Brossard is one of the most multicultural cities in Quebec. Every year, families from around the world settle here for its quality of life, its schools and its quick access to Montreal. Here are the first steps to take after you arrive.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
A SIN is required to work and to receive government benefits. You apply through Service Canada: see Canada.ca.
Health insurance
Register quickly with the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ, Quebec’s health insurance board). Depending on your situation, a waiting period of up to three months may apply before you are covered: plan for private insurance during that period. See also clinics and health services in Brossard.
Driver’s licence
A new resident can generally drive with a valid foreign licence for their first six months in Quebec. After that, you must obtain a Quebec licence from the SAAQ. Some countries have a licence exchange agreement: check on Québec.ca.
Learning French
Francisation Québec offers free French courses to eligible adults, full-time or part-time, in class or online. Find out more on Québec.ca.
Your children’s school
Brossard is part of the territory of the Centre de services scolaire Marie-Victorin for French-language schools. Access to English-language public school is governed by the Charter of the French Language and requires a certificate of eligibility. See our guides to elementary schools, high schools and subsidized daycares.
Finding a home
Discover Brossard’s sectors, compare the cost of living with Montreal and read our guide on renting or buying near the REM. In Quebec, leases are signed on a mandatory form and a security deposit is not allowed.
Getting around and grocery shopping
The REM connects Brossard to downtown Montreal, and buses serve every sector. For products from back home, see Asian grocery stores in Brossard. For next steps, see our Moving to Brossard checklist.
brossard.city is an independent guide, not affiliated with the City of Brossard. Information is provided for general guidance only; check with official sources before making any decision. Spotted an error? Let us know.