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%.
Anyone who wishes to is free to try to start a business in Canada so long as it fits within the laws and regulations that govern business activity. Starting a business is not easy, but it can be very rewarding. It is important to have experience and to understand what will be involved. A business needs a good business plan and enough money to support it.A business must also provide a product or service that enough people will want to buy so that the business can make a profit. Learn more
When a business experiences a difficult period, it may need fewer workers.At such times, it may lay off workers.This means the workers may come back if or when things improve.The business may also give severance to workers if the job is over permenantly.Visit DayPlanner web site – Link #174 for more information.
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)
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
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
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
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