Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo.

As of Monday, November 30th, staff from the Admissions and Registrar's Office (BAR) at Boréal's Sudbury campus will be working remotely. Our team will therefore not be physically onsite. We will return to the campus for the start of the January session.

Our office hours remain the same:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesdays: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

We are available:

By email: registrariat@collegeboreal.ca
By phone: 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2180
On appointment. Click here.

Click here to view the memo.

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo.

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

Click here to view the memo. (In French only.)

We encourage you to accept your offer as soon as possible. Courses for the Winter Semester will be offered in alternative mode via Zoom. In-person activities will be limited to minimize groupings of individuals and physical contact. For questions regarding enrollment, please contact our Admissions and Registrar’s Office at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 1090, or admissions@collegeboreal.ca.

Get ready! Courses for the Winter Semester will be offered in alternative mode via Zoom. In-person activities will be limited to minimize groupings of individuals and physical contact. Courses offered via Zoom will be live; they are not self-learning courses. For example, if you have a two-hour Accounting class as part of your schedule, you will be watching and interacting with your professor and colleagues over a two-hour period in a virtual classroom.

It is therefore important to have access to a computer and the internet. Click here for the minimum technology requirements. IT support services will be available to all students who require assistance. In addition, in order to support you in your learning, you will have access to the list of required textbooks via the student portal (under 'books') and on the Coopérative Boréal’s (COOP) website.

It is also important to pay your tuition deposit and sign your tuition settlement agreement through the student portal.

Remember to check your Collège Boréal student account (email and portal) on a regular basis to stay up to date with the latest information.

Boréal’s course plans contain all the information regarding mandatory and suggested resource materials. Normally students can obtain their required textbooks as well as program kits from the bookstore or designated campus location. The Coopérative Boréal (COOP) oversees the sale of textbooks at Collège Boréal.

Due to the current situation and in order to facilitate the purchase of textbooks and kits sold by COOP, the master list of textbooks as well as ordering instructions can be found on the COOP’s website or on the Student Portal under “Books”.

Courses for the Winter Semester will be offered in alternative mode via Zoom. In-person activities will be limited to minimize groupings of individuals and physical contact. On-campus instruction will take place as provincial restrictions are lifted. If you decide that this model is not the option you want, please contact our Admissions and Registrar’s Office at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 1090, or admissions@collegeboreal.ca to discuss your options.

We have taken a number of steps to ensure a safe return to our campuses and sites for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Those measures are outlined in our Reopening Guide. We are following all best practices to reduce the risk of exposure to and spread of COVID-19. They include controlled access to our campuses and sites, pre-screening for COVID symptoms prior to being allowed access to our campuses and sites, mandatory wearing of a face covering while on campus/site, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting processes, and additional measures to promote physical distancing.

More information on the face covering requirement can be found under the “FAQ: Campuses/Sites and Services” section.

In addition, prior to accessing one of Collège Boréal’s campuses/sites, students, clients and employees are required to view a video infographic (20 minutes) on current safety measures.

Should you choose to enroll for January 2021 and start your studies in alternative mode, you will be contacted by your faculty members, who will provide you with all the information you need to begin your studies. Courses offered via Zoom will be live; they are not self-learning courses. For example, if you have a two-hour Accounting class as part of your schedule, you will be watching and interacting with your professor and colleagues over a two-hour period in a virtual classroom.

Student services and supports are available via teleservice. More information can be found under the “FAQ: Campuses/Sites and Services” section.

In-person activities will be limited to minimize groupings of individuals and physical contact. We will provide updates as they become available. 

Prior to accessing one of Collège Boréal’s campuses/sites, students, clients and employees are required to view a video infographic (20 minutes) on current safety measures.

Click here to view the academic calendar. At this point, we would encourage you to pay your fees and deposits to ensure your spot in your program this January. We will communicate any changes to you as they occur. For more information, please contact our Admissions and Registrar’s Office at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 1090, or registraire@collegeboreal.ca.

Our residence in Sudbury is open. For more information, please contact our residence management at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 15000 or info@residenceboreal.ca.

Our residence follows the Campus Living Centres COVID-19 Operation Guidelines and Protocols to ensure your safety. We provide our students in residence with education on best practices in infection control. For more information, please contact our residence management at 705-560-6673, ext. 15000 or info@residenceboreal.ca.

