Canada – MAIS

PART 1: COUNTRY PROFILE

A. NAME OF THE COUNTRY

Official Name: Canada
Abbreviation: CA

B. NATIONAL FLAG

C. GEOGRAPHY

Canada is a vast and rugged land. From north to south it spans more than half the Northern Hemisphere. From east to west it stretches almost 4,700 miles (7,560 kilometers) across six time zones. It is the second largest country in the world by area, but it has only one-half of one percent of the world’s population.

Canada features black-blue lakes, numerous rivers, majestic western mountains, rolling central plains, and forested eastern valleys. The Canadian Shield, a hilly region of lakes and swamps, stretches across northern Canada and has some of the oldest rocks on Earth.

Canada’s far north lies in the frozen grip of the Arctic, where ice, snow, and glaciers dominate the landscape. Few trees grow here, and farming is not practical. Native Canadians, called First Nations people, live in this region by hunting and fishing.

D. CLIMATE

Canada has a wide variety of climates. This is influenced by ocean currents, including the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic and Alaska Current in the Pacific, westerly winds in the Pacific, Great lakes in southern Ontario and Quebec, and cold Labrador Current in the east.

The northern two-thirds of the country has a climate similar to that of northern Scandinavia, with very cold winters and short, cool summers. The central southern area of the interior plains has a typical continental climate-very cold winters, hot summers, and relatively sparse precipitation.

E. PEOPLE

As of 31 March 2024, the estimated population is around 41,017,404 million according to Statistics Canada. Descendants of British and French immigrants make up about half of the population. They were followed by other European and Asian immigrants. Indigenous people live mostly in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Canada is ranked 38 in the list of countries by population.

F. LANGUAGE

The most commonly used languages in Canada are French and English. Other non-official first-languages commonly spoken by other communities are Mandarin, Punjabi, Cantonese, Arabic, Spanish, Filipino, Italian, German, and Tamil.

G. RELIGION

Roman Catholicism is the largest religion in Canada. Having No Religion or Irreligion comes in second. Protestants come in third. Other religious groups include Islam, other Christian, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Judaism, Indigenous, and other faiths.

H. POLITICAL SYSTEM

Canada’s political system is constitutional monarchy, which means that they recognize the Queen or King as the Head of State, while the Prime Minister is the Head of Government.

Canada’s Parliament is composed of the monarch of Canada that is, the Queen or King, who is officially represented by the Governor General, the Senate and the House of Commons. The Senate has 105 seats and its members are appointed by the Governor General upon the recommendation of the Prime Minister. The House of Commons consists of 338 members who are elected by Canadian citizens in general elections and by-elections.

Representation in the House of Commons is based on geographical divisions known as “electoral districts,” commonly referred to as “ridings.” The number of electoral districts is established by a formula set out in the Constitution Act, 1867, and one Member of Parliament (MP) is elected in each electoral district. Canada currently has 338 ridings.

Canada’s electoral system is referred to as a “single-member plurality” or “first-past-the-post” system. In every electoral district, the candidate with the highest number of votes wins a seat in the House of Commons and represents that electoral district as an MP. An absolute majority (more than 50 percent of the votes in the electoral district) is not required for a candidate to be elected. Voting in Canada is by secret ballot.

I. ECONOMIC SYSTEM

Canada's economy is a highly developed mixed economy, with the world's tenth-largest economy as of 2023 and a nominal GDP of approximately US$2.117 trillion. It is one of the world's largest trading nations and has a highly globalized economy. In 2021, Canadian trade in goods and services reached $2.016 trillion, with exports totaling over $637 billion and imported goods worth over $631 billion. Canada has a strong cooperative banking sector, with the world's highest per-capita membership in credit unions.

Canada's growth in manufacturing, mining, and service sectors has transformed the nation from a largely rural to an urbanized and industrial one. The service industry employs about three-quarters of the country's workforce. The forestry and petroleum industries are the most prominent components of Canada's primary sector.

In 2022, Canada was 9th in the world in terms of GDP, 9th in total exports, 12th in total imports, 14th in terms of GDP per capita, and 31st as the most complex economy according to the Economic Complexity Index (ECI).

The top exports of Canada are crude petroleum, cars, petroleum gas, refined petroleum, and gold, exporting mostly to the United States, China, Japan, United Kingdom, and Mexico. The top imports of Canada are cars, refined petroleum, motor vehicles; parts and accessories, delivery trucks, and crude petroleum, importing mostly from the United States, China, Mexico, Germany, and Japan.

J. EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

Education in Canada is generally divided into primary education, followed by secondary education and post-secondary. Education in both English and French is available in most places across Canada. Canada's education system is a decentralized one, meaning it's primarily managed by individual provinces and territories, not the federal government. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

Structure:
Four Stages: Generally, the system is divided into four stages:
● Pre- Elementary (optional in some provinces)
● Primary/Elementary Education
● Secondary Education
● Post-Secondary Education

Canada also offers other types of Education:
● Vocational Schools
● Private Schools
● Religious Schools

Pre-elementary Education

Pre-elementary or kindergarten is Canada's first stage of education for children aged four to five. It is mandatory in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, but optional elsewhere. Schools can be public, private, or federal. The curriculum is relaxed, focusing on the alphabet, counting, pre-reading, music, art, and play. Quebec offers free kindergarten for low-income families or disabled children.

Primary Education
Primary education in Canada is mandatory for children aged 6-7, starting in grade 1 and continuing until grade 6. Students have one teacher teaching all subjects in the same classroom. Special education classes are also available. The Elementary curriculum covers Reading, Math, English, History, Science, Music, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Art, with difficulty increasing as students advance in grades.

Secondary Education
Canada's secondary education consists of two levels: junior high school and high school. Junior high school, which follows elementary school, is a two-year stage that includes grades 7 and 8. It aims to help students prepare for their next step of education, with increased difficulty in courses. High school, which begins after grade 8, lasts for four years until grade 11 or 12.

Post-Secondary Education

Canadian students graduate high school and apply to colleges and universities, which are typically smaller community colleges or trade schools. Colleges prepare students for university and provide credits transferable over time. Universities offer academic degrees in various subjects, starting with a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's degree, and finally a PhD. Public universities and colleges are primarily funded by provincial governments, with some funding from tuition fees, research grants, and federal government.

Funding and Accessibility:

● Publicly Funded: Public education is free for residents from kindergarten to high school. There are also private schools, which require tuition fees.
● Focus on Equality: The system aims to provide equal access to quality education regardless of background.
Language of Instruction:
● English or French: Education can be in English or French, depending on the province and chosen school.
● French Immersion: Some public English schools offer French immersion programs, where students learn most subjects in French.
● Second Language Learning: Generally, students learn some level of French or English as a second language throughout their education.
Higher Education:
● Universities and Colleges: Canada boasts world-class universities and colleges offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.
● Diverse Options: There are also trade schools and other institutions providing specialized career training.

K. NATIONAL ANTHEM

O Canada, is the national anthem of Canada. It was proclaimed as Canada's national anthem in 1980, a century after it was first sung in 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, and the French lyrics were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier, later adapted into English by Robert Stanley Weir.

The anthem of Canada, both in French and English, celebrates its vastness, natural beauty, and enduring spirit, while also emphasizing national unity and sovereignty, reflecting Canada's unique identity and independence.

English lyrics by Robert Stanley Weir
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love thou dost in us command.
We see thee rising fair, dear land,
The True North, strong and free;
And stand on guard, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.

(Refrain)
O Canada! O Canada!
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee,
O Canada! We stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow,
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow,
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western sea!
Thou land of hope for all who toil!
Thou True North, strong and free!
(Refrain)

O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies
May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise,
To keep thee steadfast through the years
From East to Western sea,
Our own beloved native land,
Our True North, strong and free!
(Refrain)

Ruler Supreme, Who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our dominion within Thy loving care.
Help us to find, O God, in Thee
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the Better Day,
We ever stand on guard.
(Refrain)

PART 2: IMMIGRATION POLICIES

A. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. Passport

A valid passport is generally required for entering Canada, with some exceptions. For most travelers, a valid passport is mandatory for entry by air, land, or sea.

2. Visa

The need for a visa prior entry to Canada depends on citizenship. Citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need a visa to visit Canada for short stays, usually up to 6 months, but they may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

The list of visa-exempt countries can be accessed on the Canadian government website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html

B. VISA TYPES

1. The Canadian Visitor Visa, also known as TRV (Temporary Resident Visa), is an immigration document, which permits foreign nationals to enter or travel to Canada. If you are not from a visa-exempt country, you will mandatorily need to have a visitor visa to travel to Canada. This visa is generally issued for a period of up to six (6) months.

