About us
The University of Manitoba understands that family and work can sometimes be a balancing act. This site is a comprehensive resource for all family care matters with information and referrals to services both on and off campus.
The Family Resource Coordinator is available to assist all staff, academics and faculty members of the university. On this page you will find information about:
Visit the Family Resources Intranet site to learn about specific programs offered at UM Fort Garry campus.
Visit the Family Resource Intranet site
The University of Manitoba believes that "family" is a diverse and inclusive network of loving relationships that transcends traditional definitions. Family may or may not be related, share the same household, or be legally recognized.
New to Canada
There are numerous resources available to you that can help ease the transition for you and your family.
Relocation and settlement
The University of Manitoba is a member of the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO), which has negotiated a moving agreement with moving companies. Learn more about recruitment relocation allowances under Travel and business expenses on the UM Intranet for more details.
The UM Family Resource Coordinator works in partnership with the Human Resources Client Services - Immigration Services to provide a comprehensive and personalized support for new hire academics and faculty members with relocation and settlement.
Moving checklists
Rental housing
- Residential Tenancies Branch (gov.mb.ca)
- Renter Rights (Consumer Protection Office)
- Renting with pets (Government of Manitoba PDF)
This map highlights all of the Winnipeg Neighbourhoods (PDF) to determine which ones are closest to the university campus.
Tenant or renter's insurance
Tenant or renter’s insurance is typically not included in rental fees. Purchasing insurance allows for a peace of mind that you are protected from housing-related emergencies such as break-ins, fire or flood.
Sample list of companies that offer tenant/renter’s insurance near the University of Manitoba
Emergency preparedness
Transportation
Landing at the airport
The University of Manitoba does not provide pick-up services from the airport. Taxi service from the airport is provided by Unicity Taxi, which is available near Exit 3 at the terminal building. For more information about transportation at the Airport, visit the airport website.
Navigating around Winnipeg
There are four main ways of navigating your way around Winnipeg: city bus, taxi service, cycling and driving.
City bus
Winnipeg Transit is the bus system in Winnipeg.
To learn how to take the bus in Winnipeg, visit Transit Travel Tips.
To watch a video on how to take a Winnipeg transit bus, visit the International students web page.
Visit Busing to campus for more information.
Navigate through the city and plan your journey with the Navigo (Winnipeg Transit).
This Winnipeg Transit site includes a map of locations where transit products can be purchased in person.
To load your "peggo" card (transit bus pass) online, go to peggo Home (winnipegtransit.com).
Taxi and ride-sharing services
There are a number of taxi companies in Winnipeg that need to be requested in advance, either by phone or through an app. You can request an estimate before you use a taxi, but the cost of the ride is determined by a meter that runs in the vehicle throughout your drive.
For more information, visit Passengers — Vehicles for Hire (City of Winnipeg ).
For a sample list of taxi companies in Winnipeg, visit The Best 10 Taxis in Winnipeg (Yelp)
For a sample list of ride-sharing service companies in Winnipeg, visit RideGuru.
Driving
For information driving insurance, vehicle registration, and licensing services go to Manitoba Public Insurance (mpi.mb.ca).
Manitoba has a reciprocal license exchange agreement with various countries. To see the list of countries, visit New to Manitoba (mpi.mb.ca).
Active transportation
Active transportation means using human power to get around – cycling, walking, in-line skating, even cross-country skiing are some examples of how people can get from point A to point B.
Learn more from the City of Winnipeg Active Transportation site.
Child care
Licensed childcare programs
Licensed programs are regulated by the province. Most run full-time while some operate part-time or offer extended hours or evenings/weekend care. Each child care centre is overseen by a Board of Directors (mainly parents) and child care homes are run by the child care provider living out of that home. Both childcare centres and childcare homes have multi-year long waitlists.
Learn more at the Province of Manitoba Child care site.
- Province of Manitoba frequently asked childcare questions
- The educational outcomes of children in care in Manitoba (PDF)
- Starting Early, Starting Strong: A Guide for Play-Based Early Learning in Manitoba, Birth to Six (PDF)
Childcare centres:
- infant programs (3 months to 2 years)
- full-time preschool programs (2 to 6 years)
- part-time programs (3 months to 6 years)
- nursery schools (3 to 6 years)
- school-age programs (5 to 12 years)
Part-time programs and nursery schools typically run for 2 to 3 hours per day from 2 to 5 days a week.
Childcare homes:
- family childcare homes (mixed age group; up to 8 children)
- group childcare homes (mixed age group; up to 12 children)
Manitoba online childcare search tool
Please note that most childcare centres have multi-year long waitlists. Although this childcare search tool displays how many vacancies each program has, it is important to realize that it may not indicate real time numbers and availability.
Choosing the right program for you
It is encouraged that families visit a childcare program first before deciding to register your child. Each family is unique and have a different set of needs or values, so it is ideal to find a program that is best suited for you. Most centres will schedule an intake meeting with the family to tour the space, meet the staff, answer any questions, and come up with an individualized plan for your child.
