Resources for French Language Residents

This page provides useful information to help new Canadians and residents of Brantford find French-focused resources or organisations that offer French services within each category listed below. This list does not include agencies that can access interpreters, however, many local agencies and organizations can also access interpretive services to aid French-speaking residents.

If you wish to access French language training and/or French settlement services that are not listed below you can also check out the Government of Canada's free newcomer services near you.

Child and family
  • Contact Brant
  • Willowbridge Community Services
    • Individual, couple and family counselling, EAP services, respite
    • 54 Brant Ave. 
    • 519-753-4173 or office@willowbridge.ca
  • Daycares
    • Garderie Francaise de Hamilton, 60 Clench Ave. A French daycare environment that allows children aged 1.5 to 13 to experience and practice the French language and culture. Ages 1.5 to 13. Contact 519-753-6541 or leballonrougebrantford@cscmonavenir.ca
    • Wee Watch Licensed Home Child Care, 794 Colborne St E. Licensed home child care agency for children age 12 years and under. Contact 519-758-2703 or brantfordadmin@weewatch.com
Education 

Elementary schools:

  • École Confédération Elementary School
    • Junior kindergarten to grade eight.
    • French Public School
    • 519-751-2891
  • École Dufferin Public School
    • Junior kindergarten to grade eight.
    • French Public School
    • 519-752-8232
  • École élémentaire catholique Sainte-Marguerite-Bourgeoys
    • Junior kindergarten to Grade eight.
    • French Catholic school
    • 519-756-4750

Secondary schools:

Education supports:

  • Laurier Students for Literacy
    • For Elementary School Students from grades 2-8: homework help, book buddies, reading club. Held at the Brantford Public Library, 173 Colborne Street by appointment, Monday to Thursday from 4pm-7pm. Contact lsflclub@gmail.com for more information.

Adult education:

  • Independent Learning Centre
    • Ontario high school credits offered through distance education
    • Fee-based
    • Contact 416-484-2704 or ilc@tvo.org
  • Employment Ontario
    • Take Courses to improve your reading, writing, math, communication, and digital skills
Employment and training resources

Employment Ontario

  • Get help with finding employment

 

Adult Learning - Employment Ontario

  • Take courses to improve your reading, writing, math, communication, and digital skills; Improve your French skills or get your high school diploma

 

Grand Erie District School Board - Careerlink Employment Centre

  • Employment and job search services. Help with job search strategies, interviews, resumes, and cover letters. 
  • 1 Market St, Upper Level. Open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Contact information: 519-759-1412 or careerlink@granderie.ca 

 

Other key training and education resources:
French language training support

French language classes: 

 

Key language support resources:

  • Test d’Evaluation de Français
    • International benchmark test that measures your level of knowledge and skills in French.
    • Helpful for immigration, citizenship, jobs, and applying for school
  • CLB-OSA Online Self-Assessment
    • Canadian benchmark test that measures your level of knowledge and skills in French
    • Self-assessment will assess your language proficiency in reading and listening
  • Government of Ontario - Improve your English and French
    • Things to do before you arrive in Ontario, French as a second language class, the government of Canada language classes, language training for your job, education or language programs for your child and youth
  • Ontario Immigration
    • This provincial government website provides information for newcomers about where to live, work and study. It provides links to immigration forms and how to get work permits, Ontario Health Cards and Drivers licenses
Government services
  • Service Canada Brantford
    • Access to Government of Canada services, benefits, and documentation
    • 195 Henry St, Unit 6B
  • Service Ontario
    • 80 Wellington Street
    • Health card application or renewal

    • Thursdays from 10am-4pm

  • Service Ontario
    • Drivers License, vehicle permits, accessible parking permits, driver and vehicle records, health card and insurance
    • 325A West Street 
    • Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm
  • Employment Ontario Apprenticeship Office
    • 505 Park Rd N, Suite 201 
    • Monday to Friday from 8:30am-5pm
    • 519-756-5197
Health and wellness resources

Crisis lines:

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 
    • 24 hours counselling support
    • Dial or text 9-8-8
  • Fem’aide
    • 24-hour Francophone helpline for women affected by violence
    • Office phone number: 1-877-336-2433 or Crisis phone number: 1-877-336-2433
  • ConnexOntario
    • 24-hour telephone service providing confidential information about addiction, mental health and problem gambling resources in Ontario, including how to access them
    • Office phone number: 519-439-0174 or Crisis phone number: 1-866-531-2600

 

Medical clinics:
Senior supports
  • Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
    • Non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the abuse and neglect of older adults
    • 416-916-6728
  • Seniors Safety Line
    • Free confidential 365/24/7 support line for seniors experiencing or at-risk of abuse
    • 1-866-299-1011
  • Home and Community Care Support Services - Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand and Brant
    • Access to health care support at home, at school, or in the community
    • 519-759-7752 or access@hccontario.ca
  • Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk and Hamilton Halton
    • Information and support for individuals and families living with dementia
    • 519-759-7692 or help@alzda.ca
Settlement services

Ontario Immigration

  • Information for newcomers about where to live, work and study. Includes links to immigration forms and how to get work permits, Ontario Health Cards and Drivers licenses
Additional resources