Introduction:

The Bangladesh Community Association of Nova Scotia (BDCANS) is a voluntary, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Bangladeshi culture, heritage, and community values within Nova Scotia’s multicultural society.

BDCANS works to bring community members together, encourage social connections, and support a strong sense of belonging while celebrating Bangladeshi traditions and cultural identity.

Please note: BDCANS does not provide immigration, visa, or legal services. However, we aim to help newcomers connect with useful settlement information and community resources in Nova Scotia.

For settlement-related information and community updates, please follow the BDCANS Facebook Group or contact us at bdcans2017@gmail.com.

Before And After Coming To Halifax

Before You Travel

  • Book your flight carefully. If possible, consider a direct flight from London to Halifax, even if it costs a little more.
  • If Halifax is not your first airport in Canada, allow at least 5 hours for your connection. You may need extra time for immigration, customs, and collecting your luggage.
  • Keep your important documents in your carry-on luggage, including:
    • Permanent Resident Confirmation / immigration documents
    • Passport and visa
    • Educational certificates and transcripts
    • Previous employment records and reference letters
    • Medical prescriptions and important health records
    • Dental and optical records
    • Children’s immunization records and school records
    • Marriage certificate, if applicable
    • International driver’s licence, if available
  • Bring suitable winter clothing, as Halifax winters can be cold. You may also bring traditional Bangladeshi clothing for cultural and community events.
  • Bring some Canadian dollars and an international payment card for your initial expenses.
  • Consider bringing an unlocked mobile phone so you can use a Canadian SIM card.

After You Arrive

  • Find a place to live
  • Register for a Nova Scotia Health Card
  • Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Check eligibility criteria for government assistance
  • Apply for Canada Child Tax Credit (if required)
  • Open a bank account
  • Find employment
  • Get maps of streets and bus routes
  • Find the location and phone numbers of hospitals and emergency facilities in your community neighbourhood
  • Find places to shop and fun things to do
  • Find a family doctor
  • Visit and learn about local organizations that provide services to immigrants
  • Get important documents translated and interpreted
  • Find a library close to your home
  • Get a Nova Scotia driver’s license

Mosques in Nova Scotia: 

Al Barakah Mosque (12 Hillcrest St · (902) 440-8034), Centre for Islamic Development (

2728 Robie St · (902) 454-6078), Ummah Mosque and Community Centre (UMCC) (2510 St Matthias St · (902) 407-1411), ​Nova Scotia Islamic Community Center (NSICC) (Address: 2141 Larry Uteck Blvd, Bedford, NS B4B 1E2Phone: (902) 832-6300), Islamic Association Of Nova Scotia (Address: 42 Leaman Dr, Dartmouth, NS B3A 2K9, Phone: (902) 469-9490), Truro MasjidMosque in Valley, Nova ScotiaAddress: 533 Pictou Rd, Truro, NS B2N 2V2, Trenton Masjid 25 Forge St, Trenton, NS B0K 1X0.

MSI – Health Cards 

Address: 230 Brownlow Ave, Dartmouth, NS B3B 0G5

Phone: (902) 496-7008

Halal Shops:

House Of Halal Groceries14 Titus St · (902) 455-6328 , Syrian Meat Store2760 Gladstone St · (902) 329-4433, Mid-East Food Centre & CaféAddress: 2595 Agricola St, Halifax, NS B3K 4C4Phone: (902) 492-0958, Brother Khurshids Halal Shack Asian grocery storeAddress: 5 Hartlen Ave, Halifax, NS B3R 1R5,

Kawthar Market Halal MeatAddress: 629 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2L6Phone: (902) 407-7777, Indian GroceriesAddress: 2585 Robie St, Halifax, NS B3K 4N5 , Al Hilal Meat Shop and Middle Eastern CuisineAddress: 386 Herring Cove Rd, Halifax, NS B3R 1W4Phone: (902) 989-0086

 

Mobile carriers And Internet: 

Bell Aliant(internet, home phone), East Link (Internet , Home phone), City Wide (Internet , home phone) 

Public (mobile), Rogers(mobile), Koodo (mobile) 

 Access Nova Scotia Centre 

Department of motor vehicles in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia 

Address: 250 Baker Dr #134, Dartmouth, NS B2W 6A3 

Address: 300 Horseshoe Lake Dr, Halifax, NS B3S 0B4 

Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) 

Address: 6960 Mumford Rd Suite 2120, Halifax, NS B3L 4P1 

Phone: (902) 423-3607 

Few Chain Shop Names To Buy Household Items 

Dollarama, Walmart, Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Ikea