Other children's programming and childminding options
UM Babysitter Directory
The UM Babysitter Directory is a convenient tool for connecting University families with student babysitters. This initiative allows for students to gain casual employment and work experience while helping out their fellow University community members.
Access to the directory is for parents and caregivers. Users will be asked to complete a disclaimer form, and then will receive an invitation to request access.
If you are a student interested in becoming a casual sitter, please contact FamilyResource@umanitoba.ca
Alternative options
- Family members or friends
- Babysitting services
- Nanny services
- Montessori schools (preschool)
- Nursery schools (preschool)
- School-run before and after school programs (school-age)
- Community youth programs (school-age)
For information on youth camps, please visit University of Manitoba Mini U Programs
Connect with the community
Settling into your new life sometimes comes with a lot of changes. Your spouse/partner and children are going through those life changes too. Having a sense of belonging in a community can help to increase our overall health and wellbeing.
Here are some ideas on how to start forging connections along with some information about the province of Manitoba:
Health and wellness
- Wellness Together Canada
- Family Doctor Finder
- Health Links – Info Santé
- Wait Times – Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
- Canadian Dental Association
- Find a dentist
- Find a Pharmacy or Pharmacy Professional
- Manitoba Parent Zone
- Healthy Parenting Winnipeg (Winnipeg Regional Health Authority )
- Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy (Government of Canada) (PDF)
- Useful Info for Moms-to-be (Province of Manitoba)
- Find a dietician
- StillTasty: Your Ultimate Shelf Life Guide
Recreation and tourism
Manitoba culture
Manitoba Indigenous community
Diverse communities support
Continuing education
Volunteer opportunities
Spouse or common-law partner employment opportunities
- Work permit: Bringing your family with you to Canada
- Careers (University of Manitoba)
- Manitoba government job opportunities search
- Manitoba jobs search (Government job bank)
- Employment Opportunities (Manitoba Start)
- Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre (WELARC)
- Newcomer Employment Hub | Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce
Household financial management
For information on employee pay and benefits, please log in to the UM Intranet and go to Employee Resources.
Family benefits
Explore benefits available to families and caregivers through the Government of Canada.
Family health
- Family Doctor Finder (gov.mb.ca)
- Find a Doctor (Winnipeg Regional Health Authority)
- Doctors accepting new patients (walk-in clinics in Winnipeg)
- Doctor House Calls in Canada
UM provides a comprehensive group insurance program to assist you in meeting your mental health, dental, disability and survivorship needs. Learn more on the UM Intranet under Employee resources.
Older adults and caregiving
Most of the following resources were provided by the University of Manitoba’s Centre on Aging research centre. They have developed a well-recognized reputation for research excellence on the topic of aging.
According to the Government of Canada website, the definition of caregiver is “a family member or someone who is considered to be like family providing care or support to the person who is critically ill or injured or needing-end-of-life care.”
Another definition from Aging.com, a caregiver is “anyone who provides care for a person who needs extra help. This could mean a family caregiver, a respite caregiver, a home caregiver, or a primary caregiver…”
General resources
- Aging Well Together - Active Aging in Manitoba
- A & O: Support Services for Older Adults
- Supporting Health Living for Older Adults (PDF)
- Support Services to Seniors (Winnipeg Regional Health Authority)
- New Directions Adult Day Services
- Province of Manitoba Services and Supports
- Your Guide to Home Care Services in Manitoba (PDF)
- Nurse Next Door Home Care Services
- Province of Manitoba 55 Plus Program
Caregiver resources
Adult Companionship Services Directory
The Adult Companionship Services (ACS) Directory aims to connect caregivers of adults within the UM community with students offering support through companionship services.
Launching on National Caregivers Day on April 2, the directory will serve as a centralized hub to locate companionship service providers and post job opportunities. The directory was developed in collaboration with the Centre on Aging and the UM Age-friendly University Committee.
The responsibilities of an Adult Companionship Service Provider are to provide companionship and emotional support and engage in meaningful activities with clients. Companionship services can include a variety of tasks, such as regular check-in visits and phone calls, accompanying clients on outings or appointments, playing cards, fixing light snacks or coffee. It will not include services reserved for professionals, such as lifting, dressing and feeding.
The directory is open to all faculty members, staff, retirees, and students. The vetting process is the responsibility of each family.
If you are a student interested in becoming an adult companionship service provider, please contact FamilyResource@umanitoba.ca
Stay in touch with our e-newsletter
Stay connected by providing us with your contact information and get the latest news, events, and more on family care topics.
Family-friendly resource committee
UM Family Resources is looking for dedicated individuals who are excited about creating positive change and enhancing the University experience for families. Join our Family-friendly Resource Committee!
Meetings are held during the academic year every other month starting September 2024 from 12 - 1 p.m. via Teams. Whether you are a graduate student, support staff, or faculty member, your unique perspective and ideas are valuable to us.
Contact us for more information.
Contact us
Family Resources
Office of the Vice-Provost (Academic Affairs)
319-66 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Canada