Transportation and Road Safety Basics

Access to transportation plays a major role in how quickly newcomers and refugees can settle, participate in daily life, and feel connected to their new community. Most refugees arrive in Canada without a personal vehicle, and while many hope to obtain a Canadian driver’s licence and vehicle, this process can take many months and, in some cases, years.

In the meantime, reliable transportation is essential for accessing housing, employment, education, healthcare, and community services. Understanding what transportation options exist, who is responsible at each stage, and how to stay safe on the road helps reduce reliance on others and supports smoother integration.

Transportation Upon Arrival in Canada

Transportation arrangements upon arrival depend on how a person enters Canada.

Government-assisted refugees are welcomed at the airport by an official welcoming team. This group helps ensure they reach connecting flights or are transported safely to the appropriate Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) centre.

Privately sponsored refugees rely on their sponsors for transportation. Sponsors commit to covering transportation needs during the first year in Canada, or until the refugee is considered established. This includes airport pickup and transportation to essential appointments such as medical visits, school registration, and government offices.

Transportation Loans and Costs

Although travel support is coordinated, government-assisted refugees are technically responsible for the cost of their journey to Canada. Many arrive without the financial means to pay these costs upfront.

To support safe arrival, the Government of Canada partners with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the Immigration Loans Program (ILP). This repayable loan may cover:

• Transportation from camps or rural communities to departure cities

• Meals and accommodation before departure

• Flights to Canada via the most economical route

• Transportation taxes, fees, and ground transportation

• Certain IOM service and administrative costs

• Pre-selection travel costs related to interviews or medical exams (if not otherwise covered)

The loan does not cover excess baggage, shipping personal belongings, transporting animals, DNA testing, or medical interventions needed to be travel-ready. Pre-departure medical services are covered under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP).

Transportation Options After Arrival

Transportation options vary widely depending on where someone settles. While refugees work toward obtaining a driver’s licence and vehicle if that is their goal they often rely on a combination of the following:

• Local or regional buses (where available)

• Transportation services for people with disabilities

• Trains or private coach buses

• Rides from sponsors, friends, family, and community members

• Taxis or rideshare services

• Walking and bicycling

• Streetcars or subways in urban centres

Parents who require transportation for their children should contact their local school board, which may provide busing depending on eligibility and distance.

In Renfrew County, there is currently no public transportation system, and personal vehicles are the most common form of travel. In Lanark County, Lanark County Transportation is a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides transportation to families, seniors, youth, and newcomers to access essential services.

As a result, many refugees in these areas rely primarily on walking, cycling, taxis, and rides from sponsors, friends, and community members.

Transportation Safety: Five Key Road Rules

Understanding local traffic laws is essential for everyone’s safety whether walking, cycling, or driving.

1. Distracted driving

   Using a phone while driving, even when stopped, is illegal. Drivers with G1 or G2 licences face immediate suspension if caught, along with fines and demerit points.

2. Emergency vehicles

   Drivers must slow down and change lanes, when possible, when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights, including police, fire trucks, ambulances, and tow trucks.

3. Pedestrian right-of-way

   Drivers must stop fully at crosswalks and school crossings and remain stopped until all pedestrians have reached the opposite curb.

4. Safeguarding cyclists

   Drivers must leave at least one metre of space when passing cyclists. Opening a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path can result in significant fines.

5. Driving under the influence

   Driving under the influence of drugs carries the same penalties as alcohol-impaired driving, including licence suspensions, fines, and vehicle impoundment.

Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to independence for newcomers and refugees, particularly in rural and small-town communities. Offering rides, sharing information, explaining road rules, or helping someone navigate local transportation options can make a meaningful difference.