Coming To Canada:

A Practical Guide


















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Table of Contents
Introductory Guide To Travel And Work In Canada .................................... 4
Canada for Newcomers .......................................................................... 4
Did you know? ................................................................................... 4
Find out more about our: .................................................................... 4
Obtaining Your Canadian Work Permit ..................................................... 5
What documents must I present when I land in Canada? ........................ 5
What should I do with my Canadian Work Permit once I receive it? .......... 5
Can I go to school on a Canadian Work Permit? ..................................... 6
Obtaining Your Social Insurance Number ................................................. 6
How To Get Your SIN: ........................................................................ 6
Preparing Your Resume For Work In Canada ............................................ 7
Writing A Cover Letter ........................................................................ 7
Looking For Work In Canada .................................................................. 8
How To Look For Work In Canada ........................................................ 8
Where To Look For Work In Canada ..................................................... 9
Meeting Prospective Employers .......................................................... 10
Worker Protection In Canada ................................................................ 10
Filing A Canadian Income Tax Return .................................................... 13
How To File A Canadian Income Tax Return ......................................... 13
Step 1: Determine Your Canadian Residency Status .......................... 13
Step 2: Obtain Your Canadian T4 Form ............................................ 14
Step 3: Obtain The Income Tax Forms ............................................. 14
Step 4: Completing Your Tax Forms ................................................ 14
Step 5: Mail In Your Completed Tax Package .................................... 14
Special Considerations ...................................................................... 15
Filing Your Canadian Tax Forms From Outside of Canada ...................... 15
Other Tax Questions? ....................................................................... 15
Finding Accommodation In Canada ....................................................... 15
Accommodation Tips ........................................................................ 15
Rental Glossary ............................................................................... 16
Rental Agreements ........................................................................... 18
Tenant Safety Checklist .................................................................... 18
Tenant Protection ............................................................................. 18
Health Care And Dental Care In Canada ................................................ 19
Health Care Insurance In Canada ....................................................... 19
Medical Visits ................................................................................... 20
Dental Visits .................................................................................... 21
Your Personal Safety In Canada ............................................................ 21
Alcohol ........................................................................................... 21
Smoking ......................................................................................... 22
Drugs ............................................................................................. 22
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) ................................................ 22
Currency, Sales Tax and Banking in Canada ........................................... 22
The Basics Of Canadian Money .......................................................... 22
Canadian Sales Tax .......................................................................... 23
Canadian Banks ............................................................................... 23
Canadian Credit Cards ...................................................................... 25
U.S. Currency .................................................................................. 25
Tipping ........................................................................................... 25
Communications ................................................................................. 25
Landline Telephones ......................................................................... 26
Cell Phones / Mobile Phones .............................................................. 26
How To Make Telephone Calls In Canada ............................................ 27
Postal Service .................................................................................. 27
Time Zones ..................................................................................... 28
Travel In Canada ................................................................................ 28
Plane .............................................................................................. 28
Bus ................................................................................................ 28
Train .............................................................................................. 29
Car................................................................................................. 29
Driving in North America ................................................................... 29
Short-Term Accommodation .............................................................. 30
Enjoying Winter In Canada ................................................................... 30
A Final Word ...................................................................................... 31

Introductory Guide To Travel And
Work In Canada
Living in Canada is similar in many respects to living elsewhere. There are
some aspects of daily life, however, that are unique to Canada. This
introductory guide will help you save time and money, and put your mind at
ease by giving you the information you need to know before you arrive for
your travel and work holiday.
Planning in advance will help you seamlessly transition into life in Canada
and make your entire stay more enjoyable.
We hope that your time in Canada marks the beginning of an enduring
relationship with our great country its culture and, its people!
This guide has been produced by Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Canada in collaboration with SWAP.

