Information needed to prepare yourselves properly for your arrival in Canada.

This facts are given to you to prepare for your entry in Canada.  Try to read and understand all the facts written below.  Take advantage of this free information.
F a c t s
	Employment Housing Education Health and Income Security Budgeting, banking and saving Government in Canada Sponsorship Rights and Responsibilities Citizenship Before you leave

Employment

Do you have the same chance of getting the job you want everywhere in Canada?

No. Canada is a large country and job opportunities are different for several reasons:

• Each region has job opportunities based on the geography of that area. For example, jobs in forestry, mining and manufacturing are available in different regions of Canada.
• Jobs are also affected by changes in the economy.
• The demand for workers in some occupations and trades, such as farming, fishing and construction, is affected by the season of the year.

Human Resources Centers of Canada (HRCC), which specialize in helping people find jobs, can provide you with helpful information. Look in your telephone directory’s blue pages for the HRCC or the federal Information Center in your area. Also, your immigrant-serving agency can help you.

HRCC counselors and staff may be able to help in several ways:

• Tell you about job and language training, and work creation programs for newcomers;
• Give you information to plan your job search, tell you where to have your documents translated or where to get help preparing a resume; and
• Give you names of immigrant-serving agencies that might have more information.

Each HRCC has a computerized job bank that lists available jobs by occupation or profession, and by location. Read the job descriptions carefully and make sure your application clearly shows your ability to do the work.

You can also find useful tips on the CanWorkNet Internet site. It provides information on jobs and recruiting, career planning, training and qualifications, the labour market, financial help, and more. The address is http://www.canworknet.ca

In the classified advertisements section of daily newspapers. Jobs are advertised according to trade, profession or service industry. Another section called "Careers" advertises professional or managerial jobs.

The business pages of the newspaper often have information on the local economy and job market.

In many areas, there are weekly or monthly employment papers which advertise jobs. These papers are usually free and are available at many locations.

Employment agencies that hire temporary or contract staff are listed in the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory. You do not have to pay an agency or a company when you are looking for a job. The company that uses your services will pay the agency.

The Electronic Labour Exchange (ELE) is an Internet site of Human Resources Development Canada that matches jobs to people and people jobs. Using ELE, both employers and job seekers can build profiles by choosing from 25,000 recognized career occupations. Both employers and job seekers can then request a "match" based on the completed profiles. The address is http://ele.ingenia.com

One of the best ways to learn about jobs is to talk to people, either individuals you already know or contacts you have made through trade or professional groups, clubs or associations in your community.

This group of people is called your "network". Even if they cannot help you find a job, they can provide you with information, suggestions and names of people to call, as well as support and encouragement.

Yes. Most employers want a list of your skills, education or training, and work and volunteer experience. The resume should be one to three pages, typed, and error-free.

Several sources of help are available if you need it. Job-finding clubs, HRCC counselors and reception houses may be able to help at no cost. You can buy self-help books or borrow them from a library. For a fee, a company or individual who specializes in writing resumes will help you write one.

Take most, or all, of the following documents to any job interview. Never leave behind or mail original documents. Photocopies are accepted.

Documents brought with you to Canada:

• Passport, birth certificate;
• Educational diplomas, degrees and certificates;
• Trade or professional certifications, qualifications; and
• Letters of recommendation (preferably in English of French).

Documents obtained in Canada:

• Record of Landing (visa);
• Social Insurance Number (See Fact Sheet no. 4, Health and Income Security); and
• Where necessary, professional English or French translations of documents, letters and/or recommendations which may be confusing in another language.

If you practised a profession or trade in your country of origin, you may need to upgrade your skills to meet Canadian requirements. Your qualifications may not be accepted until you have Canadian documents or training, some work experience and good ability in English or French. Until then, you may have to accept another job.

1. Describe, in realistic terms:

1. the job(s) you want; and
2. the job(s) you would accept while looking for something better.

2. Collect all the documents you might need:

• diplomas, degrees, certificates and other qualifications;
• letters of recommendation;
• Social Insurance Number (SIN); and
• Driver’s license (if necessary).

3. Write a resume of your education, work and volunteer experience, skills and qualifications.

4. Learn about the labour market in your area.

5. Start and expand a network of people who might be able to direct you toward a job.

6. Check and follow up on advertisements, want ads and jobs posted in Human Resources Centers of Canada.

7. Attend interviews.

8. Telephone or write back after interviews.

9. Look for as many jobs as you can rather than wait for a particular job to come up.

10. Keep your hopes and look for support as you continue trying. Finding a job requires hard word and persistence.

What else should you do?

• Improve your English and/or French
• Gain Canadian work experience even if it is not in your trade, skill or profession.
• Improve your job skills and Canadian credentials. Doing volunteer work may help.
• Understand that your first job in Canada may be the first step toward a better job.

 

Tips for a better job interview

• Be early, NEVER late
• It is important to be clean, well-groomed and well-dressed
• Be ready to show your education and training certificates.
• Talk about your qualifications, experience and willingness to work.
• Show that you know about the company, what it is and what it does.
• Find out what might be expected of you, and when you will know if you are hired.
• Thank the interviewer when you leave.
• Many workplaces do not allow smoking, so wait until later if you want to smoke.
• Wait until you are asked before talking about your family.
• Go alone; ask friends or family members to wait outside.

Don’t forget

Always tell the truth in an interview or on a resume. If you tell lies, your employer may legally fire you.

