Digital Literacy Resources for Newcomers in Canada

Why Digital Literacy Matters for Newcomers

In Canada, digital skills are no longer optional — they're essential for daily life. From applying for government benefits and filing taxes online to job searching, banking, communicating with schools, accessing healthcare, and staying connected with family abroad, nearly every aspect of settlement requires some level of digital competence.

Many newcomers arrive with strong digital skills, but others — particularly older newcomers, refugees, and those from regions with limited internet access — may need support in learning to use computers, smartphones, and online services. Canada offers numerous free programs to help close this digital divide.

Essential Digital Skills for Life in Canada

At minimum, newcomers should aim to become comfortable with:

• Basic computer use: Turning on a computer, using a mouse and keyboard, navigating the desktop, managing files and folders.
• Internet browsing: Using a web browser, searching for information, evaluating website reliability, bookmarking useful sites.
• Email: Creating an email account, sending and receiving emails, managing attachments.
• Smartphone basics: Making calls, texting, downloading and using apps, taking photos.
• Online government services: CRA My Account, IRCC portal, Service Canada, provincial health portals.
• Online banking: Checking accounts, making payments, transferring money. See our banking guide.
• Video calling: WhatsApp, Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet — for staying connected with family and attending virtual appointments.
• Job search tools: Indeed, LinkedIn, Job Bank, resume creation, online applications.
• Online safety: Recognizing scams, creating strong passwords, protecting personal information.

Free Digital Literacy Programs

Public Libraries

Canadian public libraries are the single best free resource for digital literacy. Nearly every library system offers:

• Free computer access with internet
• Free Wi-Fi
• Basic computer skills classes (often in multiple languages)
• One-on-one tech help sessions
• Digital literacy workshops (internet safety, social media, online government services)
• Device lending programs (some libraries lend laptops, tablets, or Wi-Fi hotspots)

Check your local library's website or visit in person to see what's available. Major library systems with extensive digital programs include Toronto Public Library, Vancouver Public Library, Calgary Public Library, and Ottawa Public Library.

Settlement Agency Programs

Many newcomer service organizations offer digital literacy training as part of their settlement programs:

• MOSAIC (Vancouver): Digital literacy courses for newcomers.
• ACCES Employment (Toronto): Tech skills for employment programs.
• ISANS (Halifax): Computer skills training for newcomers.
• Immigrant Services Calgary: Digital literacy workshops.
• OCISO (Ottawa): Computer skills and technology training.

These programs are free and often provide childcare during sessions. Ask your settlement agency about digital skills training.

Federal and Provincial Programs

• Connected Canadians: Volunteer-based organization providing one-on-one digital literacy support, especially for seniors. Operates across Canada.
• ABC Life Literacy Canada — Digital Literacy Programs: Resources and programs for improving digital skills.
• Connecting Families Initiative: Low-cost internet ($20/month) for families receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit. Check eligibility at your internet service provider.
• Digital Literacy Exchange Program (federal): Funding for organizations to deliver digital skills training to underserved Canadians.

Online Self-Learning Resources

Free online courses you can take at your own pace:

• GCFGlobal.org: Free tutorials on computer basics, internet, email, Microsoft Office, and more. Available in multiple languages.
• Google Digital Garage: Free courses on digital skills, online marketing, and data analysis.
• Microsoft Digital Literacy: Free courses on computer basics and Microsoft Office.
• Khan Academy: Free courses on computing, internet safety, and more.
• Digital Moment (formerly Kids Code Jeunesse): Tech education for children and youth.

Internet Safety and Scam Prevention

Newcomers are often targeted by online scammers. Protect yourself by understanding common scams:

• CRA scams: Fake calls or emails claiming you owe taxes and threatening arrest. The CRA will NEVER threaten you with arrest by phone or demand immediate payment by gift card.
• Immigration scams: Fake emails claiming to be from IRCC. IRCC communicates through your online portal, not by asking for personal information via email.
• Job scams: "Jobs" that require you to pay a fee upfront or cash cheques from unknown sources. Legitimate employers never charge fees to applicants.
• Romance scams: Online relationships where the person asks for money. Never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
• Phishing emails: Emails designed to steal your passwords or personal information. Never click links in suspicious emails. Go directly to the website by typing the address.