Types of Temporary Resident Visas:
● Tourist Visa
● Super Visa
● Diplomatic and Official Visa
● Courtesy Visa
● Business Visa
● Temporary Residence Permit Visa
● Working Holiday Visa
● Transit Visa
● Birth Visa
● Organ Donor Visa
● Felicitation Visa
● Temporary Work Visa

2. Permanent Residence Visas, also known as immigrant visas, are granted to people who want to live, work and settle in Canada.

There are different types of immigrant visas:
● The Immigrant Investor Program
● The Startup Visa Program
● Family Sponsorship Program
● Self-Employed Persons Visa
● Live-In Caregiver Program

3. Express Entry is one of the most popular Canada visa types for work. It is divided into three categories, each of which caters to diverse aspects of the economy of Canada.

Types of Express Entry Visas:
● Skilled Workers Visa
● Skilled Trades Visa
● Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

4. The Provincial Nominee Program Visa is for workers who want to live in a specific province and become permanent residents of Canada. The candidate must have the education, work experience, and skills to contribute to the local economy (i.e., the economy of that specific territory or province). Each territory and province has its own immigration programs with different requirements and targeting specific groups.

5. The Canadian Study Permit is a document that permits foreign citizens to pursue their studies at DLIs (Designated Learning Institutions) in Canada. However, this study permit differs from a visa that lets you travel to Canada. In addition to this study permit, you must apply for a Student Visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. This visa is needed if the duration of your course is more than 6 months. International students should have a TRV visa if the duration of their course is less than six months.

C. PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD

Canada PR, or Permanent Resident status offers most of the benefits of citizenship, but without the voting rights.

Eligibility for Canadian PR:

There are various pathways to becoming a PR, each with its own requirements. Here are the two most common ones:
● Express Entry System: This point-based system is ideal for skilled workers. You will need work experience, language test results meeting Canadian standards, and educational credentials. There are minimum scores to meet and you will be placed in a pool from which the government invites candidates to apply for PR.

● Provincial Nominee Programs: Each province has its own program with specific requirements tailored to their labor market needs. These programs can be more flexible than Express Entry for some applicants.

D. ACQUISITION OF CITIZENSHIP

A Canadian citizen enjoys citizenship rights from the Canadian government by virtue of birth, descent, or naturalization.

1. Acquisition by Birth
The Canadian citizenship act of 1946 states that anyone born in Canada has the right to automatic citizenship. Under the jus soli principle, most children born in Canada are regarded as citizens. The principle applies as long as the child is born on Canadian soil, airspace, waters, and ships or aircrafts registered in Canada, regardless of the parent’s nationality.

2. Acquisition by Descent
By descent, children born in the first generation to a Canadian parent outside Canada are considered Canadian citizens. Later generations may be entitled to citizenship under certain conditions.

3. Acquisition by Naturalization
Foreigners can also become Canadian citizens by naturalization. Permanent residents can become citizens after staying in Canada for a minimum of three (3) years and meeting certain requirements.

E. SPONSORSHIP

To sponsor someone for Permanent Resident (PR) status in Canada, you need to meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The IRCC allows sponsoring certain relatives for PR. These can include:

● Spouse or common-law partner
● Dependent children
● Parents and grandparents (under specific programs)
● In some cases, other relatives like orphaned nieces, nephews, or grandchildren (if you meet specific criteria like having no other eligible relatives to sponsor).

F. LAWS AFFECTING SPOUSES OF CANADIAN CITIZENS

1. Legal Separation
When people who are married or in an ‘adult interdependent relationship’ end their relationship and begin living apart from each other, they are separated. There is no such thing as a ‘legal separation’ in Canada, but being separated for a year is one of the grounds for divorce.

A "separation" is when a couple decides to live apart from each other because the relationship has broken down. The couple may be married, or they may be unmarried but living together like a married couple in a common-law relationship.

A "divorce" is when a court officially ends a marriage. Only legally married couples can divorce.

2. Annulment

An annulment is a court order that says that your marriage did not exist or was not valid. Annulment is different from a divorce, which ends a valid marriage that previously existed. When a marriage is annulled, it ends immediately.

Annulment is only possible to obtain in rare situations such as:
● your spouse was already married to another person when they married you
● you married the person only because someone threatened your physical safety
● you were impaired by drugs or alcohol to the point that you did not understand you were going through the marriage ceremony
● you thought you were marrying one person, but it was actually another person
● if the person you married is unable to consummate the marriage
● if you were under the age of 18 at the time of the marriage, you did not have your parent’s consent, and you did not consummate the marriage

Sometimes a church or other religious institution might grant an annulment, which is different from a legal annulment.