Average total income for families and unattached individuals, 1995

Territory	Family Income	Unattached individual income
Newfoundland	$ 43,753	$ 18, 745
Prince Edward Island	$ 46,170	$ 19,584
Nova Scotia	$ 45,715	$ 18,486
New Brunswick	$ 45,516	$ 21,326
Quebec	$ 49,851	$ 21,109
Ontario	$ 60,923	$ 26,671
Manitoba	$ 52,149	$ 21,554
Saskatchewan	$ 50,797	$ 23,220
Alberta	$ 54,092	$ 25,006
British Columbia	$ 58,632	$ 26,002
CANADA	$ 55,247	$ 24,166

Housing

When you first arrive in Canada, you will probably be living in temporary accommodation. You will soon be looking for a permanent place to live. The cost of setting up your first home may be more expensive than you expected.

• Based on a February 1998 survey of MLS residential average prices by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

Finding a place to live can take several weeks. Think of the search as three separate tasks:

1. Deciding how much you can afford to pay, how many rooms you need and where you want to live.
2. Finding the apartment or house you want.
3. Completing the legal contract to rent or buy.

Will finding a place to live be the same everywhere in Canada?

Not entirely. Prices are different from city to city, and each province has slightly different laws on renting and buying. However, the process is the same everywhere in Canada.

How much do houses and apartments cost?

Prices depend on the location, age and condition of the apartment or house, and the local housing market. Some cities and provinces control how much landlords can charge for rent.

When you are budgeting for your housing costs, you may have to allow as much as 35 to 50 per cent of your income. This should include the costs for such things as heating, utilities and laundry.

The table above gives a good idea of average costs for a particular year.

Many houses are bought and sold in the spring and early summer, and prices might be higher then, although there will probably be a greater choice.

Your main sources of information are the classified advertisements in local newspapers and what you hear from other people. Some agencies which advertise apartments may charge a fee. This does not mean they will find a home for you, but they may show you more of what is available. Be careful before you sign any type of contract.

Once you decide on a price range, size, and preferred location, you should be able to identify several possible apartments. Normally, you telephone for an appointment to see the apartments.

Look for convenient parking, nearby bus routes, shopping, schools, and laundry facilities (washing machines) in or near the building.

Ask the landlord or the person renting the apartment what facilities are included in the rent, such as parking, whether or not you can keep a pet and how many people can live in the apartment.

The landlord will hold the apartment for you after you pay a deposit (which will be applied to the rent) and you both sign an offer to rent the apartment.

What can you expect in a rented apartment?

Every apartment should have:

• Its own door, which can be locked, to a common hallway or to the street;
• A kitchen with a sink and hot and cold water, countertop, shelves or cupboards and appliances such as a stove and a refrigerator;
• Closets and storage space;
• A private bathroom with a sink, toilet and bath or shower.

Your apartment will be equipped with several essential utilities, including:

• A heating system;
• Light and electricity;
• Hot and cold water;
• Telephone lines; and
• Sewage pipes.

You should find out if the costs of electricity, gas, heat and water are included in the rent, or whether you will be charged directly by the utility companies.

Property taxes are paid by the landlord. You must pay the costs of telephone and cable television connection and the monthly bills for those services.

Furnished apartments should include beds, chairs, tables, floor covering, light fixtures, curtains, basic kitchen equipment in addition to utilities, a stove and a refrigerator.

What legal arrangements are involved in renting?

In many cities there is a standard rental agreement, or lease, that both you and your landlord sign. This is a printed document of one or two pages which specifies the number of rooms, utilities and options such as parking or storage space.

Read it carefully before signing. Be sure you understand which utilities you will pay, which will be paid by the landlord and what penalty you may have to pay if you leave before the lease is over. An immigrant-serving agency will be able to help you understand exactly what is expected of you.

The lease will most likely be for at least one year, and you will have to make an initial payment, possibly the first and last month’s rent. You may also be asked for a damage deposit, which will be returned to you when you leave if you have not caused any damage to the property beyond normal use. For this reason it is important to note any damage and tell your landlord before you move in.

Renting a house is the same process as renting as apartment. There may be more appliances, such as a clothes washer and dryer. The tenant usually pays for utilities and heat.

Your main sources of information are friends and neighbors, real estate agents and classified advertisements in the local newspapers. A real estate agent is a member of a licensed real estate firm, who can show you several different homes and describe what various areas are like to live in.

You can expect that the central heating, hot water heater and all built-in furniture such as cupboards will be included in the price. You may be able to buy the curtains, stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer from the previous owner of the house.

Property law is complicated. You should hire a lawyer (or in the Province of Quebec, a notary).

When you have decided on which house you wish to buy, you usually make a legal written offer, often with the condition that the house passes a professional inspection of its condition and structure. The offer normally includes a deposit. Usually, the buyer and the seller will bargain on price, in writing. If the seller accepts an offer, the offer becomes an agreement to purchase.

You will probably want to arrange financing (a mortgage) with a bank or trust company. The down payment is usually at least 10 per cent of the total price, although first-time home buyers may be eligible for a five percent downpayment. Mortgages, can be paid over a period as long as 25 years, with interest rates fixed for terms varying from one to five years.

Yes. In addition to furnished and unfurnished apartments, furnished bedrooms to rent, and houses for rent or for sale, there are also condominiums.

Condominiums are apartments or townhouses that are individually owned, while the common areas (gardens, playground, walkways) are owned together. As well as the mortgage payment and taxes, you will make a monthly payment, the condominium fee, to the manager of the condominium for common maintenance and repairs.

