Usually more than one company produces a good or service. Businesses compete with one another to convince potential customers that their product or service is better than that of their competitors. Competition encourages businesses to try harder and try to improve their product or service by responding to what customers want. Caveat emptor means consumers should be aware of what they are buying and try to make good decisions.
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
Notice should be given to a worker if he or she is to be laid off or let go—which are the other terms used for being “fired” from a job or losing a job.The length of notice is governed by the labour legislation that applies to your province or territory.
Employees working for a company are usually paid a salary or a wage. A salary is the total pay for a year, for example, $39,000 a year.The salary will be divided into payments such as once a week, once every two weeks, or twice a month. For example, if a person earning $39,000 is paid every two weeks, he/she would receive $1,500 every two weeks minus deductions such as income tax, Canada Pension Plan contributions, Employment Insurance, and so on.The result is your “take home pay” or “net pay.”
Some employers will provide opportunities for “on-the-job” training.That is, they will seek out workers with the education and work habits they want and provide an opportunity for them to develop the skills while working on the job.This is a great option especially if you have the personality, education, and experience that enables you to learn well on the job.
Canada has a Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.These laws are designed to protect personal rights and prevent discrimination in all aspects of life including activities in the workplace. See page 226 for more information on human rights in Canada.You can learn more about “equality in the workplace” at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/labour/equality/index.shtml.
In Canada, labour or employment standards (laws) provide protection to workers. Human Rights legislation (laws) protect the rights of each individual. It is important to be aware of these protections as well as your responsibilities to employers and to others.You can learn more about employment standards in Canada at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/labour/employment_standards/index.shtml
Employees can be paid a salary or wage.A wage is an hourly rate of pay such as $10 per hour, $15 per hour, and so on.The total pay will depend on how many hours are worked each week. Over a certain number of hours, a worker may receive “overtime” pay. Each province and territory has determined a minimum wage that must be paid to workers.
On behalf of the Foreign Credentials Referral Office, Service Canada provides telephone and in-person services for individuals who need information about how to get their credentials assessed in Canada. Service Canada agents also provide important job-related information. Learn more You can visit the Service Canada website at www.servicecanada.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.