Canada for Newcomers
Did you know?
Canada is the second largest country by total area?
Canada is a bilingual nation with both English and French as official
languages?
Canada is a federation that is governed as a parliamentary democracy
and a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of
state?
Average winter and summer high temperatures across Canada can
vary greatly according to the location?
Find out more about our:
Land and weather
People
Government
Laws
Human rights
Education
Health care
by visiting the Get To Know Canada section of Citizen and Immigration
Canadas Web site.
Obtaining Your Canadian Work
Permit
What documents must I present when I land in
Canada?
The following checklist will help ensure you have all of the required
documents for entry into Canada. Upon arrival in Canada, you must present
these to a Border Services Officer at the airport before you can be granted
your official Canadian work permit:
Up-to-date Passport
Letter of Introduction from the Canadian Visa Post approving your
participation in International Experience Canada
Declaration Card from Canada Border Services (completed and
signed on the plane)
Proof of Private Healthcare Insurance with coverage extending for
the duration of your stay in Canada
Proof of Sufficient Funds to support yourself for two months
Proof of Canada-approved Medical Examination and Medical
Clearance** arranged through the Canadian Visa Post in your home
country prior to your trip.
** Applicable for certain countries only in order to qualify for an open work
permit that does not include employment restrictions. Check with your
Embassy before traveling to see if this requirement applies to you.
Note: All participants seeking work in the following fields require medical
clearance before arriving in Canada: childcare, health services, in-home care
services, and primary or secondary school education.
What should I do with my Canadian Work Permit
once I receive it?
Once you receive your Canadian Work Permit, check that the following form
fields have been completed accurately by a Border Services Officer (BSO)
before claiming your baggage and exiting the airport.
For Open Work Permits:
Employer Section indicates Open or Any Employer
Employer Location is left blank
Expiry Date is correct (Note: BSOs are authorized to issue work
permits that may only cover a portion of a working holiday)
For Employer-Specific Work Permits:
Employer Name and Location is completed accurately (Note: If
you change employers after the permit has been issued, notify
Citizenship and Immigration Canada at 1-888-242-2100)
Expiry Date is correct (Note: BSOs are authorized to issue work
permits that may only cover a portion of a working holiday)
Can I go to school on a Canadian Work Permit?
Holding either type of work permit does NOT entitle you to enroll in a
Canadian university or college program; to do this you require a study
permit. You may, however, take short-term non-credit special interest
courses, provided they are less than six months in duration. If you have
been granted an open work permit you may apply for a study permit while
you are in Canada, however you may not hold a work permit and a study
permit at the same time.

Obtaining Your Social Insurance
Number
If you intend to work in Canada, and be paid for your work, you must apply
for a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN) as soon after your arrival as
possible. It is valid for 1 year for participants of International Experience
Canada.
A SIN is the Canadian governments way of cataloguing workers, similar to
the U.S. social security number or Australias tax file number. While you
dont need a SIN to look for work, you will need one so that the employer
can pay you.
How To Get Your SIN:
Pick up a SIN application form at:
o The airport when you arrive
o Any Canada Post outlet or
o Service Canada office
Bring to any Service Canada office:
o Your completed SIN application form
o Your passport
o Your Canadian work permit, stapled into your passport
You can expect to receive your SIN the same day you apply. The SINC card
will be sent to you by mail within ten business days. While SIN cards are free,
there is a $10.00 replacement charge should yours get lost, stolen or
misplaced.
Preparing Your Resume For Work In
Canada
In Canada, an acceptable resume (pronounced rez-u-may) differs
somewhat from those used in other countries.
Do Include:
Personal information (including name, address, phone number, email
address and languages spoken)
Skills/summary of qualifications
Education (in generic terms)
Work history
Volunteer experience
Activities and interests
A translated French version if you plan to work in Quebec
Dont include:
Age/date of birth
Gender
Social Insurance Number
Photo of yourself
University courses and results
Your resume should be:
Typed and well-organized.
Free of grammatical and spelling errors.
Concise (1-2 pages in length).
Dynamic! Use active verbs to describe your skills and experience.
Formatted in point form and organized in reverse chronological order.
Written in the past tense for completed jobs and accomplishments.
Formatted and printed on 8.5 x 11 paper which is the standard paper
size in Canada.
Writing A Cover Letter
While cover letters arent needed for most casual positions, professional or
management jobs do require a cover letter in addition to a resume.
When writing your cover letter, stick to four paragraphs:
1. Express your interest in the job and where you saw the position posted.
2. Link your experience and/or skills with the stated job requirements.
3. Refer readers to your resume for further details (i.e. see enclosed,
see attached) and request an interview.
4. Dont forget to include your signature!
Be sure to include your contact information, including phone number and
email. If you cannot provide a contact number, indicate that you will contact
the employer to follow up with them instead. It may be worthwhile to
provide a general webmail address that you can check from any public
computer. Avoid using an email address that doesnt look professional.