Sources of information and advice

Immigrant-serving agencies, reception houses and national associations can give you advice on renting an apartment, as well as other useful information.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects you from unfair discrimination (See Fact Sheet # 8, Rights and Responsibilities). The provincial department (or ministry) of housing administers a landlord and tenant act that governs renting. You will find the information you need in the federal or provincial government listings of the telephone book.

Public education is managed by the provincial governments and paid for by taxes, and is available to every child. By law, children must attend school until the age of 15 or 16, depending on the province.

Ninety-five percent of all children in Canada attend public schools. In some provinces there are separate public school boards reflecting religious and language preferences.

Generally, the language of instruction is either English or French. If a student has difficulty with the language, he or she is usually given extra language training. In Quebec, almost all newcomers attend French language schools.

Approximately five percent of students go to private schools, which charge school fees.

How many levels of instruction are there?

Depending on the individual province, primary education starts at pre-kindergarten and continues to the end of grade 6 or 8. This is followed by secondary education or high school. In some provinces this may be divided into junior high (grades 7 to 9) and senior high (grades 10 to 12). Normally, students must complete required academic courses in high school in order to be admitted to university.

Parents must register children at the local school or school board office. School boards are listed in the provincial government section of the telephone book.

When you register your children, you must take with you:

• Canada Immigration Visa (Record of Landing);
• Birth or Baptismal certificate;
• Vaccination certificate; and
• Any previous school records.

Your children’s language and mathematical skills will be measured, if necessary, and they will be placed in the program the school thinks is best for them. If you think that your children may have been incorrectly placed, talk to their teacher, guidance counselor or school principal.

Boys and girls share classrooms and instruction in almost all public schools. Teachers in all provinces must be qualified and licensed. All academic teachers have at least one university degree and advanced qualifications in education.

ADVANCED EDUCATION

You can study toward a diploma in a trade or in technical or administrative skills at a community college, or a degree from a university. An undergraduate degree is required for acceptance into a professional course, such as law or medicine.

If you have been practising a profession or trade in your country of origin, you may be expected to requalify in Canada. This will probably involve attending courses (see Fact Sheet no. 1, Employment) and gaining Canadian job experience.

The provinces have many names for community colleges, which do not grant an academic degree. They can be called:

• Colleges of applied arts and technology;
• Institutes of applied arts and sciences;
• Community colleges;
• Technical/vocational and university-oriented colleges;
• Institutes of technology or technical institutes; or
• Colleges d’ enseignement general et professionel, or CEGEPs (in Quebec only).

There are also training institutes specializing in fields such as forestry, fisheries and transportation.

In many cases, it is possible to transfer from community college to university. This should be confirmed with the schools ahead of time.

It depends on your course of study and previous education. It is possible to earn a diploma in less than a year, particularly from colleges that run 12 months a year. Courses such as computer programming, communications or administration can take from two to three years.

This varies from province to province. Generally, training is offered at community colleges or vocational centers. IT is also sometimes available at work through government-funded training programs designed for particular regions or certain groups of people such as newcomers or Aboriginal peoples.

Qualifications for trades such as hair stylists, electricians and carpenters are controlled in each province. You begin as apprentice; after fulfilling the requirements of training, on-the-job experience and examinations, you progress to becoming a registered trades person. If you move to another province, you may have to requalify.

You must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Popular courses in colleges and universities get so many applications that you may need above average marks to be accepted. Apply at least a year in advance.

Many colleges and universities allow adults over 25 or 30 to enter as mature students, based on their individual abilities and background, rather than on previous education.

The bachelor’s degree (BA, BSc, etc.) normally takes three or four academic years of eight months each. A honours degree (BA Hon, BSc Hon, etc.) usually requires four academic years. Some universities offer courses throughout the calendar year. This allows students to complete a degree more quickly. Or, if you need to earn money for your education, you can work during some terms.

You must pay fees to attend college or university. Tuition costs range from $3,000 to $9,000 for an eight-month term, depending on the province and the program.

Living expenses, books and supplies, etc., are additional costs. Tuition fees cover about 25 percent of the costs of higher education; the rest comes from taxes. Medicine, science and business programs generally cost more than the humanities and arts.

To help with university costs, scholarships, bursaries or student loans may be available, depending on how long the student has lived in Canada as a permanent resident. Many university students have a part-time job. Many graduate students support themselves financially through bursaries, scholarships or loans or by working as teaching assistants.

To enter a law degree program (LLB), you usually need a bachelor’s degree or at least two years of undergraduate courses, plus high marks in a standardized examination. The course of study lasts three years. After completing the program, law students article with a law firm for one year, and then pass bar examinations to be granted professional status.

Degrees in medicine (MD) normally take three to four years beyond qualifying undergraduate courses. Then, medical students intern for one or two years, after which they are licensed by the provincial medical boards.

Lawyers or doctors who move to another province must requalify.

Graduate degrees take, an average, two years to the master’s level, and a further three to six or more to the doctorate.

Yes. Continuing education or lifetime learning is an important part of many Canadian’s lives. Many people continue their education on a part-time basis at universities and colleges and through courses offered by public school boards or through their jobs.

Medical services are available form hospitals, doctors and other health care providers. Persons without health insurance coverage are charged directly for these services. Insurance coverage for essential medical services is available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Each person carries a personal health card which must be shown at the reception desk of the doctor or hospital. Each province has its own particular requirements to obtain a health insurance card so it is important to contact a provincial ministry of health office in the province you reside.

