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Guide For Foreign Participants 14-02-2012
Guide For Foreign Participants 14-02-2012
Coming To Canada:
A Practical Guide
Table of Contents
Do Include:
• Age/date of birth
• Gender
• Social Insurance Number
• Photo of yourself
• University courses and results
Your resume should be:
1. Express your interest in the job and where you saw the position posted.
2. Link your experience and/or skills with the stated job requirements.
3. Refer readers to your resume for further details (i.e. “see enclosed”,
“see attached”) and request an interview.
4. Don‟t forget to include your signature!
Be sure to include your contact information, including phone number and
email. If you cannot provide a contact number, indicate that you will contact
the employer to follow up with them instead. It may be worthwhile to
provide a general webmail address that you can check from any public
computer. Avoid using an email address that doesn‟t look professional.
Do:
Look for work diligently. You‟ll find a job faster that way.
Focus on finding casual employment instead of seeking the “perfect
job”.
If you are seeking a professional position related to your career goals,
be prepared to spend more time job searching.
Look for work just before or during peak tourism periods (winter
months for ski resorts / summer months for lake resorts).
Ensure you have enough money to support yourself for at least two
months in case you don‟t find something right away.
Know your rights as a worker in Canada.
Update your resume and include a cover letter.
Respect business hours:
o Retail stores open at 9 or 10 a.m. and close around 6 p.m.
(sometimes later depending on the location and day of the week).
o Shopping malls may remain open until 9 p.m. during the week,
but close at 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
o Sunday openings of retail stores and shopping malls varies by
province.
o Convenience stores or corner stores are open 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
o Professional businesses are usually open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
Don’t:
Trust prospective employers who make a job sound unrealistically
perfect (e.g. they fail to mention overtime is typically required, or only
evening and midnight shifts are available).
Fall for unusual requests (e.g. you should never be expected to buy
supplies or pay any type of deposit).
Do door-to-door sales work.
Accept the word of someone who says a particular business isn‟t hiring.
Check it out for yourself - in person if possible.
Forget to include your Canadian work experience on your resume.
Foreign work, even in a casual job, can really help in landing a career-
related job when you return home.
Work for any employer who offers you a job but says you won‟t be paid
while you are in training.
Service Canada Centres for Youth (open April - August): Offers group
sessions on job-hunting strategies, preparing resumes, and interview skills.
They also have computers, telephones and fax machines free for local use.
Check their job boards for hospitality and manual labour jobs.
Networking: Since many jobs aren‟t publicly posted, ask people that you
know or meet about possible job positions or referrals that they might have.
Brainhunter
Canadajobs
CareerBuilder
Charity Village
CoolJobsCanada
Craigslist
Employment News
Go2 The Resource For People In Tourism
Hotjobs
Jobpostings
Monster
Service Canada Job Bank
Superjobs
Working.com
Workopolis
Do:
Most Canadian businesses are provincially regulated and employ 90% of the
Canadian workforce. The remaining 10% are federally regulated (e.g. banks,
airports, railway) and fall under the Canada Labour Code. Canadian labour
laws address such employee protections as minimum wage, overtime, and
vacation pay.
The following are examples of worker protections that are applicable in the
Canadian provinces where most foreign International Experience Canada
participants live and work:
Minimum Wage: Each Canadian province has a minimum wage that varies
slightly. The minimum wage for federally employed workers is equal to the
adult minimum wage rate of the province or territory where he/she is
employed. All employers must pay at least the minimum wage to any worker
who is being trained. Avoid working for any employer who offers you a job
but says you will not be paid while you are in training or who offers to pay a
lower salary than the minimum wage because of various reasons. Visit the
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada website for more
information on the minimum wage guidelines for each province.
Holiday Pay: You may be entitled to receive pay for Canadian statutory
holidays even if you do not work on those days. Consult the Labour
Standards Websites section for more information. For federally regulated
employees, consult the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
website to determine if you meet the requirements to receive holiday pay.
Work Breaks: You are entitled to a half-hour unpaid meal break after every
5 hours of continuous work. If you are on-call during this break, you are
entitled to be paid.
Pay Cheques: Most Canadian employers pay workers every 2 weeks. Your
employer must provide you with a pay stub along with each pay cheque or
direct deposit. Pay stubs contain the following information:
1. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) / Quebec Pension Plan (QPP): You are
required to contribute approximately 4% of your gross pay for each
pay period. These contributions are non-refundable.
2. Employment Insurance (EI): You are required to contribute
approximately 2.1% of your gross pay for each pay period to Canada‟s
fund for unemployed workers. These contributions are non-refundable.
