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
As an expression of national pride after the First World War, Canada adopted an official coat of arms and a national motto, A Mari Usque Ad Mare, which in Latin means “from sea to sea.” The arms contain symbols of England, France, Scotland and Ireland as well as red maple leaves.Today the arms can be seen on dollar bills, government documents and public buildings.*
In Canada, you need to be 18 or 19 to buy and drink alcohol depending on the province you live in. Drinking and driving laws are strict, and the penalties are severe if a person has had more than the legal limit. Police will check for drivers who have been drinking.You cannot drink alcohol at work. Learn more
In some locations, governments may provide support for childcare services for parents or guardians who work. Publicly funded daycare can reduce the cost of childcare for those who qualify because their income is low.Those earning higher levels of income must pay for private childcare services. There are also “waiting lists” at many daycare facilities. Costs are often tax deductible. [Day- Planner web site – Link #280]