You can apply for a health card at the provincial ministry of health office in your city. You will find the address in the provincial government listings in your telephone book. Take with you your birth certificate, Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing) and passport. Some provinces also request further documentation showing your name and address and your signature.

All members of your family must have their own coverage. Take their documents with you, and ask the government officer for information about registering them.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible in all provinces. Certain persons in Canada for a temporary period of time (e.g., temporary workers, holders of a Minister’s permit, foreign students, and refugees whose status has been confirmed by the Immigration Refugee Board) are also eligible in some provinces. Essential health care services are available to refugee claimants through the Interim Federal Health Program at Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

How soon are you eligible?

Permanent residents are eligible immediately, except in British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick where there is a three-month waiting period. Persons in Canada temporarily and holding Immigration Canada documentation (e.g., temporary workers, holders of a Ministers permit and foreign students) have different waiting periods, depending on the province. For more information, contact the provincial ministry of health.

Is your health card accepted throughout Canada?

For permanent residents, your health card is primarily for use in the province you live in. If you move to another province, reapply as soon as possible. There are waiting periods before you can be covered, although you are covered by the health plan of the province you left for a certain amount of time. If you are visiting another province, your card can be used in an emergency. Residents residing in a province for a temporary period should contact the provincial health insurance plan office in the province of permanent residence for further clarification concerning their coverage throughout Canada.

Most medical services are paid for by various tax measures. Basic hospital charges and doctor’s fees are covered. Two provinces charge premiums (British Columbia and Alberta). In general, insured services are provided on a prepaid basis, i.e. provincial plans pay the hospital or doctor directly for services they provide to eligible residents.

Provinces do not pay for services that are medically unnecessary, such as cosmetic surgery. Some provinces provide coverage for non-medical service coverage, such as prescription drugs and assistive devices. These may require a co-payment by the patient.

Governments at the federal, provincial and municipal level help people who are unable to provide for themselves and their families.

Special programs help people in different circumstances, such as;

• Raising children (Child Tax Benefits),
• Retirement (Canada Pension/Quebec Pension, Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement),
• Job-related injuries (Workers’ Compensation),
• The loss of a job (Employment Insurance),
• Longer-term unemployment (Social Assistance).

Most benefits are for people in specific circumstances. You must qualify for each type of government assistance. For some benefits, you must pay into the plan to be eligible to receive them. Sometimes, a person or family may qualify for more than one kind of income security, but each has separate application or procedures and rules to ensure that benefits only go to those who need them.

To qualify for any benefits, you must have a Social Insurance Number.

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is an identification number given to each person for the purposes of income tax, Employment Insurance, old age pension, etc.

Most newcomers receive an application form for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) when they first arrive in Canada. If you did not get one, you can apply at any Human Resource Cantre of Canada (HRCC). You will need to show your birth certificate, Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing) and passport. There is a small administrative fee. Forms are also available at Canada Post Offices and through many immigrant-serving agencies.

CHILD TAX BENEFITS

The federal government provides monthly payments to parents or guardians on behalf of children under the age of 18, through a program called the Child Tax Benefits. It is usually paid to the mother of the child if the child lives with her. The amount is different according to family income, number of children and their ages.

To be considered for the Child Tax Benefits you must be the parent or guardian of the child who lives with you. In addition, you or your spouse must be either a:

• Canadian citizen,
• Permanent resident,
• Convention refugee in Canada whose refugee status has been confirmed by the Immigration Refugee Board, or
• Visitor or holder of a Minister’s Permit under the Immigration Act, who has lived at least 18 continuous months in Canada before applying for the benefit.

Send an application form to Revenue Canada, Taxation and show documents such as Record of Landing or passport. Proof of birth must also be provided for each child. You may also contact a Client Service Center, Income Security Program, Human Resources Development Canada. For further information, look in the government pages of your telephone book.

OLD AGE SECURITY, GUARANTEED INCOME SUPPLEMENT AND SPOUSE’S ALLOWANCE

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is given to people 65 and over who meet residence requirements. Those who have little or no other income may be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The spouse (between the ages of 60 & 64) of a low income or deceased pensioner may qualify for the Spouse’s Allowance (SPA).

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Canada for 40 years after the age of 18, you are eligible for a full OAS pension. People who have lived in Canada for less than 40 years may get a reduced pension. Permanent residents from some countries may be able to receive old age security from their previous country of residence.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Spouse’s Allowance (SPA) are available to people who can prove they need the money.

You can apply to a client Service Center, Income Security Program Branch of Human Resources Development Canada. You will find these listed in the government pages of the telephone book. You will need a birth or baptismal certificate, passport or Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing).

Canada and Quebec Pension Plans are a form of insurance to which people must contribute during their working years, to receive monthly payments starting at age 65. A reduced pension is available at age 60. These plans also include survivor’s pensions for the spouses of deceased pensioners, disability pensions and children’s and death benefits.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents, visitors and holders of a Minister's Permit who have been legally admitted to Canada for one year, whose income that year was subject to Canadian income tax and who contributed to the plan. The amount paid out will depend on the total amount contributed.

You can apply to a Client Service Center, Income Security Programs, Human Resources Development Canada. You will find these listed in the government pages of the telephone book. You will need a birth or baptismal certificate, passport or Canada Immigration visa (Record of Landing).

You are eligible if you have made payments to Employment Insurance (ELI) while you were working over a minimum time, and if you lose your job through no fault of your own.

You may also be eligible for benefits if your reason of unemployment is the birth or adoption of a child, enrolment in a national training program, work sharing or job training.

