The mandate of the federal government’s Foreign Credentials Referral Office is to provide internationally trained individuals with information and help to get their credentials assessed and recognized.You can learn more about the help the government can provide at www.credentials.gc.ca.
The federal government runs Canada Post, the nation’s postal service. Canada’s postal service is quite efficient and reliable (however, don’t send cash in the mail). Regular mail is usually delivered within two to four business days. You can pay a higher fee to get faster delivery—such as next day delivery. [Day- Planner web site – Link #284]
Canada has a Defence Department and a Military Service. For many years, the Canadian military has concentrated primarily on peacekeeping roles and responsibilities.The proportion of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (the value of all goods and services produced in Canada) that is spent on the military is not high compared to many other industrialized nations. [Day- Planner web site – Link #294]
The federal government operates the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Employees contribute to this plan while they work.When they retire, they will receive a pension payment based upon the number of years worked in Canada and the average salary earned. Residents of Québec pay into the Québec Pension Plan (QPP) instead. Employers contribute to the pension plan too. [Day- Planner web site – Link #278]
Laws require children to attend school up to a certain age.Young people are encouraged to stay in school as long as possible to prepare for the world of work. Dropping out is strongly discouraged since it reduces a young person’s chance of building a successful career. It is possible to “home school” children. For more information, visit Day- Planner web site – Link #285.
Governments require people to have licences for various activities, and these need to be acquired from government offices for a fee. Licences can differ from province to province and can include a driver’s licence to drive a car, a licence for each individual car, a marriage licence, a hunting licence, a fishing licence, a boating licence, and so on.
When you work, you will contribute some of your earned income to the Employment Insurance Program.This program provides some income, for a short period of time, to a worker who becomes unemployed and is qualified to receive those benefits. Employers contribute to this program too.
It is illegal in Canada to emotionally, physically, verbally, or sexually abuse a spouse, child, or any other person. Controlled “spanking” to discipline a child on their “bottoms” was recently ruled as legal. It is illegal to touch, in any sexual way, another person without his or her consent. If a person suspects that he or she has been abused in some way, charges can be laid and a case can be brought to court. Learn more
Provinces/territories issue driver’s licences for drivers and vehicles. A driver’s licence is a good document to have for personal identification. New drivers are required to pass a driver’s test before a licence is issued. If needed, check to see if you can take the test in your first language. Check with a licence office to see if you need to obtain a new licence to replace yours.
Canadian citizens, or permanent residents living here for at least 10 years, receive a modest Old Age Security pension at the age of 65. Low-income seniors may be eligible for other benefits as early as 60. Some or all of this pension may be “clawed back” through the tax system if a person’s income is above a certain level. Learn more