3. Unfortunately, as a non-permanent resident of Canada, you do not
qualify to receive unemployment benefits if you are out of work.
4. Income Tax: See Filing An Income Tax Return
Rights Upon Termination: You can be fired without notice if you have been
employed for less than 3 months, or if you have been proven guilty of willful
misconduct. If you have been employed for more than 3 months but less
than 1 year, your employer must give you 1 weeks‟ notice before termination.
If your workplace is federally regulated and you have been employed for
more than 3 months, your employer must give you either 2 weeks‟ notice or
2 weeks‟ wages.
Complaint Process: You should keep written records of the dates and times
you worked as well as copies of your pay cheques or stubs.
If you feel your employer has not met the obligations stipulated under
Canadian labour standards laws, you may file a complaint with the ministry
or department of labour in the province or territory where you work. If your
workplace is federally regulated, you may file a complaint with a federal
labour office. Don‟t wait to file a formal complaint. The sooner you lodge it,
the more likely it can be resolved. After filing a complaint, request a fact-
finding meeting with your employer and a labour standards officer.
Schedule 1 Federal Tax, and the 428 form for the province where you
worked
Schedule A (under Non-Residents of Canada)
T1234 (use the search function on the site to locate this form)
If you qualify as a Canadian resident for taxation purposes, you only need:
Schedule 1 and Form 428
Accommodation Tips
After finding work, you might want to live nearby or at least near a
public transit station to make getting to work easier.
Look for “Free Rent” signs posted in windows or on front lawns, once
you decide you like a particular area.
Check the “Classified” section of the local newspaper or a housing
magazine for apartments you can afford.
Visit the housing bulletin boards at a local university or college.
Sharing accommodation with Canadian students could be a great
experience. During summer months, many university and college
residences are made available for short-term tenants from May to
August.
Check notice boards in public laundromats, health food or grocery
stores in the area.
Landlords typically require a deposit to cover the last month‟s rent.
Always insist on a receipt for this deposit.
Rental Glossary
The following table contains common abbreviations found in classified ads for
housing rentals:
Table 1 - The following table contains common abbreviations found in classified ads for
housing rentals
hwd flr hardwood floors + util extra cost for heat and
electricity
immed immediately 1st and last first and last months rent
in advance
1. Does each room have a window? If accessible from the street, can
these windows be locked?
2. Is there at least 1 smoke alarm and a fire escape route?
3. Is public transportation available nearby?
4. Does the neighbourhood feel safe - i.e. would you feel comfortable
coming home alone in the dark?
5. Do all of the fixtures included in the rent work properly? Is the water
coming from the faucet scalding hot or too cold? Do toilets flush
properly?
6. Are mouse traps and cockroach bait evident - i.e. signs that you may
be sharing your apartment with unwanted insects and/or rodents?
Tenant Protection
You are entitled to the same rights as Canadian citizens with respect to
rental agreements. The government of the province in which you reside can
intervene on your behalf if you believe you are being dealt with unfairly by
your landlord. In such cases, use the website addresses below to contact the
appropriate provincial ministry or department.
If you need to extend your insurance term after you have arrived in Canada,
do so before your existing term expires. You will need to provide your
insurance company with the:
Policy number
Date the policy was issued
Expiry date
Type of insurance
Payment for the extended coverage sent before the existing policy
expires
There are 2 ways to extend your insurance while in Canada:
Although it is unlikely that you will be covered by Canadian public health care
insurance, you may want to reference these provincial websites in case there
is a possibility that public medical coverage might be extended to you:
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut (PDF)
Medical Visits
Are you hurt? Feeling sick? The following is a guide to medical help in
Canada:
For medical emergencies: Dial 9-1-1 (in remote locations, dial „0‟ for the
operator). For non-life threatening medical situations (sprained ankle,
stomach flu etc.): Visit a walk-in clinic
You will be required to pay for ambulances services if they are required. In
addition, you can expect to pay between $50 - $100 for an examination by a
medical doctor. If you are admitted to hospital, they will contact your
insurance company directly on your behalf. For this reason, always carry the
emergency contact number of your insurance company and your policy
number with you.
As you must pay for all medical costs including medication out of pocket, you
should keep your receipts in order to claim these expenses through your
insurance company. Make sure you are adequately covered to avoid taking
thousands of dollars in medical debt home as a souvenir!
Dental Visits
Fees for dental services can vary depending on the dentist and the required
procedures. You can save money by having minor dental work performed by
supervised dentistry students at local colleges. Dental work is not covered by
public health care insurance in Canada.