You must apply to the Human Resource Center of Canada (HRCC) nearest you. Consult the government directory pages of the telephone book.

Social Assistance, often called welfare, helps people in need who are not eligible for other benefits. Benefit payments help pay for food, shelter ,fuel, clothing, prescription drugs, and other health services.

Eligibility rules and the size of payment are different from region to region. In some cases, you may be eligible for programs to train you for the work that is available. Social Assistance is usually administered through local offices of the provincial or municipal departments of social services.

People injured while at work may be eligible to receive financial benefits, medical and rehabilitation services.

The provincial Worker’s Compensation Board offices decide if you qualify for compensation, based on medical reports and proof that your injury was work-related.

It may cost more to get started in Canada than you expected. Although Canadian salaries are relatively high, so are costs. A budget, which is a personal or family plan to manage your money, can help you plan your expenses until your next pay cheque. Careful budgeting will help you avoid borrowing money, which you will have to repay plus interest.

First, establish what you earn in terms of take-home pay. Then look at what you spend. The spending side of your budget divides into three general areas:

1. taxes and other items that you must pay;
2. necessary expenses such as food, shelter, clothing and transportation; and
3. luxuries.

Your take-home pay is what is left after you’ve paid such things as:

• income taxes;
• Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan;
• Employment insurance;
• Union dues;
• Retirement or pension plan; and
• Any other monthly deductions from your pay cheque.

Depending on your total income, these compulsory items can take about 25 to 35 percent of your total income.

If you are self-employed, you might want to put about 30 percent of your income in a separate account for taxes and savings for retirement.

The important thing is to plan your budget based on your take-home pay, not your pay before taxes and deductions.

Write down the cost of necessities – things you are certain to need. The most important of these are:

• Shelter – a place to live;
• Heating and utilities;
• Food;
• Clothing; and
• Transportation.

You can economize on necessities – live in cheaper housing, buy food economically, choose clothes with care, walk, ride a bicycle or take the bus rather than take a car or taxi – but you can’t live without them. You may find at first that necessities take up as much as two-thirds of your budget.

Luxuries are the items you can get with the money left after you pay for the necessities. Most people have to choose very carefully how they spend that money. For example, if you must set aside money for education or medical care, there will be less for items such as a car, gifts or long distance telephone calls.

Both federal and provincial taxes are normally deducted from your pay cheque by your employer. Each year, on an income tax return, you list your income, deductions and tax credits in order to calculate the taxes that must be paid. If you have already paid more than you owe, you may be eligible for a refund.

Also, by completing the tax return, you give the federal government the information needed to determine if you are qualified to receive the Child Tax Benefit and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit. (See Fact Sheet no. 4, Health and Income Security.)

Essentially, banks and other financial institutions such as trust companies, caisses populaires and credit unions provide:

1. a safe place to keep your money;
2. services to help you manage your money; and
3. loans and mortgages.

It is important to realize that financial institutions do not just hold your money in a safe place. They make money by:

1. investing your money, for which they pay you interest;
2. lending you money, for which they charge you interest; and
3. providing you with credit, usually in the form of a credit card. The interest rate on credit cards on your unpaid balance is a lot higher than on a conventional loan.

A credit card, usually provided by a financial institution or a business, allows you to buy things up to a certain limit and then to pay for them over a period of time. When you receive your credit card bill every month, you can either pay the full amount by the due date – in which case no interest will be charged – or pay it over an extended period of time – in which case interest charges will apply on a monthly basis.

• Safety. All banks and most trust companies are regulated by the federal government to determine whether they are financially sound. All caisses populaires and credit unions and some trust companies are regulated by the provinces. All deposit-taking institutions, other than caisses populaires and credit unions, are required to be members of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). CDIC insures eligible deposits to a maximum of $60,000.
• Advice. Banks tell you in advance what kind of account, loan or mortgage you can receive. They usually give responsible advice, but you should check with more than one to find the accounts and services that are best for you. You do not need to sign any agreement until you are sure that you understand what it means.
• Services. All financial institutions offer packages of financial services. You should choose the type of account that you will use most. For example, an account that offers traveler's cheques, international credit cards and foreign banking services may charge extra for each of these services.

There are many good reasons to borrow money, such as furthering your education, opening or expanding a business or buying a house. These are all investments that will likely provide a good return in the long run. You might also need a car, computer or other tools to help you with your business.

SAVING

Why, where and how should you save money?

Most people budget to save money each month, usually in a savings account in a bank, trust company, caisse populaire or credit union. You can save for a number of reasons:

1. Major purchases. Before a reputable financial institution will lend you money for a house or a car or to start a small business, it will usually require that you provide a down payment of up to 20 percent of the full cost from your own savings.
2. Retirement. If you contribute to a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP), you do not have to pay income tax on these savings until you use them. Many people contribute to such a plan at work through payroll deductions, especially if they do not have a pension plan. Your bank can tell you more about RRSP’s.
3. Emergencies. To some degree you can insure against accidents, sickness and loss of income, but it is a good idea to have savings put aside for the unexpected. Most financial advisors suggest you try to keep three months’ salary in the bank.
4. Specific longer-term family needs such as your children’s post-secondary education, which is not free in Canada (see Fact Sheet no. 3: Education).

Canada is a federation. The federal system of government means that powers and responsibilities are divided between the federal government and the 10 Canadian provincial governments. Canada also has territorial jurisdictions in the far north of the country.

The federal government includes the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Government members are members of parliament. The Parliament buildings are located in Ottawa. The laws passed in parliament are implemented by different federal departments.

