Hamilton Welcomes Ukrainians

• Learn more about Government of Canada Immigration measure for people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• The Federal Government has created the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), that allows visitors to temporarily reside and work in Canada for up to three years.

Connecting to healthcare in Hamilton

To access general healthcare in Hamilton visit Hamilton Family Medicine and complete the online intake form. Once completed a team member will be in touch within 7 days. For help completing the intake form, please call:

• Compass Community Health 905-523-6611
• Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre 905-522-3233
• REFUGE Newcomer Health 905-526-0000

Connecting to HealthCare in Hamilton Flyer English (PDF, KB) | Urkrainian (PDF, 237 KB) | Russian (PDF, 232 KB)

• Ukrainians in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) are eligible for coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). The province pays for medically-necessary health services covered by OHIP.
• Learn how to apply for OHIP, including what documents are needed, or call ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (TTY: 1-800-387-5559).
• The Ontario Drug Benefit Program helps cover the cost of about 5,000 prescription drugs. Learn how to get help paying for prescription drugs
• If you have a long-term physical disability, you can get help paying for equipment and supplies through the Assistive Devices Program.

See information on the offering a range of immigration and settlement supports offered by the Province of Ontario

Access dental, vaccination  newborn, infant and prenatal care
Information about local dental, newborn, infant and prenatal care, and vaccination programs.
Public Health Programs Ukranian (PDF, 558 KB) | Russian (PDF, 578 KB)

Healthy Smiles Ontario (HSO)
For children & youth 0-17 years old, HSO provides routine and emergency dental care. HSO coverage is from August 1st until July 31st, regardless of when you apply, and can be renewed annually if you remain eligible. An HSO card will be mailed to your address to use at a dentist in your community.
Eligibility: 17 years of age or younger, income eligibility criteria (or signature of a guarantor for those who are unable to show proof of income). You must apply to the program and have your application approved prior to seeking services. *If a child or youth is experiencing a dental emergency or has essential dental treatment needs, they may be eligible for immediate HSO enrolment in order to seek immediate dental care. A visual screening to assess the dental condition is required to determine eligibility for immediate enrolment. Call 905-546-2424 ext. 5369 or visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-dental-care

Emergency Assistance through Ontario Works Program
Adults 18-64 years old with dental treatment needs may qualify for Emergency Assistance through Ontario Works. If eligible for Emergency Assistance, a dental card can be provided for up to 48 days of dental benefit. Contact your Ontario Works case manager at 905-546-4800 for more information. Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program (OSDCP) OSDCP provides free, routine dental services, including dentures, for low-income seniors 65 years and older. OSDCP coverage is from August 1st until July 31st, regardless of when you apply, and can be renewed annually if you remain eligible. An OSDCP card will be mailed to your address. Eligibility: 65 years of age or older, income eligibility criteria (or signature of a guarantor for those who are unable to show proof of income). You must apply to the program and have your application approved prior to seeking services. *If a senior is experiencing a dental emergency or has essential dental treatment needs, they may be eligible for immediate enrollment based on an emergency condition. Call us at 905-546-2424 ext. 3789 or email [email protected] for more information

• Health Connections Line – 905-546-3550
• Provides information and community referrals for prenatal clients and families with children up to the age of 6 (we can use language line for non-English speaking families).

Healthy Babies Healthy Children
As part of the Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program, all families are offered the chance to speak to a Public Health Nurse about how they are doing either during their pregnancy, after the birth of a baby, or up to when a child transitions to school. The HBHC program also offers free home visiting to families who need more support. We have cultural interpreting services available to support clients

The HBHC program can support families with:

• Having a healthy pregnancy
• Developing a positive relationship with their child
• Promoting their child's growth and development
• Answering any questions about their child

Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)
Public Health Nurses partner with Public Health Dietitians to deliver weekly interactive prenatal education sessions virtually, or by phone, to pregnant women at no cost. They learn about healthy eating in pregnancy, birthing and related topics. Program incentives, including food gift certificates and bus tickets, are offered to program participants.

Call Health Connections 905-546-3550 for more information.

Online Prenatal Program
Free online classes to learn more about pregnancy, birth and newborn care. Call 905-546-3591 or visit http://www.hamilton.ca/public-health/classes/prenatal-classes

COVID-19 Vaccines
Eligibility: COVID-19 Vaccines are available for free. Everyone who is six months of age and older can receive 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Some people can also get 3rd and 4th doses.

• Types of vaccines available: Pfizer (ages five years and older), Moderna (six months to under 5, 30+)

 Visit www.hamilton.ca/GetYourVaccine  for vaccine clinic information and to learn more.

Call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline at 905-974-9848, option 7 for vaccine clinic information, to learn more about vaccine eligibility and any questions. Translation is available.

Routine Vaccines
Routine Vaccines Hamilton Public Health Services’ Vaccine Program is available to provide consultation to health care providers and families. Call 905-546-2424 x7556 to access our Vaccine Program Infoline or visit www.hamilton.ca/vaccines for more information.

Transitional Financial Assistance
The Government of Canada provides a Transitional Financial Assistance of $3,000 per adult (18 years and older) and $1,500 per child (17 years and under) for Ukrainians who have arrived in Canada or will be arriving on a Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa.

Emergency Assistance
Ukrainians in Ontario under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel are eligible to apply for Emergency Assistance which provides temporary financial support for basic needs and shelter in crisis situations while you apply for the Federal Income Supports.

If you live in the City of Hamilton and do not have enough money for things like food, housing and prescription drugs etc you may qualify for Emergency Assistance.

To apply:

• if you are a refugee claimant, have a Canadian social insurance number (SIN), and an email address you can apply online
• if you received a Canada- Ukraine authorization for emergency travel visa, you can contact your local Hamilton Ontario Works office or call 905-546-4800

Apply to open a bank account
Learn how to apply for a bank account in Canada. This Government of Canada resource page provides information about requirements including Identification requirements, eligibility, your rights and responsibilities. www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/banking/opening-bank-account.html

Summer programs Translated Ukrainian (PDF 223 KB)

Child Care

There are many licensed child care options available to families. Visit the Hamilton Child Care Registry to find a location that works for you.

For more information, visit www.hamilton.ca/childcareregistry

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

 EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free programs for families and children from prenatal to 6 years old. Offered at 30+ sites across Hamilton, programs are offered virtually, in person and outdoors, and vary by location. Some programs require advanced registration through our KEYON system. To create an account, go to www.keyon.ca/en/Account/Register.

To find a list of Early ON Child and Family Centres, view program calendars, or learn more, visit www.hamilton.ca/social-services/early-years-and-child-care-services/earlyon-child-and-family-centres-locations

Children’s Camps

Children’s camps run at various sites across Hamilton. Families approved for the City of Hamilton’s Child Care Subsidy qualify for camp subsidies, where spaces exist.

Parks, Recreation & Sports

Individual and Family Support for Specialized Services

For families who require extra support to access a variety of specialized services for themselves or their children. Detailed descriptions for each program provided. 

• Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) is the local transit service.
• Children under 12 ride for free and 13 to 19 ride for half price.
• The Affordable Transit Pass is also available to assist with transit needs.