Looking For Work In Canada
Remember, your stay in Canada is meant to be exciting, fun, and culturally
enriching!
How To Look For Work In Canada
Whether you are looking for work in Canada in the hospitality, tourism or
retail sectors, or you are seeking professional or career-related employment,
you will find the following points helpful in your job search:
Do:
Look for work diligently. Youll find a job faster that way.
Focus on finding casual employment instead of seeking the perfect
job.
If you are seeking a professional position related to your career goals,
be prepared to spend more time job searching.
Look for work just before or during peak tourism periods (winter
months for ski resorts / summer months for lake resorts).
Ensure you have enough money to support yourself for at least two
months in case you dont find something right away.
Know your rights as a worker in Canada.
Update your resume and include a cover letter.
Respect business hours:
o Retail stores open at 9 or 10 a.m. and close around 6 p.m.
(sometimes later depending on the location and day of the week).
o Shopping malls may remain open until 9 p.m. during the week,
but close at 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
o Sunday openings of retail stores and shopping malls varies by
province.
o Convenience stores or corner stores are open 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
o Professional businesses are usually open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
Dont:
Trust prospective employers who make a job sound unrealistically
perfect (e.g. they fail to mention overtime is typically required, or only
evening and midnight shifts are available).
Fall for unusual requests (e.g. you should never be expected to buy
supplies or pay any type of deposit).
Do door-to-door sales work.
Accept the word of someone who says a particular business isnt hiring.
Check it out for yourself - in person if possible.
Forget to include your Canadian work experience on your resume.
Foreign work, even in a casual job, can really help in landing a career-
related job when you return home.
Work for any employer who offers you a job but says you wont be paid
while you are in training.
Where To Look For Work In Canada
Here are just a few suggestions for finding employment in Canada:
Walk-In Method: If you think you would enjoy working at a particular
workplace, ask to speak to the manager about opportunities. This method
works best if you concentrate your efforts on retail businesses and
restaurants located on busy streets or in shopping malls.
Service Canada Centres for Youth (open April - August): Offers group
sessions on job-hunting strategies, preparing resumes, and interview skills.
They also have computers, telephones and fax machines free for local use.
Check their job boards for hospitality and manual labour jobs.
Employment Agencies: Typically listed in the phone book under
Employment Agencies, these are a good option for participants skilled in
office-related tasks (e.g. using spreadsheet or slide presentation software)
for short-term temporary help to fill vacancies in businesses where
permanent staff are ill or on holiday. Agencies are responsible for all aspects
of your employment including pay cheques and appropriate tax deductions.
Networking: Since many jobs arent publicly posted, ask people that you
know or meet about possible job positions or referrals that they might have.
Classified Ads: Most local newspapers have an employment section in their
classified ads.
Internet: The following websites provide general employment-related
assistance, including job boards:
Brainhunter
Canadajobs
CareerBuilder
Charity Village
CoolJobsCanada
Craigslist
Employment News
Go2 The Resource For People In Tourism
Hotjobs
Jobpostings
Monster
Service Canada Job Bank
Superjobs
Working.com
Workopolis

Meeting Prospective Employers
Use the following guidelines to make the best impression with a prospective
employer:
Do:
Contact employers in the morning when they are more likely to be
relaxed and willing to meet you.
Go alone.
Dress smartly. Be well-groomed and tidy.
Arrive on time for job interviews - perhaps even a few minutes early.
Introduce yourself and shake hands firmly. Make eye contact.
Leave your resume with the manager as only he/she has the authority
to hire you.
Express your appreciation for the time they took to meet with you.
Dont:
Contact employers at times of the day when the business appears to
be busiest.
Take your friends with you.
Appear overly shy or overly aggressive.
Forget to thank the employer for taking the time to meet with you.
Forget to follow up personally after meeting either by dropping by a
second time, or by phone or email. Make it clear you want to hear from
them again.