Queen Elizabeth II is Canada’s official head of state. She is represented in this country by the Governor General at the federal level and the Lieutenant Governors at the provincial level. All federal legislation must receive the assent of the Governor General, within the parameters of the Canadian institution. This is what makes Canada a constitutional monarchy.

Parliament consists of the House of Commons, the Senate and the Governor General.

The House of Commons is the national legislature elected by Canadian citizens. It is made up of 301 members. Members of parliament are usually associated with a political party, although some members do sit independently.

The Senate is the Upper House of Parliament. Members of the Senate are appointed by the Governor General upon recommendation by the Prime Minister. In addition to its consideration of parliamentary legislation, the Senate is also asked to investigate important economic and social issues.

With specific exceptions, all parliamentary legislation must be approved by the House of Commons, the Senate and the Governor General before it can become law. Most parliamentary legislation is introduced by the government.

By convention, the political party with the most elected members in the House of Commons will take the leading role in forming the government. If it has a majority of seats (151), then it automatically forms a majority government. If it has fewer than 151 seats, the leading party will seek the cooperation of other parties. The leader of this party becomes the Prime Minister. The party with the second highest number of seats usually becomes the Official Opposition. Its leader becomes the Leader of the Opposition. Since the federal election of 02 June 1997, there are five official parties in the House of Commons.

The Prime Minister chooses a Cabinet from members of the leading party in the House of Commons. The Prime Minister and Cabinet must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons, a practice known as ‘responsible government’.

Each member of Cabinet is responsible for the management of certain aspects of the federal government. To this end, most Cabinet members oversee the operations of one or more federal departments or agencies. The most senior officials in departments are called Deputy Ministers. They are not elected, and are, generally career public servants, directly responsible to the Cabinet Minister.

According to the practice of their federal counterparts, each provincial government is drawn from the elected members of the provincial assembly. The provincial leader, however, is called the Premier.

The provincial legislatures do not have a Senate. In order for provincial legislation to become law, it needs approval of the provincial assembly and the Queen’s provincial representative, the Lieutenant Governor.

The territories are not sovereign units. Their powers are delegated by Parliament, and thus they are subordinate bodies. The territories also have elected assemblies that follow many of the same practices as the provincial and federal governments.

Local governments are elected regularly to manage municipalities, cities, towns and regions. Local governments do not have constitutional powers, but rather have functions delegated to them by other levels of government. Mayors, councilors and school board officials, for example, are elected to their positions directly. Usually, they do not formally represent political parties.

In accordance largely with the Constitution Act of 1867, the federal government handles such as matters as

• Defence
• Criminal law
• Banking
• Postal system
• Foreign relations

The federal government is also involved in many other areas including transportation, communication, immigration, health, and environment matters.

Provincial governments are constitutionally responsible for such matters as

• Civil justice
• Property
• Municipal institutions

In practice, the provinces share responsibility with the federal government for such matters as:

• Health services
• Agriculture
• Immigration
• Social assistance
• Transportation

Local governments are responsible for services within a city or region including:

• Schools
• Police and fire protection
• Water and sewage services
• Recreation
• Local public transportation

By law, federal and provincial elections must be held at least every five years, although they can be called earlier. If a minority government has a bill defeated in the House of Commons, an election must take place. In all cases, the decision to call an election is taken by the Prime Minister.

All voting is by secret ballot.

At the local levels of government, elections are usually held every two or three years.

To vote in a federal election, you must be a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old. For provincial or municipal elections, the age and citizenship requirements may vary.

All individuals and organizations in Canada, including Parliament, are bound by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. All individuals and organizations are also bound by the laws of Parliament. Law enforcement agencies throughout the country, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, have the responsibility of ensuring universal compliance with the laws of Parliament.

Canada has an independent judiciary, with numerous levels of courts including the federal courts at the federal level and superior courts, county courts, provincial courts, family courts, juvenile courts and small-claims courts at the provincial level.

There are two forms of law in the country: those that deal with civil disputes and those that deal with criminal acts and punishment.

The Supreme Court of Canada is the highest court in the land. It interprets constitutional matters and defines the limits of federal and provincial powers. There are nine Supreme Court justices, three of whom are always from the province of Quebec.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is part of the Constitution Act, 1982, and enshrines the basic principles and values by which Canadians live and govern themselves. It also defines and guarantees personal rights and fundamental freedoms including freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of association.

Official bilingualism allows all Canadians to communicate with the federal government, especially the courts and Parliament, in either English or French.

Canada is comprised of people from different national and ethnic backgrounds. Canadians celebrate this diversity. Canadian society actively encourages people to practise their customs and traditions, provided that they are in accordance with Canadian law.

Canadians are proud of their democracy, and see government as a body responsible to them. Canadians value principles of fair and equal access and the open exchange of ideas. Bribery and corruption at any level of government are not tolerated. The majority of Canadians vote regularly in government elections, and, indeed, see voting as a responsibility in a democratic society.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents, aged 19 and over and living in Canada, may sponsor the applications of certain close relatives who wish to immigrate to Canada. This is known as family class sponsorship.

1. Wife/husband;
2. parents, grandparents
3. fiance(e)

The fiance(e) must prove to the visa officer that the person is free to marry, that he or she is above the minimum age to be married in Canada and that marriage is not solely for the purpose of immigration. He or she is given permanent resident status on the understanding that the marriage will take place within 90 days of arrival.