In addition, prior to accessing one of Collège Boréal’s campuses/sites, students, clients and employees are required to view a video infographic (20 minutes) on current safety measures.

Our residence in Sudbury is open to students. For more information, please contact our residence management at 705-560-6673, ext. 15000 or info@residenceboreal.ca.

You can learn more about OSAP and what it means for you at www.osap.gov.on.ca. The Government of Canada also has supports in place for post-secondary students. Click here to learn more.

See the list of FAQs regarding international students.

Check other sections of this webpage for additional information.

Keep checking back here on the COVID-19 landing page. We are updating it constantly. You can also email us your questions covid19@collegeboreal.ca. 

For program-related questions, please contact your program coordinator.

For questions regarding student services, please call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2020, or email servicesauxetudiants@collegeboreal.ca.  

For questions regarding your student file, contact our Admissions and Registrar’s Office at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 1090, or registraire@collegeboreal.ca.

Courses for the Winter Semester will be offered in hybrid mode. This means that some courses will be offered in the classroom and others will be offered in virtual mode via Zoom. Courses offered via Zoom will be live; they are not self-learning courses. For example, if you have a two-hour Accounting class as part of your schedule, you will be watching and interacting with your professor and colleagues over a two-hour period in a virtual classroom. On campus/site instruction will increase as provincial restrictions are lifted. We will provide updates as they become available.

Boréal’s course plans contain all the information regarding mandatory and suggested resource materials. Normally students can obtain their required textbooks as well as program kits from the bookstore or designated campus location. The Coopérative Boréal (COOP) oversees the sale of textbooks at Collège Boréal.

Due to the current situation and in order to facilitate the purchase of textbooks and kits sold by COOP, the master list of textbooks as well as ordering instructions can be found on the COOP’s website or on the Student Portal under “Books”.

See the list of FAQs regarding international students.

Student placements within the community are resuming as our partners indicate that they are able to accept and support students. We will provide updates as they become available.

Courses for the Winter Semester will be offered in hybrid mode. This means that some courses will be offered in the classroom and others will be offered in virtual mode via Zoom. We are committed to doing everything we can to allow you to finish your program on time and graduate. We will provide updates as they become available.

Check other sections of this webpage for additional information.

Keep checking back here on the COVID-19 landing page. We are updating it constantly. You can also email us your questions covid19@collegeboreal.ca. 

For program-related questions, please contact your program coordinator.

For questions regarding student services, please call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2020, or email servicesauxetudiants@collegeboreal.ca.  

For questions regarding your student file, contact our Admissions and Registrar’s Office at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 1090, or registraire@collegeboreal.ca.

You will be required to wear a face covering while on campus/site. A face covering includes a medical mask or non-medical mask or other covering including a bandana, scarf or cloth (including hijab and niqab) that covers the mouth and nose to ensure a barrier to limit community transmission. Individuals are encouraged to provide their own face covering. Collège Boréal will have a limited number of masks on each campus/site. 

Other forms of face coverings or personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for specific activities on campus/site. Program coordinators and faculty will advise you of the equipment needed.

There are some exceptions to the face covering requirement if:

• the person is working in a private (single occupancy) enclosed, workspace such as an office; 
• the person is a child under two years of age;
• the person is incapacitated and unable to remove their mask without assistance;
• wearing a face covering would inhibit the person’s ability to breathe in any way;
• for any other medical reason such as, but not limited to, respiratory disease, cognitive difficulties or difficulties in hearing or processing information, the person cannot safely wear a face covering; and
• for any religious reason, the person cannot wear a face covering.

Only a select number of students and faculty/staff are granted access at this time.

Courses for the Winter Semester will be offered in alternative mode via Zoom. In-person activities will be limited to minimize groupings of individuals and physical contact. On campus/site instruction will increase as provincial restrictions are lifted. We will provide updates as they become available.

Prior to accessing one of Collège Boréal’s campuses/sites, students, clients and employees are required to view a video infographic (20 minutes) on current safety measures.

Our residence in Sudbury is open, and follows the Campus Living Centres COVID-19 Operation Guidelines and Protocols to ensure your safety. We provide our students in residence with education on best practices in infection control. For more information, please contact our residence management at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 15000 or info@residenceboreal.ca.