Worker Protection In Canada
You are entitled to the same employment protections as Canadians, as such
you should be aware of the employment standards that apply to your
situation.
Most Canadian businesses are provincially regulated and employ 90% of the
Canadian workforce. The remaining 10% are federally regulated (e.g. banks,
airports, railway) and fall under the Canada Labour Code. Canadian labour
laws address such employee protections as minimum wage, overtime, and
vacation pay.
The following are examples of worker protections that are applicable in the
Canadian provinces where most foreign International Experience Canada
participants live and work:
Minimum Wage: Each Canadian province has a minimum wage that varies
slightly. The minimum wage for federally employed workers is equal to the
adult minimum wage rate of the province or territory where he/she is
employed. All employers must pay at least the minimum wage to any worker
who is being trained. Avoid working for any employer who offers you a job
but says you will not be paid while you are in training or who offers to pay a
lower salary than the minimum wage because of various reasons. Visit the
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada website for more
information on the minimum wage guidelines for each province.
Overtime: In most provinces, if you work more than a certain number of
hours per week, you are entitled to receive 1.5 times your hourly pay for
each hour of overtime worked. Overtime hours apply after:
BC and Quebec: 40 hours of work/week
Alberta and Ontario: 44 hours of work/week
Federally employed workers: 8 hours/day and 40 hours of work/week
(although in certain cases some flexibility exists in applying overtime
standards)
Vacation Pay: When you leave a job you are entitled to receive 4% of your
total wages as vacation pay. Some employers add vacation pay as a series of
installments during each pay period (i.e. % added to each pay cheque).
Holiday Pay: You may be entitled to receive pay for Canadian statutory
holidays even if you do not work on those days. Consult the Labour
Standards Websites section for more information. For federally regulated
employees, consult the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
website to determine if you meet the requirements to receive holiday pay.
Work Breaks: You are entitled to a half-hour unpaid meal break after every
5 hours of continuous work. If you are on-call during this break, you are
entitled to be paid.
Pay Cheques: Most Canadian employers pay workers every 2 weeks. Your
employer must provide you with a pay stub along with each pay cheque or
direct deposit. Pay stubs contain the following information:
Number of hours worked during the pay period
Your hourly wage (if you are paid by the hour)
Your gross pay (total amount before deductions)
Deductions
Your net pay (amount after deductions. Also called take home pay)
Deductions: The following are payroll deductions you will see on each of
your pay stubs:
1. Canada Pension Plan (CPP) / Quebec Pension Plan (QPP): You are
required to contribute approximately 4% of your gross pay for each
pay period. These contributions are non-refundable.
2. Employment Insurance (EI): You are required to contribute
approximately 2.1% of your gross pay for each pay period to Canadas
fund for unemployed workers. These contributions are non-refundable.
3. Unfortunately, as a non-permanent resident of Canada, you do not
qualify to receive unemployment benefits if you are out of work.
4. Income Tax: See Filing An Income Tax Return
Rights Upon Termination: You can be fired without notice if you have been
employed for less than 3 months, or if you have been proven guilty of willful
misconduct. If you have been employed for more than 3 months but less
than 1 year, your employer must give you 1 weeks notice before termination.
If your workplace is federally regulated and you have been employed for
more than 3 months, your employer must give you either 2 weeks notice or
2 weeks wages.
Complaint Process: You should keep written records of the dates and times
you worked as well as copies of your pay cheques or stubs.
If you feel your employer has not met the obligations stipulated under
Canadian labour standards laws, you may file a complaint with the ministry
or department of labour in the province or territory where you work. If your
workplace is federally regulated, you may file a complaint with a federal
labour office. Dont wait to file a formal complaint. The sooner you lodge it,
the more likely it can be resolved. After filing a complaint, request a fact-
finding meeting with your employer and a labour standards officer.
Remember: You have a responsibility to your employer as well. If you decide
to leave your job, be courteous and provide your employer with adequate
notice.
Labour Standards Websites:
For Federally Regulated Workers
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Labour
For Provincially Regulated Workers:
B.C. Ministry of Labour
Government of Alberta Employment and Immigration, Employment
Standards
Saskatchewan Labour Standards
Manitoba Employment Standards
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick Employment Standards
Nova Scotia Employment and Work Places
Prince Edward Island Labour and Industrial Relations
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Standards
Yukon Territory Employment Standards Act
Northwest Territories Employment Standards
Nunavut Territory Labour Standards


