your language from the drop-down menu above. Information provided by Settlement.org

ONTARIO IMMIGRATION

Ontario Human Rights Commission

Women’s rights in Ontario

About child protection rights in Ontario

A Newcomer’s Guide to Human Rights and Personal Security

Legal services in Ontario

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Finding a lawyer in Ontario

Information about the police

Worker’s Rights

Employment Standards Act – multilingual information available

Health and safety in the workplace

To learn more about worker’s rights in Ontario, go to the Find a Job section and scroll down.

Will there be anyone to assist me when I arrive?

Make sure you prepare well before you arrive and that you have all of the documents you need. Try to arrange for a friend or a family member to meet you at the airport so that you get all of the help you need. Know that you can always use the Services Near Me directory to locate services and programs available in your community.
Where can I find information about my new community?

Visit our Cities and Towns section for municipal information or use the Services Near Me directory to locate services and programs available in your community. You can also contact your municipality for information on recreational activities in your area.
How do I apply for a Social Insurance Number?

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required for temporary and permanent residents to work legally in Canada and to access government programs and benefits. You can apply for a SIN at a Service Canada office. Make sure you bring with you the required documents and a completed application form.
Where can I get a health card?

If you are eligible, you can obtain a health card from a Service Ontario centre. You will need to fill out an application form and take it with you along with additional documents when you apply for a health card.
How can I find a doctor?

You can find a doctor by searching the directory of doctors in Ontario. You may also use you local telephone directory to find a doctor in your community.
Where can I find a hospital?

You can find a listing of hospitals in Ontario on the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
Does the Ontario Government offer health insurance to immigrants?

Permanent residents, temporary workers, convention refugees and other specific groups may receive coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) three months after arriving in Ontario. Apply for public health insurance as soon as you arrive in order to ensure you are covered after your first three months. Find more information on OHIP eligibility and health care in Canada.
Where can I learn about Ontario's education system?

Find information about the school system and academic programs in Ontario.
Where can I go to improve my English?

Basic English language assessment and instruction for adults is available in Ontario. School boards also deliver English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for children and non-credit programs for adults. Use our language class wizard to find an English language training program near you.
How do I become a Canadian citizen?

The requirements and applications are available from the Government of Canada.