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)
An entrepreneur is a person who identifies a product or service that is needed and starts a business to provide that product or service. Successful entrepreneurs are usually those who love what they do, have a strong desire to accomplish personal goals, are good team builders, and are willing to work hard. Entrepreneurs often help to increase and improve jobs, competition, quality, and incomes in their communities. Are you a prospective entrepreneur? See page 234 to learn more about the characteristics of an entrepreneur. Learn more.
Usually when a worker is “fired without cause,” “let go,” “dismissed,” or “laid off” without notice, the worker will receive severance pay of some amount.The amount will usually depend on how long the worker has been employed at the company. The money is given to help the worker through the initial period of unemployment. Notice periods and severance pay are issues that are determined by provincial or territorial labour legislation. In some instances, individuals can appeal severance, either through a labour tribunal or through a challenge in the courts.
New to Canada? We can help you succeed. Learn how to put your skills and knowledge to work faster, visit www.cic.gc.ca/new
Small and medium-sized businesses are the most common in Canada and create many new jobs.That is why governments try to encourage and assist new business startups. There are programs to help people develop skills, develop business plans, and obtain money to start up a business. See page 234 for some of the key organizations that try to help new entrepreneurs. Learn more
Many employers will hire workers for a probationary period. During this time, the employee will work to show if he or she can do the job effectively. At the end of the probationary period, the employee will usually either be offered a permanent job or be let go. A typical probation period is about three months. Often an employee will not receive “benefits” until after the probationary period is over.
Although companies use “salary scales” to determine the salary for a job, in some cases, an employee will be in a position to negotiate a salary.That is, there will not be a firm wage or salary for a position.The pay will be determined on the basis of the employee’s education, experience, abilities, and negotiating skill. If you are in such a situation, make sure that you represent yourself well and seek out a fair and appropriate wage or salary. Learn more
Any new business will need a business plan.The business plan will guide the start-up of the business and, if necessary, also be used to help raise money for the business. See page 235 for a list of the sections that are common in a business plan.There are also sample business plans and business plan guides available on the Internet. Learn more
Often, employers provide vacation pay as a percentage of net pay for the period of time worked, rather than providing time off.This method is most common for parttime workers.The percentage of pay for paid vacation time is governed by provincial or territorial labour legislation.
When you are working, Employment Insurance, or EI, is subtracted from your pay. This is money that is paid to the federal government to support programs designed to assist those who are unemployed or underemployed. If you lose your job, you may be able to collect Employment Insurance while you look for another job.There are rules and regulations that determine when you get EI, how much you get, and how long you can get it.Visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/index.shtml or DayPlanner web site – Link #175.