Live Here
Our health region extends 140 km from Burnaby to Boston Bar
Fraser Health provides care on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region.
Discover the Fraser Health region
We recognize that Fraser Health provides care on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region.
With scenic mountain views, ocean beaches, cultural attractions and easy access to leisure and recreational activities, you can enjoy a thriving lifestyle mere steps away from work.
Relocating to British Columbia?
You might have a number of questions about moving to B.C., and what to expect when you get here. To get you started, we’ve gathered some resources to help you in making the transition to B.C. Welcome BC, HelloBC and IndigenousBC are great places to start.
Visit BCHealthCareers.ca to explore other resources, too!
FAQs
The Government of British Columbia (Provincial government) health plan is called the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It pays for basic, medically required health services. These include some doctor visits, medical tests, and treatments. Not all health costs are covered by MSP like dental, optometry/vision or physiotherapy to name a few.
MSP is for:
• B.C. residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
• B.C. residents who are government-assisted refugees
• international students with study permits
• some people with work permits for 6 months or more
Click here to find out if you are eligible for MSP.
Registering for MSP
You should register for MSP as soon as you arrive in B.C.
All residents of B.C. must be registered with MSP. You need to apply to register for MSP. On your application, make sure you write your name exactly as it appears on other official documents.
You may have to wait for up to 3 months for your application to be processed. If you do not have MSP, you should buy private medical insurance. If you need medical care in B.C. and you do not have MSP or private medical insurance, you will have to pay all medical costs yourself. These costs can be very high.
Check out the Newcomers Guide for more details on B.C.’s healthcare system.
You will need a BC Services Card to access health care services.
Follow these steps to get your BC Services Card.
1. Apply for MSP.
- Complete and send the BC MSP enrolment form.
- You can also apply online.
2. Visit an ICBC driver licensing office. After you send your documents and enrolment form, you will receive a letter in
the mail. Take the letter to an ICBC driver licensing office. You will also need to take 2 pieces of identification.
- Find out what kind of identification you will need. icbc.com – Search for “Service card
accepted ID” - Find an ICBC office near you.
Children under 19, people 75 and older, and people with study and work permits do not have to visit an ICBC office. You will receive a BC Services Card without a photo. Click here for more information.
Check out the Newcomers Guide for more details on B.C.’s health care system.
There are many real estate sites that list local rentals and sales of homes in New Westminster. Here are some to choose from:
Buyers:
Renters:
- apartments.com
- realtor.ca
- rentals.ca
- Join a local Facebook group
Tips:
- Check out the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website for information on mortgages for newcomers to B.C.
- Visit financial institutions like RBC, TD, Scotiabank or a Credit Union for newcomer mortgage programs and book a meeting with a mortgage advisor.
- BC Housing can help you find out about affordable housing and first-time home buyer programs.
The child care facilities listed here are licensed by Fraser Health. This list is regulated under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act of B.C. and is updated approximately every four months.
