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Questions &
Answers about settling in Canada
 How
do I find out about international educational assessment
services in Canada?
How
do I find key information sources which may be useful to
me as a newcomer?
How
do I find help in my community?
How
does Canada help newcomers adjust to living in Canada?
How
do I enroll in language classes?
How
do I get a Social Insurance Number?
How
do I go about finding a job?
What
is the taxation system in Canada?
How
much do I have to pay in taxes? What are they for?
Where
can I get information on Canadian political parties and
members?
What
types of child care services are available?
How
do I enroll children in school?
What
types of schooling are available?
Where
can I get information on vaccinations and immunizations?
What
does Canadian citizenship mean?
How
can I become a Canadian citizen?
Q: How do I find out
about international educational assessment services in Canada?
A: In Canada, education is a provincial responsibility. While
there is no central service for the assessment of education
for all of Canada, services are available in some provinces.
For a fee, these services will provide individuals with an assessment
report of their foreign educational credentials. These assessments
are mainly used to help employers understand how education from
another country compares to education in a Canadian province.
For more information, please visit Citizenship and Immigration
Canada's publication Fact Sheet: International Educational Assessment
Services in Canada.
Q: How do I find key
information sources which may be helpful to me as a newcomer?
A: The CIC's pamphlet lists federal and provincial government
phone numbers and Internet addresses, which may be helpful to
you as a newcomer to Canada. It also lists other useful numbers,
such as the Business Development Bank and various national accreditation
services. Since Quebec looks after many aspects of its immigration
program, this pamphlet does not attempt to cover services in
that province. However, it does list the phone numbers for the
ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l'Immigration,
which offers many services to newcomers in Quebec. If you are
living in, or planning to move to Quebec, you may wish to pick
up their guide for newcomers, entitled: Bienvenue au QUÉBEC
!
Q: How do I find help
in my community?
A: There are many organizations which provide services designed
for newcomers to Canada. In fact, your local immigrant serving
organization should be your first point of contact. Many of
these organizations across the country are listed in CIC's publication
"Welcome to Canada".
Q: How does Canada help
newcomers adjust to living in Canada?
A: Citizenship and Immigration Canada offers programs and services
to help newly arrived immigrants adapt and settle in Canada.
Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec is responsible for settlement
and integration services inside its jurisdiction. As a result
of Settlement Renewal, the provinces of British Columbia and
Manitoba have assumed responsibility for the administration
and delivery of settlement programming and services. Up-to-date
details may be obtained by contacting a CIC Call Centre. Programs
and services are a bridge to help newcomers adapt, normally
during their first year in Canada. They help new arrivals to
become self-reliant, participating members of Canadian society
as quickly as possible. They also help Canadians understand
the immigration, settlement and integration process. Local Immigration
offices provide interested organizations and agencies with information
about immigrants and immigration.
Q: How do I enroll in
language classes?
A: Several community groups and some local boards of eucation
provide classes in English or French as a Second Language, popularly
known as ESL or FSL. ESL or FSL classes are open to all Canadian
citizens and landed immigrants whose first language is not English
or French. Citizenship and Immigration gives money to community
organizations that help newcomers settle into their new community.
Some of these organizations provide language training for newcomers
through the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
program. The language training through LINC is free and available
to all adult immigrants who are permanent residents of Canada.
Canadian citizens and refugees are not eligible for this training.
In many cases, child-minding is available while the parent is
attending the language classes. For a list of LINC assessment
centres please refer to the pamphlet, Language Training, which
is published in CIC's document Welcome to Canada.
Q: How do I get a Social
Insurance Number?
A: To get a Social Insurance Number (SIN), go to the nearest
Human Resources Centre (HRC). An application form must be filled
out and original (not photocopied) passports and immigration
record of landing documents must be presented. A second piece
of identification is also necessary. Applicants are assigned
a temporary SIN until they receive their SIN card through the
mail. There is no charge for this card. To find the location
of the nearest HRC, look in the blue pages of the telephone
directory, under "Government of Canada," then under "Human Resources
Development Canada."
Q: How do I go about
finding a job?
Your local Human Resource Centre is a good place to start looking
for a job. The Canadian government operates HRCs throughout
Canada. HRCs have computer-listed jobs and information on how
to apply for them. You can get helpful advice on employment
training, preparing a resum to the Canadian job market, and
ways to promote yourself. HRCs also manage the Electronic Labour
Exchange (ELE), an Internet site that matches jobs to people
and people to jobs. Employers use the exchange to advertise
a job and you can use it to advertise your skills to thousands
of potential employers. You may also be able to access the Internet
free of charge at some HRCs. The "Worksearch" Internet site
is an easy-to-use site and can help you with all aspects of
looking for work.