3. Divorce

The main federal family law is the Divorce Act. The Act only applies to married couples who have divorced or who have applied for a divorce.

The Divorce Act sets out rules about:
● the grounds for a divorce
● child support when parents got divorce
● spousal support following a divorce
● custody and parenting arrangements for children after a divorce
● The Divorce Act is a federal law, which means that it applies across Canada. But the processes for getting a divorce fall under provincial or territorial law.

There are three (3) legally accepted grounds for divorce, according to the Divorce Act:
● separation
● adultery
● cruelty

Canada generally recognizes a divorce from another country if:
● the divorce was valid under the laws of that country; and
● one or both spouses lived in that country for a full year immediately before applying for the divorce.

There may also be other factors that could affect whether or not your divorce would be recognized in Canada.

If you have sponsored someone to come to Canada as your spouse, the sponsorship undertaking that you signed remains in effect for three years after the person becomes a permanent resident, even if you separate or divorce during that period. You are responsible for the basic needs of your sponsored spouse throughout the duration of the sponsorship undertaking.

4. Domestic Violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV), also known as spousal or domestic violence, is a prevalent form of gender-based violence (GBV). It refers to multiple forms of harm caused by a current or former intimate partner or spouse.

IPV can happen in many forms of relationships, including:
● within a marriage, common-law or dating relationship
● regardless of the gender and sexual orientation of the partners
● at any time during a relationship and even after it has ended
● whether or not partners live together or are sexually intimate with one another

General offences contained in the Criminal Code of Canada prohibit many forms of IPV, including:
● physical and sexual assault
● some forms of emotional/psychological abuse and neglect
● financial abuse

Six provinces (Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan) and three territories (Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon) have enacted specific legislation on family violence.

In 1983, the Criminal Code was amended to replace outdated sexual offence laws with the current sexual assault offences. Among other things, these amendments ensured that a person could be charged with sexually assaulting their spouse. In 1993, the offence of criminal harassment (also referred to as stalking) was enacted. Most recently, in June 2019, the Criminal Code was amended to strengthen the criminal justice system’s response to IPV, including by defining ‘intimate partner’ for all Criminal Code purposes and clarifying that the term includes a current or former spouse, common-law partner and dating partner.

There are many organizations offering support and crisis intervention to victims of domestic violence. You can find a list of resources by province or territory on the Department of Justice Canada website: Get help with family violence: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/fv-vf/help-aide.html

G. DEPORTATION

If you receive a Removal Order, you cannot legally remain in Canada and must leave the country. Depending on your situation, your removal order may be effective immediately, or after a negative decision if you had made an appeal.

There are three types of Removal Orders issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). These are Departure Orders, Exclusion Orders and Deportation Orders. The form number on the Removal Order indicates what type of order you received.

PART III – LABOR LAWS

A. GENERAL LABOR POLICIES

1. Working Hours

● Hours of Work:
○ Standard Hours: Typically 8 hours/day and 40 hours/week (though flexible arrangements may exist)
○ Maximum Hours: Federally regulated workplaces have a 48-hour weekly limit, while provincial limits varies from 40 to 48 hours. Overtime pay applies beyond these limits.

● Minimum Wage: Each province sets its own minimum wage, often reviewed and adjusted periodically.

● Overtime Pay: At least time-and-a-half for exceeding standard or maximum hours (specifics may differ by province).

● Vacation and Holiday Pay: Employees accrue paid vacation and statutory holiday entitlements.

● Leaves of Absence: Include parental leave, sick leave, and other forms of leave (details and eligibility may differ).

● Termination of Employment: Notice periods or severance pay may be required in certain situations (governed by common law and provincial legislation).

● Occupational Health and Safety: Both federal and provincial regulations ensure safe work environments.

Additional Considerations:
● Employment Standards Acts: Each province has its own act outlining labor standards.
● Collective Agreements: Unionized workplaces have additional rights and protections outlined in collective bargaining agreements.

2. Minimum wages

Canada's minimum wage is not a single national rate. It is a combination of federal and provincial regulations:

● Federal Minimum Wage: This applies to employees in federally regulated industries like banks, airlines, and interprovincial transportation. As of 1 April 2024, the federal minimum wage is $17.30 per hour.