Alcohol
The minimum legal drinking age in Canada is 19.
Except in: Prince Edward
Island, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
where it is 18.
Canada has recently lowered the legal limit for blood alcohol while operating
a motor vehicle: if you drink and drive while under the influence of alcohol,
under Canadian law you are likely committing a criminal offense.
“Arrive Alive! Don‟t Drink and Drive!” notices are part of a public campaign in
Canada to stop the deadly practice of driving after consuming alcohol. So, if
you are going out drinking with friends, heed its advice. Either choose an
individual to be a designated driver who agrees to refrain from drinking
alcohol for the evening …take a cab home …or, use public transportation.
Also note, unlike some countries, you are not permitted to drink alcohol in
open public places (i.e. outside of a licensed area like a bar, patio or
restaurant). Your insurance policy may also deny any expenses you submit
that are associated with an injury sustained while under the influence of
alcohol.
Smoking
The minimum legal smoking age in Canada is 18 or 19 depending on the
province. The enforcement of smoking laws in various Canadian
municipalities can also vary.
You will see No Smoking signs posted in public places across Canada. By law,
smoking is prohibited indoors in office buildings, restaurants, bars, shops and
most other public spaces.
Be courteous before deciding to smoke in private homes or apartments:
always ask permission first.
Drugs
In Canada, it is illegal to possess, use or sell marijuana, hashish or other
“recreational” drugs. The penalties for doing so are severe. Avoid any activity
that will result in spending your working holiday in a Canadian prison.
All Canadian coins depict Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse (heads). The
reverse (tails) has the following:
Canadian Banks
Upon arriving in Canada, you will need to set up a bank account in order to
deposit your pay. It is unwise to keep large sums of cash at your home. Your
employer can either deposit your pay directly into your bank account or issue
you a cheque.
Most banks charge monthly service fees and/or charge for each transaction
(i.e. bank card use or cheque processing). Service Fees vary from bank to
bank.
Bank Hours
Hours of operation vary from bank to bank. However, most banks are open:
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Some banks are open later in the evening on weeknights, and for a few
hours on Saturday as well.
Automated Banking Machines (ABM) / Automated Teller Machines
(ATM)
Most banks will provide you with a card that allows you to deposit or
withdraw money, pay bills and transfer money between accounts using a
bank machine (ABM/ATM). While you do pay for the convenience with each
transaction, the 24/7 access is more than worthwhile. Please note that
automatic service charges apply whenever you use an ATM from a different
banking institution other than your own.
Canadian banks have arrangements with U.S. banks (usually through the
Cirrus network) allowing direct access to your Canadian bank account
through most ATM‟s in the United States. Most European, Australian and New
Zealand ATM cards will work in Canada and in the United States too.
There are a number of ways you can transfer money from home:
• By wire from your home bank account to your Canadian bank account.
• By mail via international money orders or postal orders.
• By Western Union, a worldwide service with the capacity to transfer
money within an hour.
U.S. Currency
U.S. coins are accepted on par with Canadian coins, however U.S. dollars are
not. If you need to convert U.S. dollars into Canadian dollars, check with
several different banks to get the best exchange rate.
Tipping
Unlike in some European countries, a charge for service is not included in the
final bill so you may be unfamiliar with the practice of tipping for a meal or a
cab ride.
In Canada, it is customary to tip 15%:
• Restaurant servers 20%
• Bartenders $ 1 per drink
• Cab drivers 10% to 15%
• Hairdressers 15% to 20%
• Pizza delivery 10%
It is appropriate to tip between 10% - 15% of the bill before taxes, more if
the service was excellent. Use your discretion when deciding to tip if the
service was poor. Do not tip sales staff in retail stores.
Communications
The following sections give you information on keeping in touch while you‟re
here ...with employers ...with friends ...and, with family back home!
Landline Telephones
Steps to setting up an at-home telephone service in Canada:
If you choose to purchase a new mobile phone, the following information can
help you choose your provider and service package:
• Bell Mobility
• Fido
• Koodo Mobile
• Rogers
• Solo Mobile
• Telus Mobility
• Virgin Mobile
• Mobilicity
• Wind
• Vidéotron
Postal Service
Canada Post outlets are located inside many drug stores and convenience
stores. Mail is home delivered from Monday to Friday. Large packages,
however, are held at your local post office for you to pick up. You will receive
a notice in the mail indicating a parcel is being held. Bring this notice with
you along with some identification in order to claim it. Canada Post will hold
parcels for up to 2 weeks.