4. brothers/sisterss, nephews/nieces, and grandchildren who are orphans, unmarried and under 19,
5. children under 19 you plan to adopt,
6. dependent son or daughter

Children age 19 and over will be considered dependents if they are full-time students who have been mainly supported by their parents since they turned 19.

This category also includes children with mental or physical disabilities who are mainly supported by their parents and are unable to support themselves because of their disability.

7. any other relative, if you do not have any of the above or any family in Canada.

Anyone who:

1. is 19 years of age or over,
2. is a Canadian citizen, or permanent resident living in Canada, and
3. has not defaulted on a previous sponsorship agreement.
4. is not facing criminal charges or awaiting the outcome of an immigration inquiry.
5. meets the applicable financial criteria.

What counts as proof of the relationship?

• Original documents such as birth and marriage certificates;
• Other types of legal official records, such as voter’s registration and military records, if these documents were issued before the applicant’s interest in immigration;
• In some cases family personal records and photographs may be helpful, if nothing else is available.

What must a sponsor promise to do?

The sponsor agrees to give shelter and care to the sponsored relatives and provide other living expenses as necessary for a period of ten years. This means that the newcomer should not need financial help from the government.

Are sponsored relatives eligible for benefits such as Employment Insurance?

Yes. A person who has made payments to government plans such as Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and Worker’s Compensation may benefit from these plans if they qualify.

To be eligible for some government benefits, such as Old Age Pension, a person must have lived in Canada for a minimum period of time and be a minimum age. A person may have to live in a province for a certain amount of time before being eligible for free health care. (See Fact Sheet 4: Health and Income Security).

What is the legal status of the sponsored relative?

When the Record of Landing form has been stamped, the sponsored relative becomes a permanent resident, with all the rights and responsibilities that go with the status. (see Fact Sheet 8: Rights and Responsibilities.)

People who come to Canada as a spouse or fiance(e) under the family class category will also be landed as permanent residents. If the marriage breaks down or if the husband/wife is deported, the spouse is not obliged to leave and may remain in Canada.

Is the sponsor responsible for the sponsored person’s income tax or debts? Or vice versa?

No. As permanent residents, sponsored people are responsible for paying their own income tax or debts. Neither the sponsor nor the sponsored person is responsible for the other’s income tax or debts unless they co-sign.

What if the sponsor is unable to fulfill the sponsorship agreement?

Sponsored immigrants, like other residents of Canada, may qualify for social benefits, which are paid for from taxes. However, these benefits are not an automatic right and each has eligibility requirements and maximum allowable benefits. The sponsor’s income may be considered when deciding if the sponsored immigrant can receive these benefits.

Sponsorship is a legal contract between the government and the sponsor and a promise by the sponsor to provide for the needs of the sponsored immigrant without resorting to social benefits. Therefore, the sponsor may be required to repay the government the public costs incurred by the sponsored person(s) and the sponsor will not be permitted to make future sponsorships.

Are there any further qualifications?

Yes. Before people are admitted to Canada, they must have a valid passport. They must also pass health and security requirements which check for serious diseases, health problems or criminal behaviour which may be reasons for refusal.

They can be refused if, in the opinion of a qualified medical professional, their health is so poor that they would make too many demands on Canada’s health system or they represent a threat to public health.

Can someone lose the right of residence in Canada?

Yes. Permanent residents may lose the right of residence in Canada for the following reasons:

• If they leave Canada with the intent of abandoning it as their place of permanent residence;
• By staying outside Canada for more than 183 days out of one year;
• By reason of a deportation order.

Can a sponsor have a sponsored relative deported?

No. The sponsorship agreement is an agreement between the sponsor and the Canadian government.

How and why can someone be deported from Canada?

Deportation orders can only be issued after a hearing (Immigration Inquiry) before an official to decide if a person has violated the Immigration law by:

• Using a false passport or other fraudulent means to gain initial entry,
• Being convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada and sentenced to more than six months imprisonment.

The person has the right to legal counsel at this hearing.

All Canadians enjoy certain rights based on Canada’s tradition of democracy and respect for human dignity and freedom. These rights are found in Canada’s human rights codes and in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

All Canadians enjoy the following rights:

• Equality rights: Equal treatment before and under the law, and equal protection and benefit of the law without discrimination
• Democratic rights: such as the right to participate in political activities, to vote and to be elected to political office
• Legal rights: such as the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the right to retain a lawyer and to be informed of that right, and the right to an interpreter in court proceedings.
• Mobility rights: such as the right to enter and leave Canada, and to move to and take up residence in any province
• Language rights: generally, the right to use either the English or French language in communications with Canada’s federal government and some of Canada’s provincial governments
• Minority language education rights: in general, French and English minorities in every province and territory have the right to be educated in their own language

All Canadians also enjoy fundamental freedoms of religion, thought, expression, peaceful assembly, and association.

Canadians also share common responsibilities. Canadians should:

• Understand and obey Canadian laws
• Participate in Canada’s democratic political system
• Vote in elections
• Allow other Canadians to enjoy their rights and freedoms
• Appreciate and help to preserve Canada’s multicultural heritage

All Canadians are encouraged to become informed about political activities, and to help better their communities and the country.

Canadians are proud of their multicultural heritage. In Canada, many different cultural and ethnic groups live and work together in harmony and tolerance. Canada’s diversity is encouraged by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. These laws say that all Canadians are free to promote and share their multicultural heritage.

Another major component of Canada’s multicultural heritage is the existence of Aboriginal people in Canada. Aboriginal people lived in Canada thousands of years before the first immigrants arrived, and they enjoy certain additional rights to protect their cultures and languages and to become self-governing.

