The fact that so many people in Canada own or work for small businesses—and the fact that small businesses help to create jobs—means that there is a great deal of support for small business in Canada.There are programs in most high schools that teach students about entrepreneurship.There are also courses and training programs at many colleges and universities. Learn more
For “regulated” occupations, you will need to have your credentials recognized.This can take time. If so, you may need to find a job in a non-regulated profession while you wait.The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) (www.cicic.ca) and the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) both provide information on Canada’s regulated professions. (www.credentials.gc.ca)
Canada’s unemployment rate represents the percentage of people in the labour force (those 15 years of age and older) who want to work, are looking for work, but cannot find a job. Learn more According to Statistics Canada, in February 2013 there were 8,556,800 men 25 and over in Canada’s labour force, and 7,628,700 women 25 and over, and 2,843,400 youth ages 15 to 24.The unemployment rate for men was 6%, and for women 5.7% and for youth 13.6%.
Canada’s labour force is made up of all the people who are 15 years of age or older and who are either employed or unemployed.According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s labour force including both sexes in April 2012 was approximately 18.8 million (17.5 million employed and 1.3 million unemployed). Learn more
It can be difficult to find a job. Unemployment can cause a lot of stress for a person. It can lower the person’s self-confidence and self-esteem. It can lead to feelings of depression. If you experience these kinds of personal problems, visit DayPlanner web site – Link #178.
A person is considered to be unemployed in Canada if he or she is 15 years of age or older and trying to find a job.To collect Employment Insurance, a person must show that he or she is trying to get a job.The person must also have been previously employed and made contributions to EI. Learn more
Labour market information can help a job seeker by providing some information regarding job trends, labour needs, and possible future labour needs and shortages. The Working in Canada Tool can produce a report with information on job descriptions and job prospects, along with links to current job offers and language-training resources for anywhere in Canada. Learn more
Some employers and communities hold job fairs. A job fair brings employers and potential employees together. If you go to a job fair, dress as you would for an interview in case the opportunity arises.Also, take copies of your résumé—and business cards if you have them.
If you are looking for a job, you probably want to start first with what you like to do and the career fields where you have skills and experience.At the same time, you will probably be interested in current trends, that is, the job areas that are growing and providing the most opportunity. Note that these can change, sometimes quite quickly. A number of web sites keep up-to-date lists of current job trends. Learn more See pages 219–220 for sites that help with job information.
It is possible, in some cases, for workers to receive compassionate leave if there is a death or serious illness in the family. Larger companies may have policies that will determine this. Such leave in smaller companies is usually determined by the business owner.Workers should find out about the company’s policy in case they face such a situation.The federal government has also established a program for compassionate leave to help support individuals who are assisting family members dealing with terminal illnesses.