Most services are available via teleservice. Our staff are monitoring the phone lines and emails to better serve you. We will provide updates as they become available.

Bookstore (COOP BORÉAL)
Although the bookstore is currently closed, arrangements have been made to support textbook purchases. For assistance call 705-521-6028 or librairie@collegeboreal.ca.

Centre francophone d’évaluation et de ressources de l’Ontario (CFÉRO)
Open. Click here to access the website. For assistance call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 6029, or email cfero@collegeboreal.ca.

Centre Louis-Riel
Closed. For assistance call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2025.

Computer Labs
Closed until further notice. We will provide updates as they become available.

Employment Services (Employment Options centres)
Services are available via teleservice. For assistance, call 1-800-361-6673, ext. 7750, or email OptionsEmploi@collegeboreal.ca. Click here to access the website.

Financial Aid
The office is closed. For assistance call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 6017, or email fondation@collegeboreal.ca.

For OSAP-related questions call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2159, or email aidefinanciere@collegeboreal.ca.

You may also speak with a Financial Aid Officer at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2155, or by email at boursesboreal@collegeboreal.ca.

Fitness Centre / Gym
Closed for recreational and community-related initiatives. Students requiring access for hands-on learning experiences will have limited access. We will provide updates as they become available.

Immigration & Settlement Services (including Language Training and Bridging Programs)
Programs and services are currently offered via teleservice. Click here to learn more. For assistance email newcomers@collegeboreal.ca or nouveaux-arrivants@collegeboreal.ca.

IT/Help Desk
For assistance call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2380.

Library
Closed. For assistance call 705-521-6002 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 6002, or email bibliotheque@collegeboreal.ca. Click here to visit the website.

Student Food Bank
Closed. For immediate assistance call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 6017, or email fondation@collegeboreal.ca.

Student Support Services | Phare Pierre-Riopel (Accessibility, Counselling, Learning Support, etc.)
Services are available via teleservice. For assistance call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2020, or email servicesauxetudiants@collegeboreal.ca. To schedule an appointment, please fill out the electronic form. (public.collegeboreal.ca/sae)

Upgrading / Literacy and Basic Skills Programs (ACE/LBS)
Courses are currently offered in alternative ways. For assistance call 1-800-361-6673 or 705-560-6673, ext. 3085.

Check other sections of this webpage for additional information.

Keep checking back here on the COVID-19 landing page. We are updating it constantly. You can also email us your questions covid19@collegeboreal.ca. 

For program-related questions, please contact your program coordinator.

For questions regarding student services, please call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2020, or email servicesauxetudiants@collegeboreal.ca.  

For questions regarding your student file, contact our Admissions and Registrar’s Office at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 1090, or registraire@collegeboreal.ca.

If you have any questions about using Zoom, email our Tech Support Coach at coachappui@collegeboreal.ca or call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2793, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Click here for tips on using Zoom.

Courses for the Winter Semester will be offered in alternative mode via Zoom. In-person activities will be limited to minimize groupings of individuals and physical contact.

Courses offered via Zoom will be live; they are not self-learning courses. For example, if you have a two-hour Accounting class as part of your schedule, you will be watching and interacting with your professor and colleagues over a two-hour period in a virtual classroom.

Ontario’s public Colleges, including Collège Boréal, have determined not to provide tuition refunds or rebates due to COVID-19 as students continue to receive the education that will allow them to meet the requirements of their Ministry-approved program, albeit through a different method of delivery. While the delivery method is different than what many are used to or expected, students will still be provided the opportunity to demonstrate the learning outcomes necessary for course and program completion and successful entry into the workforce.

Collège Boréal continues to work with the provincial government, public health officials and employers to resume hands-on activities and placement opportunities as the province moves to the next phase of reopening.

To help alleviate some of the financial costs facing students, Collège Boréal has increased the amount of emergency financial aid available through our hardship fund (Bourses d’urgence). We have also eliminated a number of ancillary fees until such a time as our campuses/sites and all of our on-site services are available to our students.

The pandemic has created a very fluid and ever-changing dynamic for post-secondary institutions, and we appreciate and thank you for your patience and understanding as we work our way together through this new environment.

Courses for the Winter Semester will be offered in alternative mode via Zoom. Courses offered via Zoom will be live; they are not self-learning courses. It is therefore important to have access to a computer and the internet. Click here for the minimum technology requirements. IT support services is available to all students who require assistance.

