Celebrating Language Course Graduates at Moncton Cares- Multicultural Center
At Moncton Cares, we believe language is more than words. It is confidence, connection, opportunity, culture, and belonging. As a growing multicultural center, we are proud to offer accessible learning opportunities for everyone in our community, including new Canadians, long-time residents, seniors, youth, families, and people who simply want to learn something new. Every two months, Moncton Cares hosts a special Graduation Ceremony for students who complete our Language Course programs. These ceremonies are more than formal events. They are moments of pride, celebration, encouragement, and recognition for learners who have worked hard to improve their communication skills and build confidence. Through our language programs, participants can Learn English, Learn French, and Learn Spanish in a welcoming and supportive environment. Our English and French classes help new Canadians and community members strengthen daily communication, workplace confidence, school involvement, and social participation. These skills are important for building independence, finding opportunities, and feeling more connected in everyday life. Our Learn Spanish program has also become a beautiful example of community connection. Many long-time Canadians, including seniors and older adults, are joining Spanish classes to explore a new culture, prepare for travel, connect with Spanish-speaking neighbours, or enjoy lifelong learning. This shows that language learning is not only for settlement or employment — it is also about friendship, curiosity, and building bridges between cultures. At each graduation ceremony, approximately 100 students graduate from our language programs. This is a powerful reminder that learning has no age, background, or boundary. Some students join to improve job opportunities, some want to communicate better in daily life, and others join because they love learning and connecting with people from different cultures. We were honoured to welcome MLA Rob McKee from Moncton Centre and MLA Rob Weir from Riverview, who joined the ceremony to encourage and celebrate the students. Their presence meant a lot to our learners and showed that community leadership plays an important role in supporting inclusion, education, and community success. The Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick lists Robert McKee as the MLA for Moncton Centre and Rob Weir as the MLA for Riverview. Members of the Moncton Cares Board also attended the event to support the graduates and recognize the importance of language education in building a stronger, more connected community. Their participation reflected our ongoing commitment to creating programs that are practical, affordable, inclusive, and meaningful for the people we serve. The graduation ceremony also gives students a chance to meet others, celebrate together, take photos, receive recognition, and feel proud of their achievements. For many new Canadians, this recognition builds confidence and belonging. For long-time Canadians, it creates a joyful opportunity to connect with diverse cultures and people. Moncton Cares will continue to expand language learning opportunities and strengthen its role as a multicultural center where people from different backgrounds can Learn English, Learn French, Learn Spanish, connect with one another, and grow together. Congratulations to all our graduates. Your hard work inspires us, and your success strengthens our community.
How to Settle as a Vietnamese newcomer Immigrant family in Moncton
One of the first places many Vietnamese newcomers connect with is Moncton Cares For Free Airport Pickup, Community Connection and to attend Newcomer Social Program — a volunteer-driven community organization built on human warmth. 👉 https://monctoncares.ca Their mission reflects another Vietnamese value: “Lá lành đùm lá rách” — the healthy leaf protects the torn leaf — meaning communities support one another in difficult times. From airport pickups to furniture assistance, they ensure no newcomer begins their journey alone. After long flights and emotional goodbyes, being welcomed by a volunteer often brings the comforting phrase many Vietnamese share: “Đỡ lo rồi!” — I feel relieved now. Programs like Dress Up provide winter jackets and interview attire — essential when facing New Brunswick winters for the first time. Many newcomers joke about their first snowfall saying, “Lạnh quá trời!” — It’s freezing! Furniture and food support programs help families turn empty apartments into homes — spaces where the smell of home cooking returns, and life begins to feel settled. Government Registration & Essential Services Administrative steps follow soon after arrival. At Service New Brunswick, newcomers apply for Medicare, driver’s licenses, and photo IDs. These early steps often feel overwhelming, but as Vietnamese elders say: “Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim.” With perseverance, iron becomes a needle. Patience and persistence make the process smoother. Employment & Building a Career Employment is one of the biggest milestones in settlement. WorkingNB supports newcomers with resume training, interview preparation, and funded skills programs. Many Vietnamese newcomers begin in restaurants, nail salons, caregiving, warehouses, or retail — gradually building Canadian experience. It’s common to hear encouragement like: “Cố lên!” — Keep going / You’ve got this! And when someone lands their first job, friends celebrate with: “Chúc mừng nha!” — Congratulations! Job search platforms include Job Bank, Indeed, LinkedIn, Workopolis, and Monster. School Enrollment for Vietnamese Families For parents, enrolling children in school is deeply emotional — a sign that the