Filing A Canadian Income Tax Return
If you work in Canada, you will likely have to pay Canadian income tax.
Starting at 15% of your gross pay, this constitutes the largest deduction
from your income. Those earning higher annual incomes (i.e. over $30,000)
will be taxed at a higher rate. For more information, visit the Canada
Revenue Agency website.
Canadas taxation year is from January to December. You must file a
Canadian income tax return by April 30th the year proceeding the year you
worked in Canada.
How To File A Canadian Income Tax Return
Step 1: Determine Your Canadian Residency Status
Most participants of International Experience Canada are considered non-
residents for Canadian income tax purposes. However, if you lived in
Canada for more than six months during the taxation year, you may file your
income tax return as a resident. While in Canada, call the International Tax
Services Office at 1-800-267-5177 to find out if your home country has a tax
treaty or agreement with Canada - this can affect your income tax status.
Step 2: Obtain Your Canadian T4 Form
Canadian employers are required by law to provide you with a T4 form
summarizing your total Canadian earnings and deductions for the taxation
year. T4s are mailed out any time between January and the end of March the
following year. If you worked for more than 1 employer during the tax year,
make sure you receive T4s from each. Be sure to provide each employer with
your permanent mailing address so that you receive your T4 in time to
submit your income tax return by April 30th.
Step 3: Obtain The Income Tax Forms
The forms you need are available from any Canada Post outlet, along with a
step-by-step help guide. You can also download the T1 General form and
guide from the Canada Revenue Agency website for the province where you
worked.
The tax package for Canadian non-residents includes the following:
Schedule 1 Federal Tax, and the 428 form for the province where you
worked
Schedule A (under Non-Residents of Canada)
T1234 (use the search function on the site to locate this form)
If you qualify as a Canadian resident for taxation purposes, you only need:
Schedule 1 and Form 428
Step 4: Completing Your Tax Forms
If you dont feel comfortable filling out the forms yourself, you can hire an
accountant or tax service to help you. Their services cost between $40 and
$60. You can find them in the Yellow Pages business directory, or online at
Canada411.com. If you have access to a computer, you can also use tax
preparation software like QuickTax.
If you are filing from overseas, help is available online at TaxBack.com. You
will be charged a processing fee.
Step 5: Mail In Your Completed Tax Package
Send completed forms, along with the original copies of your T4 slips, to:
International Tax Services Office, 102A 2204 Walkley Road, Ottawa, Ontario,
K1A 1A8, Canada
Special Considerations
If you file as a non-resident, you dont need to declare income you earned
outside of Canada. If you are filing as a resident, you must claim your total
world income.
If you file as a resident, you are entitled to the basic personal exemption,
which is the amount of income you can earn tax-free, as detailed in Schedule
1. Non-residents are also entitled to this amount if they earned 90% of their
total annual income in Canada. In this case, however, the basic personal
amount must be adjusted to reflect the amount of time you spent in Canada
(for example, if you worked in Canada for 6 months, your basic personal
exemption would be adjusted by half).
If you earned less than the threshold amount (set by the Canada Revenue
Agency), you may qualify the following year for a refund of a portion of the
tax paid. Alternatively, you may owe more tax if an insufficient amount was
deducted from your pay.
Filing Your Canadian Tax Forms From Outside of
Canada
If you are entitled to a refund, you must include a letter with your forms
indicating where you would like your refund sent, and in what currency. The
Canada Revenue Agency can issue refunds in:
Canadian Dollars (CAD)
U.S. Dollars (US)
Euro (EUR)
Other Tax Questions?
Call the International Tax Services Office: In Canada: 1-800-267-5177
Internationally: 1-613-952-3741


Finding Accommodation In Canada
While you are searching for work, you also might want to consider where you
would like to live in Canada. This section of the website can help you find
your home away from home.
Accommodation Tips
After finding work, you might want to live nearby or at least near a
public transit station to make getting to work easier.
The following tips may help:
Look for Free Rent signs posted in windows or on front lawns, once
you decide you like a particular area.
Check the Classified section of the local newspaper or a housing
magazine for apartments you can afford.
Visit the housing bulletin boards at a local university or college.
Sharing accommodation with Canadian students could be a great
experience. During summer months, many university and college
residences are made available for short-term tenants from May to
August.
Check notice boards in public laundromats, health food or grocery
stores in the area.
Landlords typically require a deposit to cover the last months rent.
Always insist on a receipt for this deposit.
Rental Glossary
The following table contains common abbreviations found in classified ads for
housing rentals:
Table 1 - The following table contains common abbreviations found in classified ads for
housing rentals
Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning
appls appliance lrg or lge large
apt apartment lux luxury
avail available min minutes
bach bachelor (1 room with
kitchen and bath)
mo month
BR or br bedroom mod modern
bsmt basement prof professional
c/port parking available ref req reference required
cable cable television reno renovated
Abbreviation Meaning Abbreviation Meaning
d/w dishwasher rm room
equip equipped shr share
evgs evenings spac spacious
f/p fireplace ste suite
flr floor studio expensive bachelor
furn furnished sublet rental from somebody
who is already renting
h/w hot water tank unfurn unfurnished
hwd flr hardwood floors + util extra cost for heat and
electricity
immac immaculate (clean) w/d washer and dryer
immed immediately 1st and last first and last months rent
in advance
lndry laundry facilities hydro electricity