Using Zoom is free. However, you are advised to check with your internet and/or cell phone provider for your data usage limits.

If you have any questions about using Zoom, email our Tech Support Coach at coachappui@collegeboreal.ca or call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2793, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Click here for tips on using Zoom.

Please contact your school board representative for additional information.

Student placements within the community are resuming as our partners indicate that they are able to accept and support students. We will provide updates as they become available. We will provide updates as they become available.

We encourage you to continue your studies as we are confident you will be able to progress. To discuss your options, contact your program coordinator or our program specialists at specialistes@collegeboreal.ca.

Academic upgrading, including Literacy and Basic Skills programs (ACE/LBS), is being offered in alternative ways. For more information call 1-800-361-6673 or 705-560-6673, ext. 3085.

Courses for the Winter Semester will be offered in alternative mode via Zoom. In-person activities will be limited to minimize groupings of individuals and physical contact.

Each professor will share with you, most likely on the first day of class, his or her course plan which describes learning outcomes, evaluations and their weighting, textbooks and resources, and related issues. For questions in this regard, please contact your professor or your program coordinator.

On campus/site instruction, including labs, will increase as provincial restrictions are lifted. We will provide updates as they become available.

Check other sections of this webpage for additional information.

Keep checking back here on the COVID-19 landing page. We are updating it constantly. You can also email us your questions covid19@collegeboreal.ca. 

For program-related questions, please contact your program coordinator.

For questions regarding student services, please call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2020, or email servicesauxetudiants@collegeboreal.ca.  

For questions regarding your student file, contact our Admissions and Registrar’s Office at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 1090, or registraire@collegeboreal.ca.

The federal government has announced a number of initiatives to provide financial support to both domestic and international students. Click here for details.

You can learn more about OSAP and what it means for you at www.osap.gov.on.ca.

The federal government has announced a number of initiatives to provide financial support to both domestic and international students. Click here for details.

Visit the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) or the Canada Student Aid page for more information.

If your OSAP debt is in collections, contact the Ministry of Finance at 1-877-535-0554 or the private collection agency assigned to your account to discuss your options.

If you have questions about OSAP, please contact our Admissions and Registrar’s Office at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2159, or aidefinanciere@collegeboreal.ca.

Several bursaries are available via the Fondation du Collège Boréal. Visit the Bourses Boréal website to see a complete list of available bursaries.

For assistance, speak with a Financial Aid Officer at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2155, or by email at boursesboreal@collegeboreal.ca. 

Here is a link to the Government of Canada webpage outlining their support for workers affected by COVID-19. For updates from the Government of Canada, continue to check this link and the website for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Check other sections of this webpage for additional information.

Keep checking back here on the COVID-19 landing page. We are updating it constantly. You can also email us your questions covid19@collegeboreal.ca. 

For program-related questions, please contact your program coordinator.

For questions regarding student services, please call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2020, or email servicesauxetudiants@collegeboreal.ca.  

For questions regarding your student file, contact our Admissions and Registrar’s Office at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 1090, or registraire@collegeboreal.ca.

Yes. View the list of Designated learning institutions (DLIs).

To study in Canada, international students must have:

• a valid study permit; OR
• a letter of introduction that shows they were approved for a study permit.

As a student, your travel to Canada won’t be considered essential (non-discretionary) if you have all of the required documents.

Approval of your study permit is not guaranteed if you choose to start or continue your program online without one of the aforementioned documents. This means that you may not be able to complete the program you started online if you do not obtain a study permit.

Collège Boréal has developed a detailed COVID-19 response plan. It will be necessary to maintain in very close communications with Collège Boréal before your arrival and during your quarantine in Canada.

IMPORTANT
Please notify Collège Boréal as soon as possible if you are eligible to travel to Canada and the date you expect to arrive by emailing international@collegeboreal.ca.

Prepare for your arrival:

• Visit the IRCC website to prepare for your trip to Canada. There are requirements to be met.
• Read the Boréal’s Quarantine Plan.
• Visit the EduCanada site to plan your studies in Canada.

If you are an international student and already enrolled at Collège Boréal for your 2nd or 3rd year, please follow the existing security measures for your campus. Make sure your immigration status is still valid.