On the Internet, Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) Job
Banks provides a free listing of available jobs, for both employers
and job seekers.
Web site: http://jb-ge.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/
On the Electronic Labour Exchange Web Site, work seekers can
advertise their skills to a wide array of potential employers
by creating a profile of their skills and abilities. It is a
free service, accessible 24 hours a day.
Web site: http://www.ele-spe.org
Labour Market Information provides information on local labour
markets across Canada to help job seekers search for work and
make general employment, training and career decisions.
Web site: http://lmi-imt.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Worksearch is an easy-to-use site that can help you with all
aspects of looking for work.
Web site: http://www.worksearch.gc.ca/
Using the Newspaper and Other Resources Many jobs are listed
in newspapers. Look in the classified advertisements section
under "Help Wanted" and "Careers." There may also be a separate
career section in the weekend paper.
The library has books on how to find a job or write a resume,
and often has directories of businesses across Canada or in
your area to help you find information about potential employers.
The "periodical" section of the library will also have copies
of various weekly newspapers that provide up-to-date listings
of jobs across Canada. You can also access the Internet at most
public libraries. Ask for more information at the library's
reference desk.
Networking is also a popular way of finding a job in Canada.
This means contacting all the people you know, including your
friends and relatives, and letting them know you are looking
for work. This may help you to find a job that may not be advertised
anywhere.
Job finding clubs run by immigrant serving organizations may
also be useful.
Private job placement agencies may be able to help you find
temporary or contract work. These are listed in the yellow pages
of the phone book. Look under "Employment Agencies."
Q: What is the taxation
system in Canada?
General Information The Canadian tax system is a complex system
of measures to collect money from people and businesses to finance
the activities of the federal, provincial and municipal levels
of government. Federal and provincial taxes are usually collected
together when people file their yearly income tax return. This
determines whether the correct amount of tax has been collected
throughout the previous calendar year, resulting in either a
refund for the taxpayer (if there has been too much tax paid)
or a balance owed to the government. The government charges
penalties and interest for late payment of income taxes.
The Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales
Tax (PST) are paid directly by consumers at the time of purchase.
Some items are exempt from certain sales taxes.
Property owners pay municipal property taxes to the city, town
or municipality in which property is owned, based on provincial
statutes. Tenants pay their municipal taxes indirectly, as part
of their rent. Business taxes are paid to the municipality in
which the companies operate.
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency collects federal and some
provincial income taxes, goods and services tax (GST) and harmonized
sales tax (HST), as well as Canada Pension Plan contributions,
Employment Insurance premiums and customs and excise duties.
Call the toll-free numbers listed below for information about
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
- General inquiries: 1-800-959-8281
- Business inquiries: 1-800-959-5525
- Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB): 1-800-387-1193
- Goods and Services Tax Credit (GSTC) or
- Harmonized Sales Tax Credit (HSTC): 1-800-959-1953
- Refund inquiries: 1-800-959-1956 Teletypewriter (TTY)
users: 1-800-665-0354
- Visitor Rebate Program: 1-800-668-4748
Web site: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
- Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Offices and telephone
numbers
Web site: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
- Forms from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency 1-800-959-2221
Web site: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
Q: How much do I have
to pay in taxes? What are they for?
A: Income tax and other taxes are imposed and collected in Canada
at the federal, provincial and municipal (city or town) levels.
The combined federal and provincial income tax rates for individuals
vary from province to province and are based on total annual
income. Most provinces impose a retail sales tax on purchases
of goods. The tax is added at the point of sale and does not
apply to goods purchased for resale.
Q: Where can I get information
on Canadian political parties and members?
A: Canada is a constitutional monarchy and a federal state with
a democratic parliament, founded in 1867. The Parliament of
Canada, located in Ottawa, consists of the House of Commons,
whose members are elected, and the Senate, whose members are
appointed. On average, Members of Parliament are elected every
four years. Canada is a federal state, with ten largely self-governing
provinces and three territories controlled by the central government.
The responsibilities of the federal Parliament include national
defence, interprovincial and international trade and commerce,
immigration, the banking and monetary systems, criminal law
and fisheries. The courts have also awarded to the federal Parliament
such powers as aeronautics, shipping, railways, telecommunications
and atomic energy. The regional or provincial legislatures are
responsible for education, property and civil rights, the administration
of justice, the hospital system, natural resources within their
borders, social security, health and municipal institutions.
General information on Canada Web site: http://canada.gc.ca/
Q: What types of child
care services are available?
A: It is illegal in Canada to leave a child under the age of
12 years alone in a house. If you can afford to hire a babysitter,
ask your neighbours or friends for a referral. Many high school
students can babysit for you for a minimum wage. There are a
few subsidized daycare centres where children may be registered.