family is truly beginning a new chapter. English schooling is managed by Anglophone East School District, while French education is available through Francophone Sud School District. Some families choose English for faster adjustment, while others choose French to build bilingual futures — often saying: “Biết thêm một ngôn ngữ, mở thêm một cánh cửa.” Knowing another language opens another door. Schools provide ESL support, settlement workers, and integration programs — helping children feel confident and included. Libraries: Learning & Connection Libraries become quiet heroes in many newcomer journeys. Moncton Public Library, along with Dieppe Public Library and Riverview Public Library, offer language circles, computer access, and children’s programs. Many newcomers spend evenings here studying English — often laughing about pronunciation struggles and saying: “Khó mà vui!” — Hard but fun. Recreation & Family Life Outdoor living is part of life in Greater Moncton. At Centennial Park, families walk, skate, and picnic — embracing seasons that once felt unfamiliar. Centennial Park Families walk, skate, picnic, and embrace the changing seasons. Nearby facilities like Dieppe Arts and Culture Centre and Riverview Recreation Complex offer sports and wellness programs. Children adapt quickly — often faster than parents — leading families to smile and say: “Trẻ con hòa nhập nhanh thật!” — Kids integrate so fast! Vietnamese Community Connections Cultural belonging is essential. Vietnamese residents connect through Facebook groups and associations — sharing jobs, housing, and celebrations like Tết. When gathering, you’ll often hear friendly greetings like: “Ăn cơm chưa?” — literally Have you eaten yet? — but culturally meaning How are you? / I care about you. These simple phrases rebuild familiarity and warmth far from home. Vietnamese Food & Grocery Comforts Red Satay Grill Saigon Thai Grocery essentials are available at: Mama Supermarket Kim’s Mart Asian Grocery International aisles at Walmart Supercentre and Atlantic Superstore also stock noodles, sauces, and rice. Many newcomers say their first bowl of pho in Moncton made them feel: “Đúng vị quê nhà.” — Just like the taste of home. Final Reflections Settlement is not just about paperwork — it’s about identity, belonging, and resilience. As another Vietnamese proverb beautifully captures: “Quê hương là nơi trái tim ở lại.” Home is where the heart stays. For Vietnamese immigrants in Moncton, that heart slowly expands — embracing both heritage and new beginnings. With community support, public services, cultural networks, and familiar food, newcomers don’t just settle — they build a life that feels whole.
Free Tax Clinics for Newcomers in Moncton: Your 2026 Guide
Filing taxes for the first time in a new country can be overwhelming. However, for newcomers in Moncton, the 2026 tax season (covering the 2025 income year) offers more support than ever. By filing your return, you aren’t just reporting income—you are “unlocking” essential government benefits that can provide thousands of dollars in support for your family. 1. Why Every Newcomer Should File Even if you arrived in late 2025 or had zero income, you must file to receive: Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Monthly tax-free payments for parents. GST/HST Credit: Quarterly payments to help offset sales tax costs. Canada Carbon Rebate: Quarterly payments to help offset carbon pricing. New Brunswick Credits: Provincial support like the Low-Income Senior’s Benefit. 2. Where to Find Free Tax Clinics in Moncton (2026) Moncton hosts several Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) clinics. These are free for individuals with a modest income and a simple tax situation. Spotlight: Moncton Cares (NB Cares) Moncton Cares is a premier hub for newcomers. They offer specialized tax help that understands the unique needs of immigrants, such as reporting foreign assets or world income. Location: Suite B3/B4 607 St George Blvd Moncton, NB E1E 4W3 Contact: +1 (506) 588-5819 | ketan@monctoncares.ca Services: In-person appointments, financial literacy, and settlement support Other Key 2026 Clinic Locations Organization Location Key Dates / Details Université de Moncton Pavillon Jean-Cadieux Super Clinic: March 14, 2026 (9 AM – 3 PM). Includes Service Canada on-site for SIN applications. Moncton Public Library 644 Main Street Appointment-based clinics starting Feb 2026. Salvation Army 32 King Street Appointment-based; call (506) 389-3020. CPA New Brunswick Virtual Online match with a professional CPA. Deadline to apply: March 31, 2026. 3. Eligibility: Do You Qualify? Most newcomers qualify for free clinics if their family income is considered “modest” and their tax situation is simple. Income Thresholds (Total Family Income): 1 Person: Under $35,000 – $40,000 2 Persons: Under $45,000 – $50,000 Each dependent: Add $2,500 Simple tax situations only. Volunteers cannot help if you have: Self-employment income (Uber, Skip, etc., with expenses) Rental income or capital gains. Foreign assets worth more than $100,000 CAD. 4. Checklist: What to Bring To make your appointment successful, gather these documents: Identification: Your Passport/PR Card and Social Insurance Number (SIN). Tax Slips: T4 (from your employer), T4A (scholarships), or T5 (bank interest). Entry Details: The exact date you entered Canada in 2025. World Income: Your income earned outside Canada before you arrived (in CAD). Receipts: Childcare, medical, or tuition (T2202) receipts. Rent / Property Tax: Proof of rent paid in NB to claim provincial credits. 5. Critical Deadlines April 30, 2026: The general deadline to file your 2025 tax return. June 15, 2026: Deadline for self-employed individuals (though any taxes owed must still be paid by April 30).