If you are starting your studies at Collège Boréal and you are already in Canada – but in a province other than Ontario – please visit the Government of Ontario website for specific restrictions.

For additional information, visit the following websites:

• COVID-19: Information for International Students – EduCanada;
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; and
• COVID-19: International Students – Government of Canada.

If you are an international student with a valid study permit or whose application for a study permit was approved on or before March 18, 2020, you are exempt from travel restrictions. Find out what you need to do before travelling to Canada. Read IRCC's COVID-19: A Guide for International Students in Canada Arriving from Abroad. If you are travelling by air, you must pass an airline check of your medical condition before you can board your flight. Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to fly to Canada. When you arrive in Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency will check your health before you leave the point of entry. You must self-isolate for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. This is mandatory, even if you do not have any symptoms. See Boréal's Self-Isolation Plan to better prepare yourself.

For additional information, visit the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Visitors, Temporary Workers and Students webpage.

Yes. Processing times are 10 to 15 working days once we have received all the necessary elements to assess your file. Contact our International Office at 00 +1-705-560-6673, ext. 1053, or international@collegeboreal.ca to find out about the admission application process.

You would have received a letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirming that you will receive your study permit upon arrival to Canada. Please review the Government of Canada’s Travel Exemptions and Restrictions for International Students before booking your flights.

Before travelling to Canada, read IRCC's COVID-19: A Guide for International Students in Canada Arriving from Abroad.

You must self-isolate at your own expense for 14 days. See Boréal’s Self-Isolation Plan. You must plan to have several essentials to ensure your well-being and comfort; some of these should be in your suitcase. You should also take the necessary steps to equip your new home at your own expense with basic necessities, such as:

• A computer (click here for more information) and a phone with chargers and adapters;
• A reliable connection to the internet;
• Linens (sheets, pillows, blankets and towels);
• Appropriate clothing for the local climate;
• Personal hygiene products;
• Face coverings or masks;
• Hand soap;
• Furniture (bed, desk, chair); and
• A credit card to purchase food and other necessities. (You won’t be able to go into stores for 14 days, but delivery services may be available.)

Collège Boréal can offer you free transportation from your place of arrival (location of study) to your self-isolation location. Please contact our International Office by email at international@collegeboreal.ca. well in advance of your arrival to coordinate transportation.

In Sudbury: We recommend that international students stay in Residence where there are existing measures in place to ensure their well-being. You need to reserve your room as soon as possible as it is first come, first served. For more information, please contact our residence management at 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 15000 or info@residenceboreal.ca. Visit the website to learn more: https://residenceboreal.ca/.

If you prefer to stay off campus or if the residence is already full, contact our International Office at 00 +1-705-560-6673, ext. 1053, or international@collegeboreal.ca and we will assist you.

In other locations (Toronto, Windsor, Timmins, Kapuskasing, Hearst, Nipissing, Ottawa): Contact our International Office at 00 +1-705-560-6673, ext. 1053, or international@collegeboreal.ca and we will assist you.

You should apply for a study permit as soon as you obtain an admission letter from Collège Boréal. Contact our International Office at 00 +1-705-560-6673, ext. 1053, or international@collegeboreal.ca for additional information.

Courses offered in alternative mode will not affect your eligibility for the Post-graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP).

If you have a study permit or have been registered for a program starting in the spring, summer or fall, but you are not able to travel to Canada Due to travel restrictions, you are also still eligible for the PGWPP.

If this situation applies to you, you can:

• start your studies while abroad; and
• complete up to 50% of your program while abroad if you cannot make it to Canada.

For more information visit the Apply for a Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) section of the Government of Canada’s website.

Yes. However, it is important to check the list of available programs at the desired session. If your program of choice does not start at a later session, you may want to start off in the General Arts and Sciences Program.

To request a deferral, contact our International Office at 00 +1-705-560-6673, ext. 1053, or international@collegeboreal.ca. You will receive a new letter of admission from Collège Boréal that you can use when applying for your study permit.

If you postpone your admission to the following session, which is in the same academic year, your deposit will remain in your student account and will be applied towards your tuition fees. The academic year begins in September. If you want a refund, please refer to Section 5.5. of our Student Guide to learn more about Boréal’s refund policy.