These subsidized centres, however, often have a long waiting
list. Community groups that provide language instruction to
newcomers may provide on-site child care, if you are registered
in classes with that agency. For information about local child
care services, look in the yellow pages directory for "Day Care
Centres and Nurseries" or "Social Services Organizations."
Q: How do I enroll children
in school?
A: In Canada, all permanent residents must attend school. However,
the age requirement may vary form province to province. Most
students continue to attend after the required period and receive
a graduation diploma. To enroll a child in school, you generally
have to bring the child to the local school along with his or
her: birth certificate/passport; statement of immigration status;
and immunization records/documents. It is also a good idea to
have the child's education history and most recent report cards.
Check with the local school board to find the location of the
nearest school and enrollment or registration requirements.
To telephone for general information, look in the blue pages
of the telephone directory (the provincial government section)
under the heading "Education and Training -- Ministry of" for
"General Information & Public Enquiries".
Q: What types of schooling
are available?
A: Attendance at publicly funded elementary and secondary schools
(high schools) is free. These schools are administered by district
school boards, which are responsible for implementing provincial
education policy. They also provide and maintain qualified teachers,
support staff and appropriate facilities. Elected school board
trustees represent the local community, providing a link between
voters and the education system. Private or alternative schools
also provide elementary and secondary education. They are independently
operated and do not receive government funding.
To telephone for general information, look in the blue provincial
government pages of the telephone directory for "General Information
& Public Enquiries," under "Education & Training -- Ministry
of".
Q: Where can I get information
on vaccinations and immunizations?
A: Canada has public health laws that protect all of us. Immunization
or vaccination for children is one of the most important ways
we protect all persons living in Canada, young and old, from
getting serious infectious diseases. Your child cannot go to
school unless his or her immunization records are up to date.
You can arrange to have your child inoculated by your doctor
or pediatrician, or through a public health clinic. You will
receive an immunization or vaccination record, which you must
provide to your child's school. You may also find a central
help line listed under "Immunization" in the white pages of
the telephone book. The schedule varies from province to province.
Immunization for Adults If you were not immunized against preventable
diseases before coming to Canada, you should contact your doctor
or local public health clinic immediately. You will be immunized
free of charge. In Canada, there is a "schedule" for these immunizations.
Ask your doctor or pediatrician for a copy of this schedule,
or look in the blue pages of the telephone directory, under
the Municipal (city or town) Government, for "Health -- General
Inquiry" or "Immunization Information."
Q: What does Canadian
citizenship mean?
A: Canadians have long valued their traditions of democracy,
freedom and tolerance. The rights and values so important to
all Canadians are enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights
and Freedoms, the Bill of Rights, and provincial human rights
codes. Along with these rights come certain responsibilities.
Canadians are also proud of Canada's multicultural heritage,
created as generations of immigrants joined the Aboriginal peoples
who have lived in Canada for thousands of years.
New Canadians must learn one of Canada's two official languages,
English and French. Canadians enjoy the following rights and
freedoms: equality rights democratic rights legal rights mobility
rights language rights freedom of religion freedom of expression
freedom of association.
To learn more about Canadian citizenship, visit CIC's Internet
site, http://www.cic.gc.ca or call one of the CIC Call Centre
stations. Several publications, including How to Become a Canadian
Citizen, and A Look at Canada, How to Host a Citizenship Ceremony,
and several Citizenship Fact Sheets are available on the Internet
site or through the Call Centre stations. Fact Sheet #8 describes
the rights and responsibilities of Canadians more fully.
Young people should check out Citzine (www.citzine.ca), a web
magazine developed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada with
private-sector support to commemorate the 50th anniversary of
Canadian citizenship. Consult the Canadian Charter of Rights
and Freedoms (available on the Department of Justice Internet
site). If you need more information, please contact a Call Centre
or visit the CIC Internet site.
Q: How can I become
a Canadian citizen?
A: To apply to become a Canadian citizen: you must be a permanent
resident of Canada (landed immigrant); you must have lived in
Canada for at least three of the past four years; you must be
at least 18 years of age to apply on your own; you must complete
an application form and mail it, along with the appropriate
documents, photographs and fee, to the CPC in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
Contact a Call Centre to obtain an application form and determine
the steps to follow. You must be tested on your knowledge and
understanding of English or French, of Canada as a nation, and
of the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship (you
will be notified by mail as to where and when to take the test).
If you pass the test, you will be invited to a citizenship ceremony
where you will take the Oath of Citizenship and receive a certificate
of Canadian citizenship.
Applications for citizenship must be mailed to: CPC Sydney Citizenship
and Immigration Canada P.O. Box 7000 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P
6V6
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B213 - 2099 Lougheed Hwy, Shaughnessy Square, Port Coquitlam, BC.V3B1A8 Canada.
