Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has designed a range of programs for new Canadians, including education for post-secondary students, bridge training for environmental professionals, and opportunities for newcomers to discover and explore their local natural environment.
Multicultural Connections Program
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Multicultural Connections Program (MCP) helps introduce new Canadians to their local natural environment.
MCP staff provide online or in-person environmental presentations for English as a Second Language (ESL) schools, Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) centres, Canadian Citizenship Preparation Classes, Newcomer Groups and Faith-based Organizations.
MCP staff also coordinate Discovery Walks and Newcomer Events, and provide interactive booth displays for cultural and faith-based events.
Please Contact Us:
Lisa Ward, Coordinator, Multicultural Program
Toronto, Region of Peel and York Region
Education and Training
lisa.ward@trca.ca
437-880-2266
ONLINE PRESENTATIONS
The Multicultural Connections Program’s online presentations are available for English as a Second Language (ESL), Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), and newcomer audiences.
The Multicultural Connections Program’s online presentations
are free of charge. The costs are covered through the generous support of our regional funding partners.
Online Presentations Available:
Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Participants will learn about the various Indigenous peoples and nations across Canada prior to European contact.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Introduction to Black History in North America
Participants will learn about slavery in North America, and its impact on the captive Black Africans brought to Canada and the United States during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Participants will learn about legendary and unknown Black people in Canada.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Pollinators in the Garden
Participants will learn about the importance of pollinators in their daily lives, and how to identify native pollinators and their nesting habitats. Participants will learn about friendly pollinator practices for the seasons.
Participants will answer true or false statements linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Protecting and Visiting Natural Areas in Canada
Participants will learn about how the three levels of government protect natural areas in Canada. Participants will learn about National Parks, Ontario Parks, Conservation Authorities and The Meadoway, a vibrant 16-kilometre stretch of restored urban meadowlands in Toronto.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions focusing on Canadian history, geography, and symbols during the presentation.
The Contact Period ~ European Arrival in the New World
Travel through the history of the New World with a focus on the early history of North America. Participants will learn about European colonization and its impact on the Indigenous peoples of Canada.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
The Indigenous Peoples in Canada presentation is recommended as a prerequisite for this presentation.
The Value of Water
Participants will learn about the importance of water in the natural environment and in their daily lives.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Understanding Our Climate Emergency
Participants will learn about climate change terminology, climate change issues, local organizations, activists, and ideas for responding to the global climate emergency.
Participants will answer true or false statements and multiple-choice questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Waste Management
Participants will learn how solid waste (garbage, recycling, organics, household hazardous waste and electronic waste) is managed in their municipality / region.
Wildlife in the City
Participants will learn about the local wildlife (animals / fauna) that live amongst us in an urban environment, and how we can rightfully coexist together.
Women of Impact in Canada
In 1911 International Women’s Day began with the first gatherings held in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Today International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women on March 8. In 1992 the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual month-long celebration of the outstanding achievements of women throughout Canada’s history. Women’s History Month includes International Day of the Girl on October 11 and Persons Day on October 18.
Participants will learn about legendary and unknown women of impact in Canada both past and present.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
To learn more about TRCA online presentations, please check out our Online Presentation FAQs.
Online Presentation Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What do the online presentations cost?
The online presentations are free of charge.
2. How do I book an online presentation?
You can book your online presentation by email or phone.The online presentation will be arranged by MCP staff using Zoom. Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are also available for presentation delivery.
Please Contact Us.
3. How long is the online presentation?
An online presentation is 90 minutes / 1.5 hours in length.
4. Is there a limit as to how many students / participants can participate at once?
There is a minimum of 10 students / participants per online presentation. Teachers / group leaders are expected to attend the online presentation with their ESL-LINC class or newcomer group. An online presentation can also be delivered to a class or multiple classes in the classroom via a Smartboard. Please Contact Us.
5. How do I know which dates and times are available to book an online presentation?
Please contact the program coordinator for available dates and times. Please Contact Us.
6. What language levels can participate in the online presentation?
The online presentations are designed for adult students with an intermediate to advance English language level. The online presentations are not suitable for literacy and lower language level classes. Please consult with the program coordinator about the presentation content.
7. What should we do as a class to prepare for the online presentation?
Language teachers who have confirmed a booking will receive a lesson plan prior to the online presentation from the program coordinator. Reviewing the vocabulary and questions in the lesson plan is an essential part of the preparation for the online presentation.
8. What will participants learn during the online presentation?
Participants will be learning about local history, Canadian citizenship preparation, local environmental issues, and the importance of conservation and conservation actions at home and in their community.
9. Are there any follow up activities after the online presentations?
Resources will be provided in the lesson plan which the teacher can share and review with the students.
IN-PERSON PRESENTATIONS
The Multicultural Connections Program’s in-person presentations are available for English as a Second Language (ESL), Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC), and newcomer audiences.
The Multicultural Connections Program’s in-person presentations
are free of charge. The costs are covered through the generous support of our regional funding partners.
In-Person Presentations Available:
Indigenous Peoples in Canada
Participants will learn about the various Indigenous peoples and nations across Canada prior to European contact.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Introduction to Black History in North America
Participants will learn about slavery in North America, and its impact on the captive Black Africans brought to Canada and the United States during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Participants will learn about legendary and unknown Black people in Canada.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Pollinators in the Garden
Participants will learn about the importance of pollinators in their daily lives, and how to identify native pollinators and their nesting habitats. Participants will learn about friendly pollinator practices for the seasons.