Notes about Apartments:
Bachelor Apartment / Studio: Comprises one room with a kitchen area
and a bathroom. In Quebec, these units are advertised as 1 1/2 or 2 1/2
bedroom.
1 Bedroom Apartment: Comprises a living room, kitchen, bathroom and 1
bedroom. In Quebec, these units are advertised as 3 1/2 bedroom.
2 Bedroom Apartment: Comprises a living room, kitchen, bathroom and
two bedrooms. In Quebec, these units are advertised as 4 1/2 bedroom.
Rental Agreements
Keep the following in mind when you find accommodation in Canada that
requires you to sign a lease (rental agreement):
Avoid signing a lease if possible. Some landlords will rent
accommodations month-to-month.
Leases are legally binding contracts. Dont sign a 1-year lease if youre
planning to live there for 6 months.
If your landlord insists on a lease, ask if you can sublet the unit when
you leave.
The person who signs the lease is responsible for any payments owing
(including compensation to the landlord for any damage caused to the
unit as a result of your stay).
Make a list of existing damage to your unit before moving in and
provide a copy to your landlord to avoid paying for damage not
incurred by you when you move out.
You and your roommates should all sign the rental agreement so that
you can also share in its responsibility.
Once signed, you and your landlord should each keep a copy of the
lease.
Insist on receipts from your landlord for all cash deposits or rents paid.
Similar to any Canadian citizen, you are obliged to understand the
implications and legal responsibilities of any rental agreement signed.
Breaking the terms of any lease can have legal consequences.
Tenant Safety Checklist
Before you sign a rental agreement, make sure your new apartment is safe:
1. Does each room have a window? If accessible from the street, can
these windows be locked?
2. Is there at least 1 smoke alarm and a fire escape route?
3. Is public transportation available nearby?
4. Does the neighbourhood feel safe - i.e. would you feel comfortable
coming home alone in the dark?
5. Do all of the fixtures included in the rent work properly? Is the water
coming from the faucet scalding hot or too cold? Do toilets flush
properly?
6. Are mouse traps and cockroach bait evident - i.e. signs that you may
be sharing your apartment with unwanted insects and/or rodents?
Tenant Protection
You are entitled to the same rights as Canadian citizens with respect to
rental agreements. The government of the province in which you reside can
intervene on your behalf if you believe you are being dealt with unfairly by
your landlord. In such cases, use the website addresses below to contact the
appropriate provincial ministry or department.
British Columbia Residential Tenancy Branch
Service Alberta (Landlords and Tenants)
Saskatchewan (Justice and Attorney General, The Landlord and
Tenant Act)
Manitoba (Residential Tenancies Branch)
Ontario (Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Landlord and
Tenant Issues)
Quebec (Service Quebec)
New Brunswick (Service New Brunswick)
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador Government Services (Residential
Tenancies)
Nunavut (Canada Mortgage and Housing)
Yukon
Northwest Territories


Health Care And Dental Care In
Canada
Health Care Insurance In Canada
Canadians benefit from universal access to public health care administered
by the provinces under the requirements of the federal Canada Health Act.
Each province differs slightly in how they deliver health care coverage. In
most Canadian provinces, however, non-residents are not covered for
public health care for any part of their stay in Canada.
It is vitally important that you arrange to be covered by your own private
health insurance from the moment you arrive in Canada until the moment
you leave.
If you need to extend your insurance term after you have arrived in Canada,
do so before your existing term expires. You will need to provide your
insurance company with the:
Policy number
Date the policy was issued
Expiry date
Type of insurance
Payment for the extended coverage sent before the existing policy
expires
There are 2 ways to extend your insurance while in Canada:
Ask a family member or friend back home to contact your insurance
company or sending organization on your behalf.
Phone or fax your insurance company or sending organization with the
information; use a credit card for payment or mail the company a
money order.
Medical costs can be very expensive in Canada (up to several thousand
dollars a day) so maintaining your coverage is important. The procedures for
which you are covered will depend on your individual insurance policy so
read your policy or contact your insurance company if you have any
questions.
Although it is unlikely that you will be covered by Canadian public health care
insurance, you may want to reference these provincial websites in case there
is a possibility that public medical coverage might be extended to you:
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Nunavut (PDF)
Medical Visits
Are you hurt? Feeling sick? The following is a guide to medical help in
Canada:
For medical emergencies: Dial 9-1-1 (in remote locations, dial 0 for the
operator). For non-life threatening medical situations (sprained ankle,
stomach flu etc.): Visit a walk-in clinic
You will be required to pay for ambulances services if they are required. In
addition, you can expect to pay between $50 - $100 for an examination by a
medical doctor. If you are admitted to hospital, they will contact your
insurance company directly on your behalf. For this reason, always carry the
emergency contact number of your insurance company and your policy
number with you.
As you must pay for all medical costs including medication out of pocket, you
should keep your receipts in order to claim these expenses through your
insurance company. Make sure you are adequately covered to avoid taking
thousands of dollars in medical debt home as a souvenir!
Dental Visits
Fees for dental services can vary depending on the dentist and the required
procedures. You can save money by having minor dental work performed by
supervised dentistry students at local colleges. Dental work is not covered by
public health care insurance in Canada.