● Provincial Minimum Wage: Most businesses fall under provincial jurisdiction. Each province sets its own minimum wage, often higher than the federal rate. You will need to check your specific province for the current minimum wage.

3. Leaves
In Canada, there are two main categories of leaves: leaves of absence mandated by law and leaves offered at the discretion of the employer.

Leaves mandated by law

These leaves are typically paid, with some exceptions, and provide employees with time away from work for various reasons.

Here are the various types of leave employees are eligible for in Canada:

● Parental leave: Offers extended time off for new parents, either biological or adoptive. Pregnant employees can take up to 17 weeks of maternity leave. This time off can start any period between 13 weeks before the expected birth date and end up to 17 weeks after. Federal regulations provide up to 63 weeks of leave (parental and maternity combined), though it is generally unpaid. Some provinces might offer additional benefits.

● Medical leave: Covers absences due to illness or injury. The duration and pay depend on the specific situation and provincial regulations.

● Leave for family violence victims: Employees are eligible for a 10-day leave in a year if they are family violence victims or parents of a child who is a family violence victim. If they have three continuous months of employment, they must earn their regular salary for the first five days.

● Compassionate care leave: Allows employees to take time off to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. In Canada, employees can take no more than 28 weeks in 52 weeks as compassionate care leave.

● Bereavement leave: Provides time off to grieve the loss of a loved one. The duration and pay again depend on the province.

● Personal leave: Entitles employees to a small number of paid days off each year for personal reasons.

● Leave due to the death or disappearance of a child: An employee can have a 52-week leave if their child is under age 18 and missing. The leave starts from the day of the disappearance. Alternatively, employees can have 104 weeks off work if their child dies due to a crime.

● Aboriginal leave: eligible for five days of unpaid leave in Canada within a calendar year if they have three consecutive months of employment. They can take this leave to participate in traditional aboriginal practices or ceremonies.

Leaves offered by employers:

These leaves are not mandated by law but depend on individual company policies. Some common examples include:

● Vacation leave: Paid time off for relaxation and rejuvenation. The amount of vacation time typically increases with seniority.
● Sick leave: Paid leave for short-term illnesses or injuries, often beyond what's covered by medical leave.
● Family leave: Additional leave beyond parental leave to care for family members.

4. Retirement Age

In Canada, there is no single, mandatory retirement age. However, there are a few key things to consider:

● Old Age Security (OAS) Pension: This government benefit is available to most Canadians 65 years or older who meet the residency requirements.
● Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension: You can start receiving this benefit as early as 60, but the monthly amount will be reduced. The standard retirement age is 65, and if you delay receiving the CPP pension until 70, you will get a higher monthly amount.
● Your own circumstances: Many factors influence your ideal retirement age, such as health, finances, and personal preferences. You can choose to retire before or after you become eligible for government benefits.

Additional factors:
● Some private or public sector employers might have mandatory retirement ages or offer early retirement options.
● You can continue working past the traditional retirement age as long as your employer allows it.

B. EMPLOYMENT OF FOREIGN WORKERS

Canada utilizes the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to address labor shortages by allowing employers to hire foreign nationals for specific positions.

Who can hire temporary foreign workers?
● Canadian employers facing genuine labor shortages can participate in the TFWP.

How does the process work?
● Employers typically need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to hire temporary foreign workers. The LMIA verifies that:
○ The employer has genuinely tried to recruit a Canadian or permanent resident for the position.
○ Hiring a foreign worker would not negatively affect Canadian worker conditions.
● There are some exceptions where LMIAs are not required, such as positions for highly-skilled workers or under free trade agreements with certain countries.

What are the types of work permits for foreign workers?
● Approved employers can then apply for work permits for the foreign workers they intend to hire.
● The TFWP offers various streams with specific requirements and durations:
○ High-wage/Global Talent Stream: Ideal for high-skilled or in-demand occupations.
○ Low-wage Stream: For occupations in specific sectors facing labor shortages.
○ Agricultural Stream: For temporary agricultural work.

C. ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS

Canada has a strong legal framework protecting against discrimination in various aspects of life, including employment and the delivery of services.

Federal Legislation:
● Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA): This federal law prohibits discrimination based on specific grounds by businesses under federal jurisdiction (banks, airlines, etc.) and the federal government itself.