Online Safety Best Practices

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account (at least 12 characters, mix of letters, numbers, symbols)
• Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts (email, banking, government portals)
• Never share your SIN, banking details, or passwords via email or phone
• Keep your devices updated with the latest software
• Use secure Wi-Fi (avoid doing banking on public Wi-Fi)
• Report scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501

Affordable Internet and Devices

Low-Cost Internet

• Connecting Families Initiative: $20/month internet for eligible low-income families
• Internet for Good (Telus): Low-cost internet for families on income assistance
• Rogers Connected for Success: Discounted internet for residents of non-profit housing

Affordable Devices

• Computers for Schools Program: Refurbished computers donated to schools and community organizations
• Free Geek (Vancouver): Refurbished computers for low-income individuals
• Library device lending: Some libraries lend laptops, tablets, and Wi-Fi hotspots
• Refurbished device retailers: Companies like Orchard and Refurb.io sell affordable refurbished laptops and phones

Digital Skills for Employment

Beyond basic digital literacy, employment-relevant digital skills include:

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Expected in most office jobs. Free alternatives: Google Docs, Sheets, Slides.
• Email and calendar management: Professional email communication, scheduling.
• Video conferencing: Zoom, Teams, Google Meet — essential for remote work and virtual interviews.
• LinkedIn: Profile creation and professional networking. See our LinkedIn guide.
• Industry-specific software: Depending on your field (accounting software, design tools, project management, etc.).

Many settlement agencies offer employment-specific tech training. Ask about programs that combine digital skills with job search support.

Digital Skills for Children and Youth

Newcomer children need digital skills for school:

• Canadian schools use technology extensively (online assignments, learning platforms, communication tools)
• Most schools provide devices or have computer labs
• Libraries offer homework help with technology support
• Coding programs (Code.org, Scratch, Canada Learning Code) develop advanced digital skills

Tips for Getting Started

1. Start at your local library. It's free, there are computers you can use, and staff are helpful. Ask about beginner classes.
2. Ask your settlement agency. Many offer digital literacy training specifically for newcomers.
3. Learn with your family. Children often learn tech quickly and can help parents. Practice together.
4. Don't be embarrassed. Many newcomers (and many Canadians!) are learning digital skills. It's never too late to start.
5. Focus on what you need most. If banking is your priority, start there. If job search is urgent, focus on email and job boards.
6. Practice regularly. Digital skills improve with regular use. Spend 30 minutes a day practicing what you've learned.

Final Thoughts

Digital literacy opens doors — to employment, services, social connection, and independence in Canada. The resources available to newcomers are extensive and free. Whether you're learning to send your first email or building skills for a tech career, support is available at libraries, settlement agencies, and online platforms across Canada.

For more settlement and education guides, see our articles on language classes, job search, and navigating taxes online.

Navigating Online Safety and Privacy in Canada

As you embrace digital tools for your new life in Canada, understanding online safety and privacy is paramount. The internet offers incredible convenience, but it also presents risks like phishing scams, identity theft, and misinformation. Developing strong digital literacy in this area will protect your personal and financial information.

Always be suspicious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for sensitive information like your Social Insurance Number (SIN), banking details, or passwords. Official government agencies like the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or your

Navigating Online Government Services and Digital IDs

As a newcomer, you'll frequently interact with various government services, many of which are primarily accessed online. From managing your immigration status with IRCC to filing taxes with the CRA or accessing benefits through Service Canada, digital platforms are key. Understanding how to create secure accounts, submit applications, and track your progress online is a fundamental aspect of digital literacy in Canada.

Many government services require you to create a secure digital identity. This could involve using a GCKey or signing in through a recognized Sign-In Partner. It's crucial to protect these credentials as they grant access to your personal information and services. Always ensure you are on an official government website before entering any sensitive data. You can find comprehensive information on accessing and understanding various government services and digital IDs on the official Government of Canada website.

For help understanding which benefits you might be eligible for and how to apply digitally, our Benefits Finder can be a valuable starting point. If you have questions about specific online processes, our AI Navigator is also available to guide you through common queries.

Online Safety, Privacy, and Spotting Scams

The digital world offers immense convenience, but it also comes with risks. Protecting your personal information, understanding privacy settings, and recognizing online scams are critical digital literacy skills for newcomers. Scammers often target new arrivals who may be less familiar with local regulations and common fraud tactics. Be especially vigilant about unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for personal financial information, passwords, or immediate payments.

Common scams include fake job offers, rental scams (especially if you're looking for housing online), and individuals impersonating government agencies like the CRA or IRCC. Always verify the authenticity of a request. Government agencies will never ask for payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, nor will they threaten you with immediate arrest for unpaid taxes over the phone. When searching for housing, use reliable platforms and be wary of requests for large deposits without seeing the property or meeting the landlord in person. Our Housing Guide offers tips on safe practices.

To enhance your online security, use strong, unique passwords for each account, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible, and be cautious about clicking on suspicious links. Regularly review privacy settings on social media and other platforms to control