Your Personal Safety In Canada
Be aware, stay safe! The following is provided for general information only.
Alcohol
The minimum legal drinking age in Canada is 19. Except in: Prince Edward
Island, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
where it is 18.
Canada has recently lowered the legal limit for blood alcohol while operating
a motor vehicle: if you drink and drive while under the influence of alcohol,
under Canadian law you are likely committing a criminal offense.
Arrive Alive! Dont Drink and Drive! notices are part of a public campaign in
Canada to stop the deadly practice of driving after consuming alcohol. So, if
you are going out drinking with friends, heed its advice. Either choose an
individual to be a designated driver who agrees to refrain from drinking
alcohol for the evening take a cab home or, use public transportation.
Also note, unlike some countries, you are not permitted to drink alcohol in
open public places (i.e. outside of a licensed area like a bar, patio or
restaurant). Your insurance policy may also deny any expenses you submit
that are associated with an injury sustained while under the influence of
alcohol.
Smoking
The minimum legal smoking age in Canada is 18 or 19 depending on the
province. The enforcement of smoking laws in various Canadian
municipalities can also vary.
You will see No Smoking signs posted in public places across Canada. By law,
smoking is prohibited indoors in office buildings, restaurants, bars, shops and
most other public spaces.
Be courteous before deciding to smoke in private homes or apartments:
always ask permission first.
Drugs
In Canada, it is illegal to possess, use or sell marijuana, hashish or other
recreational drugs. The penalties for doing so are severe. Avoid any activity
that will result in spending your working holiday in a Canadian prison.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
STDs are international travelers too. Diseases can be contracted by engaging
in unprotected sex with an infected person or by sharing injection needles
with people who carry the virus. To protect yourself and your partner, always
use a latex condom. These are available from some public health clinics, at
no cost, and in all drugstores or convenience stores.

Currency, Sales Tax and Banking in
Canada
In this section, you will find the basics of what you need to know about
money in Canada. Everything from what it looks like and how much its
worth, to where to save it and how to access it.
The Basics Of Canadian Money
The official monetary unit in Canada is the Canadian dollar ($)
1 dollar = 100 cents
1 cent piece is a Penny
5 cent piece is a Nickel
10 cent piece is a Dime
25 cent piece is a Quarter
$1 coin is a Loonie
$2 coin is a Toonie
Paper currency: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 denominations
Unlike US currency, Canadas is colour-coded
$50 and $100 bills are used less frequently due to counterfeiting issues.
As a result, some Canadian businesses refuse to accept either.
Whos Faces Appear On Canadian Dollar Bills?
$5: Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canadas first francophone prime minister
$10: Sir John A. MacDonald, Canadas first prime minister
$20: Queen Elizabeth II, head of state of Canada
$50: Sir Robert Borden, Canadas prime minister during World War I
$100: William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canadas longest serving prime
minister, served during World War II
What Symbols Appear On Canadian Coins?
All Canadian coins depict Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse (heads). The
reverse (tails) has the following:
1. Nickel: Beaver, Canadas national emblem
2. Dime: Bluenose, the famed Nova Scotia schooner
3. Quarter: Usually the Caribou, but the design can be used to
commemorate major events
4. Loonie: Loon, a duck-like bird found primarily on waterways in
Canadian cottage areas
5. Toonie: Polar bear
Canadian Sales Tax
When you purchase goods or services in Canada, you will be charged two
types of sales tax:
Provincial Sales Tax (PST): % charged varies by province, although
Alberta is PST exempt.
Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST): Standard 5%
These sales taxes are not included in the retail price (i.e. they are added to
the price of your purchases at the cash register when you pay). Some
provinces charge an HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) which combines the GST
with the PST.
Canadian Banks
Upon arriving in Canada, you will need to set up a bank account in order to
deposit your pay. It is unwise to keep large sums of cash at your home. Your
employer can either deposit your pay directly into your bank account or issue
you a cheque.
How To Open A Bank Account
Choose a banking institution which will be able to serve you anywhere
in Canada, such as:
o Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
o Bank of Montreal (BMO)
o Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank)
o Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
o Toronto Dominion (TD Canada Trust)
o National Bank of Canada
Bring proof of identification (passport, work permit, credit cards) and a
nominal amount of money to deposit.
Bring your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Choose a type of bank account.
Find out how long you have to wait to withdraw cash after you have
deposited your pay cheque. Some banks put a temporary hold of 5-7
days for new customers.
Bank Fees
Most banks charge monthly service fees and/or charge for each transaction
(i.e. bank card use or cheque processing). Service Fees vary from bank to
bank.
Bank Hours
Hours of operation vary from bank to bank. However, most banks are open:
Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Some banks are open later in the evening on weeknights, and for a few
hours on Saturday as well.
Automated Banking Machines (ABM) / Automated Teller Machines
(ATM)
Most banks will provide you with a card that allows you to deposit or
withdraw money, pay bills and transfer money between accounts using a
bank machine (ABM/ATM). While you do pay for the convenience with each
transaction, the 24/7 access is more than worthwhile. Please note that
automatic service charges apply whenever you use an ATM from a different
banking institution other than your own.
Canadian banks have arrangements with U.S. banks (usually through the
Cirrus network) allowing direct access to your Canadian bank account
through most ATMs in the United States. Most European, Australian and New
Zealand ATM cards will work in Canada and in the United States too.
Transferring Money From Home
There are a number of ways you can transfer money from home:
By wire from your home bank account to your Canadian bank account.
By mail via international money orders or postal orders.
By Western Union, a worldwide service with the capacity to transfer
money within an hour.
Canadian Credit Cards
A credit card is a very useful financial tool. Visa and MasterCard are the most
widely accepted cards throughout North America. You can use your credit
card to:
Purchase concert tickets or airline tickets online.
Make a deposit for heat or electricity accounts.
Hold hotel or rental car reservations.
Top up your cell phone account.
U.S. Currency
U.S. coins are accepted on par with Canadian coins, however U.S. dollars are
not. If you need to convert U.S. dollars into Canadian dollars, check with
several different banks to get the best exchange rate.
Tipping
Unlike in some European countries, a charge for service is not included in the
final bill so you may be unfamiliar with the practice of tipping for a meal or a
cab ride.
In Canada, it is customary to tip 15%:
Restaurant servers 20%
Bartenders $ 1 per drink
Cab drivers 10% to 15%
Hairdressers 15% to 20%
Pizza delivery 10%
It is appropriate to tip between 10% - 15% of the bill before taxes, more if
the service was excellent. Use your discretion when deciding to tip if the
service was poor. Do not tip sales staff in retail stores.