● Prohibited Grounds of Discrimination: The CHRA protects against discrimination based on the following grounds:
○ Race, national or ethnic origin, color
○ Religion
○ Age
○ Sex (including pregnancy and childbirth)
○ Sexual orientation
○ Gender identity or expression
○ Marital status
○ Family status
○ Disability
○ A conviction for which a pardon has been granted

Provincial and Territorial Legislation:
● Each province and territory has its own human rights legislation that complements the CHRA.
● These laws often cover similar grounds of discrimination but may also include additional protected classes.

Discrimination in Employment:
● It is illegal for employers to discriminate against employees or potential employees based on the listed grounds during recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, or termination of employment.

Discrimination in Services:
● The CHRA protects individuals from unequal treatment when receiving services from federally regulated businesses. This could include services like banking, telecommunications, transportation, and broadcasting.

Examples of Discrimination:
● Refusing to hire someone because of their race or religion
● Denying someone a promotion because of their age or family status
● Providing lower quality service to a customer with a disability

How to File a Complaint:
● If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) for federally regulated matters or the human rights commission of your province or territory.

PART IV – SOCIAL SECURITY LAWS

A. SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Canada's social security system differs slightly from what you might know as "social security" in other countries. It is actually a two-pronged system offering benefits for retirement income and other situations:

1. Old Age Security (OAS) Pension:
● A universal, monthly payment available to most Canadians 65 years or older.
● Eligibility is based on residency requirements, not employment history or contributions.
● The amount you receive is partially based on the number of years you resided in Canada after turning 18.
● There may be a recovery of benefits (reduced pension) for high-income earners.

2. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Retirement Pension:
● A social insurance program funded by contributions from employees and employers.
● Provides benefits based on your contributions throughout your working career.
● You can start receiving CPP benefits as early as 60 (reduced amount) or delay them until 70 (increased amount).
● The standard retirement age is 65, and you will receive the full benefit amount you've qualified for.

3. Additional Benefits:
● Both CPP and OAS offer survivor benefits for spouses or dependents.
● CPP also provides disability benefits if you become unable to work due to a medical condition.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences:

Laws and Regulations:

The legal framework for Canada's social security system is established through federal legislation and regulations.

Here are some key resources:

● Department of Employment and Social Development Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/h-5.7/PITIndex.html (This act establishes the Department responsible for administering social security programs)

● Old Age Security Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/o-9/ (Defines eligibility requirements and benefits for OAS)

● Canada Pension Plan Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-8/index.html (Defines eligibility requirements and benefits for CPP)

● Social Security Tribunal: https://sst-tss.gc.ca/en (This tribunal handles appeals related to CPP and OAS decisions)

Finding More Information:
● Canada Revenue Agency (CRA): https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html (The CRA administers the CPP program)
● Service Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/portfolio/service-canada.html (Service Canada delivers the OAS program)
● Government of Canada Benefits: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits.html (Provides information on various government benefits)

4. Assistance Programs
Canada offers a wide range of assistance programs to support its citizens and residents in various situations. Here is a breakdown of some key categories:

Income Support:
● Employment Insurance (EI): Provides temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers who meet eligibility requirements.
● Social Assistance: Each province/territory has programs offering financial aid to low-income individuals and families. These programs may have different names but aim to provide basic necessities.
● Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): Provides additional income to low-income Old Age Security (OAS) pensioners.

Family and Caregiving:
● Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Tax-free monthly payment to eligible families to help with child-raising costs.
● Canada Learning Bond: Government grant to encourage saving for a child's future education.
● Child Care Fee Subsidy: Helps offset child care costs for eligible families.
● Family and Caregiving Benefits: Includes benefits for parental leave, compassionate care, and bereavement.

Disability Benefits:
● Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefit: Provides financial support for people with disabilities who contributed to the CPP program and cannot work due to a medical condition.
● Provincial/Territorial Disability Programs: Offer additional support for people with disabilities, varying by province/territory.

Other Assistance Programs:
● Old Age Security (OAS) Pension: Provides a basic monthly benefit to most Canadians 65 years or older (see Social Security Benefits in Canada for details).
● Employment Assistance Programs: Help individuals develop skills and find employment.
● Housing Benefits: May include rent subsidies or assistance for first-time homebuyers (availability varies).
● Indigenous Programs: Support programs for Indigenous communities.

Finding the right program:
● The best way to find out which programs you might be eligible for is to use the Government of Canada's Benefits Finder: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/finder.html
● This tool allows you to answer questions about your situation and provides a personalized list of relevant benefits and programs.

