A volunteer shows a newcomer how to use a computer in the Welcome Centre

Settlement Services

There are lots of resources to help you get settled in Durham Region. To find the support you need, look at our map of settlement services. You can also visit one of the Durham Welcome Centres.

Afghan Resettlement

This webpage is a resource to help Durham residents and service providers support Afghan resettlement. This page will be updated regularly with information as it becomes available.

On August 13, 2021 The Government of Canada announced the resettlement of around 20,000 Afghans to Canada. Information on the number of people who have arrived in Canada can be found on the Government of Canada Key Figures webpage.

We can expect that some Afghan evacuees will arrive in Durham Region, possibly as government assisted refugees or through private sponsorship. This is in addition to refugees (and other immigrants) that arrive in the region on an ongoing basis.

Services and supports in Durham Region

Settlement and community services in Durham region provide support to all residents, including refugees and other immigrants, such as the Durham Welcome Centres - Immigrant Services located in Ajax and in Pickering, serving all of Durham region.

Learn more about settlement and other community services in Durham.

How can community members, organizations and business help?

Some ways to help:

  1. Sponsor Afghan refugees and support family reunification efforts. In Canada, there are various ways to privately sponsor refugees. Click here to learn more about sponsorship.
  2. Be a welcoming and inclusive community member. Arriving in a new community having fled war and crisis can be extremely stressful. Being friendly and welcoming can help make the newest residents feel good and feel that they can belong as they get to know their new community, make friends and start their new life. Click here to learn more about Canada’s Values, about Integration, and about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
  3. Consider donating. The Ajax Afghan Donation Drive will accept donations until September 26, 2021. There is an urgent need for gift cards, clothing and footwear, toiletries, luggage, children's books and activities, and baby items. Learn more.

Durham Immigration and Inclusion Community Plan 2020 - 2024

The Regional Municipality of Durham Diversity and Immigration Program and the Durham Local Immigration Partnership (DLIP) Council is pleased to present the 2020-2024 Immigration and Inclusion Community Plan.

Durham has long been a community of choice for immigrants to Canada. Immigrants bring skills, experience and access to global markets – contributing to the social and cultural richness of the Region and to our shared economic prosperity. It is important that all residents, including newcomers, see a place for themselves in Durham’s communities. Everyone should feel they belong by encouraging, making space for, and valuing each person’s participation in the community and the economy.

The DLIP, together with partners and stakeholders, aims to mobilize Durham’s assets – our diverse population, our economic strength and a robust network of partners to support and promote the great economic, social and cultural benefits that newcomers bring to our communities. The Community Plan outlines priorities and actions for making that happen.

Cover of the Durham Immigration and Inclusion Community Plan 2020-2024   Read the Durham Immigration and Inclusion Community Plan 2020-2024.