Personal menu

Find Community and Social Resources

Immigrant and Refugee Services Association Prince Edward Island

AKA: IRSA; IRSAPEI; PEIANC (former name); PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada (former name) ; Immigrant & Refugee Services Association

Organization Description
List of Services

Provides a variety of services to help newcomers from other countries settle in Epekwitk / PEI in the areas of employment, housing, language, emotional support, and culture.

49 Water Street, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1A3
Coverage Area: Epekwitk / Prince Edward Island
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
September to June: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm
July to August: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
English * French * Other languages available on request
www.irsapei.ca
info@irsapei.ca

Sort by

Display per page

Community Engagement - Canada Connects Program

Newcomers are paired with an individual who is an established resident in the community so they can spend time together. Volunteers and clients may be single, couples or families. Matches are made based on similar interests, location and other factors. The program helps newcomers:

Adjust to living in PEI and make community connections
Learn about cultural norms and expectations
Develop language skills informally
Explore opportunities in the community

Community Engagement - Ethno-Cultural Organizations in PEI - Online Directory

Provides an online directory with contact information for a wide variety of ethno-cultural organizations in Epekwitk / PEI. The contact information included in the directory is considered reliable but is not guaranteed.

Community Engagement - Holiday Host Program

Connects newcomers to Canada with settled resident volunteers who wish to invite newcomers into their home for the holiday season so they can experience Canadian holiday traditions by sharing a meal, seasonal activity or party invitation together. Typically individuals and their hosts get together either around Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's.

2025 Registration Deadline: December 20th

Community Engagement - Newcomer Men's Group

Group brings together newcomer men and males who are established in the community to build relationships, socialize and participate in activities. Activities take place roughly once every three months and vary based on the interests of the current members. Examples of past events include:

Socializing over coffee
Participating in sports

Community Engagement - Newcomer Women's Group

Provides an opportunity for immigrant women to be social, make friends, practice language skills, and learn more about Canadian culture and other cultures. Group is hosted by female IRSA staff and volunteers, and activities are held from once per month (summer) to one or more times per week during much of the winter. Activities may include:

Potluck meals
Health and fitness activities like dance, hiking, kayaking, Zumba
Cooking
Arts and crafts
Attending performances
Info sessions and discussion groups
Gardening
Seasonal celebrations
Participating in International Women's Day events in PEI

Employment Programs - Atlantic Immigration Program

Provides a path way to permanent residence for skilled workers and international graduates from a recognized post-secondary institution in Atlantic Canada (PEI, NS, NB, NF) who are willing to work and live in one of the four provinces.

AIP aims to help Canadian employers to hire qualified workers for jobs cannot be filled with the existing local workforce.

Employment Programs - Employment Assistance Service

Employment counsellors help newcomers to Canada prepare for job searching in PEI by sharing information about the Canadian job market and opportunities, identifying educational options, and explaining how to become licensed in a specific profession. Includes:

Providing information on employment and job search topics
Help developing a Canadian-style resume and cover letter
Teaching clients how to job search or find volunteer opportunities
Locating career skills building opportunities
Assistance applying for available wage subsidy programs

Services are offered out of Charlottetown and Summerside offices * Staff are available to visit clients living in rural locations as needed

Employment Programs - Employment Programs and Workshops

Workshops are offered to newcomers on topics about employment and job seeking. Includes:

Canadian Workplace Culture
Refugee Employment Orientation
Alternate Careers Day
Networking for Success
Newcomer Entrepreneur Program
Job Fair Preparation
Social Media and Your Career
Interview Skills Practice
Job Information Sessions with employers

Most programs/workshops take place in Charlottetown but can be offered in other locations on an as needed basis.

Immigration Youth - Family Orientation and School Enrollment Services

Staff help new immigrant families with school-aged children to figure out children's needs and requirements for school-related matters. Includes:

Needs assessment
Setting up language assessments
Supporting parents with the school enrollment process
Arranging interpreter services for parents and children when needed
Helping parents register children for kindergarten
Information sessions about the Public School System (policies, discipline, books, food, weather delays/closures, buses)

Immigration Youth - Summer Program

Provides an opportunity for newcomer youth to learn life skills, practice their English, learn about Canadian social norms, and learn more about Canada. Activities include:

Art instruction
Environmental studies
Physical activities
Field trips
Overnight camp experience for teens

Enrollment preference is given to refugees and newly arrived student clients.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Helpful Search Tips Contact Us

We acknowledge that the land on which we learn, live and work is the traditional unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people of Epekwitk, represented by the Abegweit First Nation and Lennox Island First Nation.