In small towns, mail is not delivered to individual homes. Residents must
pick up their mail at the local post office. Mail is kept in general delivery for
one week only.
Postal Rates
Postal rates are the same for both envelopes and postcards. You must
include the six-character postal code on anything you mail.
Time Zones
Canada spans six time zones. All provinces, except Saskatchewan, switch
between daylight saving time and standard time to make optimal use of
daylight throughout the year. In early March, clocks are set one hour ahead;
in mid-October, clocks are set back one hour.
Travel In Canada
Your Canadian experience should take you beyond the area where you settle
to live and work. Go ahead - Explore the beauty and diversity that makes our
country special!
While our cities are wonderful, you must venture into the magnificent
countryside to really appreciate Canada. According to The Economist, Canada
is among the three most scenic countries on earth, along with Norway and
New Zealand. Discover the unique arts and crafts of our First Nations people.
Here are some common ways to get around while in Canada:
Plane
Flying is the most efficient and fastest way to travel across North America.
Canada‟s two largest airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, serve most Canadian
cities. There are a number of regional carriers in Canada, such as Porter
Airlines which flies out of the Toronto Island Airport to Ottawa, Montreal,
Halifax and a number of U.S. cities.
All Canadian carriers provide online booking services and most offer a range
of prices for one-way flights. So, if you find an exceptionally inexpensive
one-way price to your destination, you will need to be flexible about your
return date if you want the same low price coming back.
Canadian travel agencies, including those online, can assist you in booking
domestic flights; the fees they charge are more than offset by their
knowledge, which can end up saving you significant money and time.
Bus
Canadians use the word “bus” to refer to both local transit vehicles and
highway coaches. Canadian bus line companies offer an extensive network of
reliable bus service throughout the country, including frequent downtown-to-
downtown services between major cities.
• Greyhound: services eastern Ontario and western Quebec
• Coach Canada / Trentway-Wager Bus Lines: services Ontario
• Greyhound: services most of Canada offering travel passes such as the
Greyhound Canada Pass and the Point-To-Point Pass
• Acadian Bus Line: services Atlantic Canada.
• Moose Travel Network: hop-on, hop-off bus tour of central and western
Canada starting in Toronto
Train
VIA Rail Canada provides passenger rail service in Canada, and offers an
extensive schedule of operations in the Quebec City - Windsor corridor. The
Ocean provides bi-weekly service between Montreal and Halifax, and the
Canadian runs between Toronto/Vancouver. Regina, Calgary and Banff are
not served by the Canadian.
Car
Car rental agencies are located across Canada. Prices are competitive, so
check more than one agency to get the best deal. Most agencies won‟t rent
to anyone under 25 years old or without a major credit card. Before buying a
vehicle, it‟s advisable to contact the ministry of transportation in the province
or territory in which you reside.
During the summer months (May to August), many university and college
residences offer short-term accommodation. Check their websites for details
You can expect major snowstorms anywhere in Canada, and severe sub-zero
temperatures in the Prairies, Ontario and Quebec. Winter weather in Atlantic
Canada is typically not as mild as areas along the Pacific.
Yes!
In Calgary and the area around southern Alberta, people can leave their
homes in the morning wearing parkas in -20 degrees Celsius weather - and
return home that evening carrying them because the temperature has
soared to + 20 degrees Celsius. This naturally occurring phenomenon, called
a Chinook, only lasts a few hours however.
Canadians tend to “layer” their winter clothing: winter jackets over sweaters,
shirts, and in some instances, long underwear. However, Canadians are style
conscious too! You can find attractive winter clothing in a multitude of
discount clothing stores or in second-hand shops without having to spend a
lot of money. In colder regions, you may want to invest in insulated gloves,
boots, and a warm hat. Even though wearing a hat (or a toque as do many
Canadians) may interfere with your hairstyle, “hat head” is better than
frostbite!
Not at all! Canadians definitely don‟t hibernate. While it‟s important to dress
for the elements, some large Canadian cities have connected their
transportation grids to pedestrian underground walkways, which makes
getting around in the winter much easier.
As cold as winters may get, Canadians brave the elements to enjoy a variety
of winter activities: skiing (cross country and downhill), skating on outdoor
rinks or frozen ponds, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing are but a
few of the activities that entice Canadians out of doors during the colder
months.
A Final Word
We hope you enjoy discovering Canada and its people, and that the
wonderful memories you bring home with you are among your most
treasured souvenirs. We also invite you to email your comments and
suggestions about this guide to experience@international.gc.ca.