Participants will answer true or false statements linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Protecting and Visiting Natural Areas in Canada
Participants will learn about how the three levels of government protect natural areas in Canada. Participants will learn about National Parks, Ontario Parks, Conservation Authorities and The Meadoway, a vibrant 16-kilometre stretch of restored urban meadowlands in Toronto.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions focusing on Canadian history, geography, and symbols during the presentation.
The Contact Period ~ European Arrival in the New World
Travel through the history of the New World with a focus on the early history of North America. Participants will learn about European colonization and its impact on the Indigenous people of Canada.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
The Indigenous Peoples in Canada presentation is recommended as a prerequisite for this presentation.
The Value of Water
Participants will learn about the importance of water in the natural environment and in their daily lives.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Understanding Our Climate Emergency
Participants will learn about climate change terminology, climate change issues, local organizations, activists, and ideas for responding to the global climate emergency.
Participants will answer true or false statements and multiple-choice questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
Waste Management
Participants will learn how solid waste (garbage, recycling, organics, household hazardous waste and electronic waste) is managed in their municipality / region.
Wildlife in the City
Participants will learn about the local wildlife (animals / fauna) that live amongst us in an urban environment, and how we can rightfully coexist together.
Women of Impact in Canada
In 1911 International Women’s Day began with the first gatherings held in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland. Today International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women on March 8. In 1992 the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual month-long celebration of the outstanding achievements of women throughout Canada’s history. Women’s History Month includes International Day of the Girl on October 11 and Persons Day on October 18.
Participants will learn about legendary and unknown women of impact in Canada both past and present.
Participants will answer Canadian citizenship questions linked to the information presented during the presentation.
To learn more about TRCA in-person presentations, please check out our In-person Presentation FAQs.
In-person Presentation Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What do the in-person presentations cost?
The in-person presentations are free of charge.
2. How do I book an in-person presentation?
You can book your in-person presentation by email or phone. The in-person presentation will be arranged by MCP staff.
Please Contact Us.
3. How long is an in-person presentation?
An in-person presentation requires 2-2.5 hours to include scheduled ESL-LINC classroom breaks.
4. Is there a limit as to how many students / participants can participate at once?
In-person presentations are only being delivered to one class per presentation. Teachers are expected to attend the in-person presentation with their ESL-LINC class.
5. How do I know which dates and times are available to book an in-person presentation?
Please contact the program coordinator for available dates and times. Please Contact Us.
6. What language levels can participate in the in-person presentation?
The in-person presentations are designed for adult students with an intermediate to advance English language level. The in-person presentations may not be suitable for literacy and lower language level classes due to presentation content and vocabulary. Please consult with the program coordinator about the presentation content.
7. Are there any on-site requirements for an in-person presentation?
A large classroom, boardroom or auditorium space that can comfortably and safely accommodate all participants is ideal for the in-person presentation delivery. The presenter requires access to a Smartboard or projection system for presentation delivery, and a table for MCP equipment, materials, and props. Please let the program coordinator know if the required presentation equipment is not available on-site during the booking process, so that other arrangements can be made.
8. What should we do as a class to prepare for the in-person presentation?
Language teachers who have confirmed a booking will receive a lesson plan from the program coordinator. Reviewing the vocabulary and questions in the lesson plan is an essential part of the preparation for the presentation.
9. What will participants learn during the in-person presentation?
Participants will be learning about local history, Canadian citizenship preparation, local environmental issues, and the importance of conservation and conservation actions at home and in their community.
10. Are there any follow up activities after the in-person presentations?
Resources will be provided in the lesson plan which the teacher can share and review with the students.
11. Are in-person presentations available to newcomer groups and faith-based organizations?
Yes, please contact the program coordinator for more information as requirements are different than for ESL-LINC classes. Please Contact Us.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Outdoor recreational activity is important to newcomers to Canada to enhance their mental well being, provide socializing, and reduce the isolation many have experienced due to the pandemic.
Discovery Walks:
Discovery Walks are coordinated seasonally by MCP staff.
ESL-LINC participants will learn about connecting with nature beyond the classroom at a TRCA facility or local park. Discovery Walk themes include local history, tree identification, wildflower identification, wildlife in the city….
For more information Please Contact Us.
Newcomer Events:
Newcomer Events are hosted seasonally at a TRCA facility or local park.
Newcomer participants will learn about connecting with nature through outdoor programming at a TRCA facility or local park.
For more information Please Contact Us.
Transportation Subsidy:
For more information Please Contact Us.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Cultural and Faith-based Events:
If your organization is hosting a cultural or faith-based event, MCP staff may be available to attend with an interactive booth display.
For more information Please Contact Us.
Newcomer Volunteer Program:
For more information Please Contact Us.
PAIE Bridge Training Program
We are currently accepting applications for the latest cohort!
Professional Access into Employment (PAIE) is an innovative bridge training program funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Our program is designed to help internationally-trained environmental professionals launch their careers in Engineering, Geoscience, Environmental Science and Planning here in Canada.
This nine-month program program equips participants with an understanding of the local labour market, and supports them as they seek to secure employment and gain the Canadian experience required for professional licensing and certification.
PAIE offers participants:
- Employment and job search coaching
- Over 100 hours of profession-specific and soft skills training
- Access to mentoring in their field
- Support to gain local experience
- Post-hire and retention support
Applicants must*:
- be internationally trained with minimum of a college diploma or university degree obtained outside of Canada
- have a minimum of two years of international work experience in engineering, geoscience, environmental science, or planning
*For a full list of eligibility criteria please visit the PAIE website.
Check out this testimonial from a PAIE graduate and APPLY TODAY.
