The First Nations have band chiefs and councilors who have major responsibilities on First Nations reserves, including housing, schools and other services.There are a number of provincial, regional and national Aboriginal organizations that are a voice for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people in their relationships with the federal, provincial and territorial governments.
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), owned by the federal government, focuses on loans and services to small businesses, especially firms involved in technology and exporting.The BDC also offers financial advice and small-business consulting. It has more than 80 offices across Canada.To qualify for a loan, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Living in Canada Portal The Government of Canada has developed a web site specifically designed to assist and support newcomers to Canada. Learn more www.cic.gc.ca/lctvac/english/ index
Governments try to ensure that Canadians are vaccinated against preventable diseases. Parents will often be asked by schools to provide proof that their children have been vaccinated for diseases such as measles, smallpox, and tuberculosis. Check with a local doctor if you need to arrange for vaccinations for your child. Local health centres and employers may also help with vaccination services.
Canada has embassies and consulates around the world. If you are travelling in other countries and you need assistance, contact the embassy or consulate. If you visit another country, you may wish to “register” with the embassy or consulate and indicate where you will be staying and for how long. Check the web sites of embassies and consulates for travel alerts. Visit www.inter national.gc.ca or DayPlanner web site – Link #289.
Communities across Canada offer fire protection services. In smaller communities, the fire department may be made up of volunteers. Larger communities have permanent fire departments. Like the police, the fire department can often be reached by dialing “911.” In more remote areas, dial “7267” (RCMP).Visit DayPlanner web site – Link #288 to learn more about the “911” emergency service.
One right available to every person in Canada is the right to “legal representation.” You have the right to have a lawyer represent you if you are arrested or accused of a crime. If you can’t afford a lawyer, legal aid will provide legal services, but only for certain kinds of charges and crimes.
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.*
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
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.