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LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEWCOMERS: TALKING TO THE PLUMBER
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Leak = A hole or crack (in a pipe etc.) where water comes out of
To flush (a toilet) = To press a button to make water flow through and clean (a toilet)
Clogged =
Blocked
Rusty =
Covered in rust
Gunk =
The dirty, unpleasant substance that often gathers in pipes over time
Appliances =
Dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, etc.
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
This is a flat rate. = This is what you'll pay for the whole job. (it's not an hourly rate)
You don't have to pay up front. = You can pay when the job is finished.
This will require a major overhaul of the piping system. = This will require a big job to change the entire piping system.
I'll throw that in free of charge. = I won't charge you for that additional work/item.
I'll have to shut off the main water supply for about three hours. = You will not have water for about three hours.
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS: CALGARY, AB, CANADA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a comprehensive overview of immigrant and refugee support services in Calgary, Alberta, Canada — including settlement help, legal support, language education, employment assistance, community services, and more for newcomers.
CORE SETTLEMENT SERVICES
These organizations help you settle into life in Canada, access services, build skills, navigate systems (health, education, housing), and connect you with community resources:
• Immigrant Services Calgary - One of Calgary's largest and most comprehensive settlement service providers. Offers needs assessments, referrals to English programs, employment support, housing navigation, interpretation/translation (in 80+ languages), family services, and community programs.
• Centre for Newcomers - Delivers settlement assistance including orientation, English classes (LINC and conversation), job search supports, youth programs, daycare, and economic & social integration services.
• Calgary Catholic Immigration Society - Offers extensive settlement and integration programs, employment and language training, advocacy, and community support for refugees and immigrants.
• Canadian Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA) - Focuses on immigrant and refugee women and families, providing settlement info, employment skills, career bridging, language training, referrals, and supportive programs.
• The Immigrant Education Society - TIES Forest Lawn - Community education and settlement support with free/low-cost English language classes, employment readiness, settlement guidance, financial literacy, and mental health support.
• Portail de l'Immigrant Association (PIA) - French-language settlement support with school-based settlement workers (SWIS), community connection, orientation, and activities for women & youth.
• Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) - Provincial network supporting immigrant-serving organizations; great for referrals to culturally specific and targeted services.
• Gateway Newcomer Welcome Centre - Collaborative welcome centre where you can meet service providers, access referrals, language and employment services, and get connected to settlement support.
• CALGARY WELCOME CENTRE - Community-based welcome hub with support and orientation services for recent arrivals.
• Calgary West Zone Settlement Services - Local settlement support in specific Calgary neighbourhoods.
LANGUAGE & EDUCATION SUPPORT
• LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) - Free federal language classes to help you improve your English skills; many settlement agencies (like Immigrant Services Calgary and Centre for Newcomers) will assess you and refer you to appropriate programs.
• Conversation & ESL Workshops - Offered regularly through the Calgary Public Library system and community centres (often coordinated with settlement agencies).
• Youth & Family Language Support - Programs through community centres and schools to help children and parents adjust to Canadian classrooms.
LEGAL & RIGHTS ASSISTANCE
• Calgary Legal Guidance - Immigration Law Program - Free or low-cost legal guidance for immigration matters, family sponsorship, refugee protection claims, and more (walk-in clinics sometimes available).
• Many settlement agencies (Immigrant Services Calgary, Centre for Newcomers, CIWA) partner with legal clinics to provide periodic legal advice sessions on immigration and family law.
• Legal Aid Alberta (Calgary office) - Subsidized legal support for low-income residents; may cover immigration-related matters depending on eligibility.
Note: For complex immigration applications (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, spousal sponsorship, appeals), you can also consult registered immigration consultants or licensed lawyers — but always verify credentials.
EMPLOYMENT, JOB SKILLS, & ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
Many settlement services include job search help, resume workshops, interview practice, and employment referrals:
• Centre for Newcomers - Offers job-search support and connections to employers.
• CIWA - Career bridging and employment readiness programs.
• Immigrant Services Calgary - Can connect you to employment resources and referrals.
• The Immigrant Education Society - TIES - Offers employment readiness, workplace skills, and support navigating the Canadian job market.
COMMUNITY & LOCAL SUPPORT
• Local Multicultural Events and Meetups: Agencies often run welcome events, conversation circles, cultural celebrations, and community groups that help newcomers build social networks.
• Libraries & Community Centres: Offer community meetups, English conversation groups, children's programs, and workshops useful for settling into local life.
• Local School Boards: The Calgary Board of Education and Catholic School District have specific newcomer support staff and interpretation services to help children enroll and adapt.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS IN CALGARY
1. Start with a settlement intake: Contact Immigrant Services Calgary, Centre for Newcomers, or CIWA to complete a settlement needs assessment — they can refer you to appropriate language classes, employment help, and legal clinics.
2. Get language assessed early: Free LINC assessment through Immigrant Services Calgary's Language Assessment & Referral Centre helps you get into appropriate English courses.
3. Connect with community hubs: Welcome centres and settlement groups offer orientation and referrals to almost all newcomer supports.
4. Use library and school resources: Libraries and schools have special programs for newcomer families and children.