Collège Boréal is committed to implementing measures to ensure your safety. It is essential that you follow these measures as well as local public health guidelines. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, please notify your program coordinator as well as the local public health unit as soon as possible to undergo testing. You will need to self-isolate for the recommended period of time and follow the instructions of the public health unit.

Please note that your tuition fees include health insurance which will cover, among other things, the costs associated with the treatment of COVID-19.

We have no indication that your student permit will be affected should you test positive for COVID-19 and are currently in Canada.

You can always contact our International Office at 00 +1-705-560-6673, ext. 1053, or international@collegeboreal.ca. In addition, our team will send you frequent updates and host webinars before your arrival to better prepare you. We will also host orientation activities before the start of classes to help you meet other students and familiarize yourself with all things Boréal. We look forward to welcoming you!

Visit the Ontario Government's website to find a testing location near you.

For employees, we have resources available through our LifeWorks EAP. You can find the link in your Employee Portal (MonBoréal). If you are stressed, having trouble sleeping, or are concerned about your budget, contact LifeWorks privately at 1-844-880-9142 (toll free).

Click here for a practical guide to Ergonomics and Temporary Work from Home. View the webinar (27 minutes) for more details and practical tips.

If you are feeling stressed or worried, if you are facing challenges in school or in your personal life, if you are concerned about your mental health, Collège Boréal’s Counseling Services can help you find solutions. For assistance call 705-560-6673 or 1-800-361-6673, ext. 2020, or email servicesauxetudiants@collegeboreal.ca. To schedule an appointment, please fill out the electronic form. (public.collegeboreal.ca/sae)

The COVID-19 pandemic can cause stress on people and communities. It can lead to individuals experiencing social stigma, exclusion, marginalization, mental health issues and discrimination. Lack of understanding about COVID-19 has sparked feelings of fear or anger towards others and unfair treatment against a number of groups, including:

• people who have COVID-19;
• people who have symptoms of COVID-19;
• health care, front-line and essential workers;
• people from countries where the virus originated from;
• people who have recently travelled or returned to Canada from another country;
• people from communities, cultures, or industries where COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred; and
• people who may not follow recommended public health measures.

Stigma and discrimination are known barriers that prevent people from getting tested or accessing the care, treatment and support they need. People who have experienced stigma and discrimination throughout their life (e.g., racialized groups, people with mental illness or disability, members of LGBTQ2IA+ communities) may not have access to protective resources during a pandemic, like a safe home to isolate or quarantine when ill, which may introduce additional challenges.

Stigma and discrimination can be dangerous and harmful to individuals and communities by:

• exposing people to high levels of guilt and stress;
• disempowering people who cannot control their living, working, or social circumstances;
• creating divisions within communities;
  causing people to delay or avoid health services and contacting health authorities;
• making it harder to monitor, stop or slow outbreaks;
  discouraging people from being tested or quarantined; or
  making it harder to trace and notify people who may have come into contact with COVID-19 (contact tracing).

We can all do our part to reduce stigma around COVID-19. Even people without symptoms can test positive for COVID-19. This includes people who have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic) and may never develop symptoms (asymptomatic). That is why it is important to:

• show support, kindness and empathy to those who have, or are tested for, COVID-19;
• take care of your mental and physical health;
• protect yourself and those around you; and
• choose your words carefully.

Mental health and family violence support services are available to you, such as the Wellness Together Canada: Mental Health and Substance Use Support portal and the Stop Family Violence webpages.

Share inspiring stories about those who have recovered from COVID-19, and about community heroes - health care workers, community service providers, grocery store employees, delivery people, long-term care home workers and first responders - who provide support to the population and care for those who are ill.

Get accurate information about COVID-19 from trustworthy sources, such as Canada.ca/coronavirus, your local or provincial/territorial public health authority, or a nursing station in a First Nation community.

Canadian Mental Health Association. The Canadian Mental Health Association promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. In crisis? Please call 1-833-456-4566 (toll free), 24/7 or visit www.crisisservicescanada.ca.

Good2Talk. Good2Talk provides confidential support services for post-secondary students in Ontario.

In crisis? Please call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALK to 686868.

Health Sciences North (HSN). Learn more about mental health and addictions programs and services.

The Learning Portal – College Libraries Ontario. Under “Study Skills”, view the modules on Resilience, Stress Management, and Time Management.

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/guidance-documents/covid-19-guidance-post-secondary-institutions-during-pandemic.html