5. General assistance

This is a specific program within the broader category of Canada's assistance programs. It is the core program offered by each province/territory that provides basic financial aid to low-income individuals and families.

● This program focuses on essential needs like:
○ Food
○ Shelter
○ Utilities (in some cases)

Further Considerations:
● Non-Profit Organizations: Many non-profit organizations provide additional support services, such as financial counseling, job training, or child care assistance.
● Government Websites: Explore provincial and territorial government websites for specific programs and resources in your area.

PART V – SETTLEMENT CONCERNS

A. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a government-issued identification card that indicates the province of registration. Non-Canadian citizens receive a temporary card with the indicator number 9, while Canadian citizens, permanent, and temporary residents need a SIN to work or access government programs. A SIN is required when accepting a job, paying taxes, or receiving government benefits like the Canada Pension Plan or Employment Insurance.

The SIN may be applied online, by mail, or in person at the Service Canada Centre or by mail. To apply for a SIN, applicants must look up their nearest Service Canada Office and mail if they are from abroad or if their nearest office is 100 km or more away. There is no fee to apply for a SIN in Canada, and the number is immediately received when applied in person.

Required documents for applying for a SIN include a Permanent Resident card (PR card) or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR), work permit or study permit, passport, provincial or territorial ID, driver's license, or other government-issued ID, and proof of address. All documents must be original and must be proof of identity and status in Canada. Supporting documents are also needed to explain any discrepancies, such as if the name on a passport is different from the name on a driver's license.

B. BANK ACCOUNT

Opening a bank account in Canada is one of the important things to do for several reasons, both practical and financial. It will provide a safe and secure place to store your money, reducing the risk of loss or theft compared to keeping cash at home. Having a bank account allows you to easily conduct financial transactions, including depositing and withdrawing money, paying bills, transferring funds, and making purchases using a debit card.

To open a Canadian bank account, you will need a valid form of identification (Photo ID and Non-Photo options exist). You will also need to provide a Social Insurance Number for tax reporting purposes.

C. WHERE TO GET HELP

The emergency hotline in Canada is 911. The hotline is used to report emergency cases particularly during fire, crime in progress, vehicular collision especially if someone is injured or medical emergency. When you call 911, the operator will ask for important information such as location of the emergency, nature of emergency, phone number, and other details of the emergency. The 911 operators are trained to assess situations and can provide step by step instructions, and will redirect calls to local services such as police, ambulance, or fire department.

There are also organizations whose main advocacy is on protection against domestic violence. Some of these organizations are (aside from the National Domestic Violence Hotline):

National Sexual Assault Hotline
Telephone number: 1 844-750-1648

National Child Abuse Hotline
Telephone number: 773.278.4566

D. ENGLISH CLASSES

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a free program for eligible newcomers to learn English language skills. Participants improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through real-world tasks while learning about their local community, workplaces, and Canadian society.

E. DRIVER’S LICENSE

Canadian cities are often quite spacious with neighborhoods far distances apart. Outside of Canada’s dense urban centers with advanced public transportation systems, driving is sometimes the only way to get around. Knowing the costs, time, and necessary paperwork involved in getting your driver’s license in Canada will help you to stay organized, save time and money, and get on the road as soon as possible.

To drive a car legally in Canada, you will need a driver’s license authorized by your home province or territory. A driver’s license obtained in any of the Canadian provinces/territories is valid throughout Canada. If you have a driver’s license, you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in another country without having to take tests or submit other applications. Countries that signed the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic, and some others, accept IDPs. International Driving Permits are issued in Canada by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

In general, the following procedures are applied for applying a driver’s license:

1. ELIGIBILITY CHECK: Make sure you meet the age and residency requirements specific to your province.
2. WRITTEN TEST: Take a written test to assess your knowledge of road signs and rules.
3. LEARNER’S PERMIT: After passing the written test, you will receive a learner’s permit allowing you to practice driving under supervision.

4. DRIVING LESSONS: It is recommended to take driving lessons from a certified instructor.
5. ROAD TEST: Once you are ready and have met any required waiting periods, you can take the road test.
6. FULL LICENSE: Upon passing the road test, you will be issued a full driver’s license.
Acquiring a driver's license is a pivotal step for immigrants in Canada, offering a range of benefits that extend far beyond driving. It functions as a gateway to financial and social opportunities, significantly aiding the assimilation process into Canadian life.

PART VI – SUPPORT NETWORK

REFERENCES