If your rights have been violated by the federal or provincial government, you can challenge that action in court.

If your rights have been violated by a private individual, you can seek justice from a federal or provincial human rights commission or ombudsperson, whose job it is to hear, investigate and resolve human rights violations.

If you require legal assistance to enforce your rights, but cannot afford to pay for a lawyer, you may be eligible for free or low-cost legal aid in your local community.

English and French are the two official languages of Canada, and they are an important part of Canadian identity. You must learn one of theses two languages to become a Canadian citizen.

Citizenship means working together with all other Canadians to build a stronger Canada, and making sure our values, dreams and goals are reflected in our institutions, laws and relations with one another.

After living in Canada for at least three years as a permanent resident, you have the right to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Canada is a country that :

• Is free and democratic;
• Is multicultural;
• Has two official languages; and
• Extends equal treatment to all its citizens.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out the democratic rights and fundamental freedoms of all Canadians. Some rights are essential for Canadian citizens:

• The right to vote or to be a candidate in federal and provincial elections;
• The right to enter, remain in or leave Canada;
• The right to earn a living and reside in any province or territory;
• Minority language education rights (English or French); and
• The right to apply for a Canadian passport.

Canadian citizenship also implies the following responsibilities:

• To obey Canada’s laws;
• To vote in the federal, provincial and municipal elections;
• To discourage discrimination and injustice;
• To respect the rights of others;
• To respect public and private property; and
• To support Canada’s ideals in building the country we all share.

You can apply for Canadian citizenship if you:

• Are at least 18 years of age;
• Have been a legal permanent resident in Canada for three out of the previous four years;
• Can communicate in English or French; and
• Have knowledge of Canada, including the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

You may not be eligible to become a Canadian citizen if you:

• Are under a deportation order and are not currently allowed to be in Canada;
• Are in prison, on parole or on probation; and
• Have been charged or convicted of an indictable offence.

In most cases, you are a Canadian citizen if you were born:

• In Canada, or
• In another country, after February 15, 1977, and have one Canadian parent.

For more information, telephone the Call Centre:

In Montreal : (514) 496-1010

In Toronto : (416) 973-4444

In Vancouver : (604) 666-2171

For all other areas 1-888-242-2100

If you meet the requirements for Canadian citizenship, you can get an "Application for Citizenship" form from the Call Centre.

After you have filled out the application form, follow the instructions provided. You must include the application fee and necessary documents with your application form.

You will have to take a test to show that you meet the requirements for knowledge of Canada and either English or French. Study the information in the booklet A Look at Canada which will be sent to you with the acknowledgment of your application.

If you meet the basic requirements for citizenship, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony where you will take the oath and receive your citizenship certificate.

Dual or plural citizenship means holding citizenship in one or more countries in addition to Canada.

Canada has recognized dual citizenship since 1977. This means that, in some cases, you may become a Canadian citizen while remaining a citizen of another country.

Some countries will not allow their citizens to keep their citizenship if they become citizens of another country. You should check with the embassy or consulate of your country of origin to be sure of their rules and laws.

Where should you go for more information about Canadian citizenship?

If you are in Canada, telephone the call Centre.

Outside Canada, contact a Canadian embassy consulate.

You should know

Carry the following documents with you. Do not pack them in your suitcases:

• A Canadian immigrant visa for each family member. When you arrive in Canada, make sure a Canadian Immigration officer signs your visa. Your visa is a valuable document and should be kept in a secure place. It proves you are a permanent resident of Canada.
• A valid passport or other travel documents for each family member
• Sufficient funds for short-term living expenses
• Letters from employers and a list of your qualifications and job experience
• Two copies of a detailed list of all personal or household items brought with you and a list of items to follow later. Provide the total value of the goods. When you arrive in Canada, give the list to officials of either Customs or Immigration.

Note: There are strict laws about the types of plants, food and pets you can bring to Canada. Before you leave, inquire at the Canadian diplomatic mission or write to:

Note: There are also strict laws about the types of possessions you can bring to Canada. Before you leave, inquire at the Canadian diplomatic mission or write to:

You should also carry the following documents with you:

• Birth or baptismal certificates
• Marriage certificate
• Adoption, separation or divorce papers
• School records, diplomas, degrees
• Trade or professional certificates
• Immunization, vaccination, dental and other health records
• Driver’s license, as well as International Driver’s Permit, and accident record from your insurance company
• Car registration. Cars must meet Canadian safety and pollution control standards. Many cars are not allowed into the country. Contact Transport Canada for more information:

          Transport Canada

Place de Ville, Tower C

          330 Sparks Street

Ottawa, Ontario K1A ON5

          (613) 990-2309

Other Things You should Know

• Electrical appliances in Canada are 110-volt, 60-cycle current. Do not bring appliances that cannot use this current
• If you are immigrating to Canada during the winter, you will need warm clothing. Wear an overcoat, hat, boots and gloves. If you come from a warm climate, be ready to buy winter clothes in Canada soon after arriving.
• You may travel outside Canada after you arrive. If you stay away longer than 180 days within a one-year period, you will need to apply for permission to re-enter. Contact a Call Centre for further information on returning resident permits:

                If you live in the Montreal local calling area:  (514) 4961010

                If you live in the Toronto local calling area:  (416) 9734444

                If you live in the Vancouver calling area:   (604) 6662171

                If you are calling from anywhere else in Canada:   1-888-242-2100

	Enhance Immigration and Documentation Consultants© 2001