WelcomeKaribuBienvenueAkwaabaMabuhayمرحباਜੀ ਆਇਆਂ ਨੂੰ欢迎Boozhoo A welcoming, well-resourced community for newcomers and neighbours in Northern Ontario.
Start here
- Apply for OHIP Get your Ontario health card.
- Get a SIN Your Social Insurance Number.
- Find housing Renting and buying in Northern Ontario.
- Register kids in school Public schools, ESL, and registration.
- Open a bank account Banking basics for newcomers.
- Find a family doctor Walk-ins, family practice, and Health Care Connect.
Need something else? See all resources.
Why Diaspora North
Three things every newcomer needs.
Settlement Resources
Plain-language guides for housing, healthcare, schools, banking, and the everyday details that don't make it into the official handbooks.
Browse resources →Local Business Directory
Diaspora-owned and newcomer-friendly businesses across Northern Ontario — restaurants, services, shops, and trades.
Browse the directory →Community Stories
Profiles, guides, and news from across our communities. The best information comes from neighbours.
Read stories →For local businesses
Diaspora-owned? Newcomer-friendly? Get listed.
The directory is curated to help newcomers find businesses where they feel at home — restaurants serving foods from home, salons that know their hair, accountants who speak their language, and trades they can trust. Listings are free for diaspora-owned and newcomer-friendly businesses across Northern Ontario.
Get listed (free)What we look for
- Owned or operated in Northern Ontario
- Welcoming to newcomers (in spirit, language, or service)
- A working website or active social presence
- Real photos of the business, team, or product