Communications
The following sections give you information on keeping in touch while youre
here ...with employers ...with friends ...and, with family back home!
Landline Telephones
Steps to setting up an at-home telephone service in Canada:
Choose your service provider e.g. - Bell Canada, Rogers, Telus,
Shaw etc.
Rent or buy a telephone handset
Schedule an installation appointment. Make sure you give the
company your full address and instructions on the room(s) where
you want your telephone installed.
Be prepared to pay a $200 - $300 deposit. Valid identification is also
sometimes required in order to set up a new account.
Decide which extra features you want attached to your phone plan
(i.e. voice mail, call display, etc.). You will pay extra for these on
top of the flat monthly amount you pay for basic phone service.
You may wish to shop around for long-distance plans in order to get
the best deal. It is not necessary to choose a long-distance plan
from the same company where you have your basic phone service.
Pay Phones & Calling Cards
Most local calls cost between 25 and 50 cents for any duration.
Purchasing phone cards for long distance calls can be cheaper than
using the phone companys service.
Credit cards can be used at pay phones to pay for long distance
calls as well.
Cell Phones / Mobile Phones
If you come from outside of North America, it is likely your current mobile
phone wont work here - or using it will become prohibitively expensive.
However, if you have a GSM phone, youll only need to purchase a new SIM
card, not a new phone.
If you choose to purchase a new mobile phone, the following information can
help you choose your provider and service package:
1. Choose your mobile phone company. Many offer a range of services,
features and rate plans.
2. Choose your mobile service plan. Note: you will probably be billed for
both incoming and outgoing calls.
3. Buy a mobile phone. This will cost between $75 to $100.
4. You can purchase Pay-As-You-Go cards that cost about $25 for 60
minutes of talk time within Canada.
5. Many companies now offer month-to-month billing plans that dont
require you to sign a contract.
The following are the most well-known mobile phone companies in Canada:
Bell Mobility
Fido
Koodo Mobile
Rogers
Solo Mobile
Telus Mobility
Virgin Mobile
Mobilicity
Wind
Vidotron

How To Make Telephone Calls In Canada
Making calls from your landline or mobile phone? The following dialing rules
apply:
Local Calls: Dial 3-digit area code + 7-digit phone number
Long Distance Calls (within North America): Dial 1 + 3-digit area code
+ 7-digit phone number
Long Distance Calls (overseas): Dial 011 + country code + city code +
local number
Directory Assistance For Local Numbers: Dial 411 (you will be charged
for this service)
Directory Assistance for Long Distance Numbers: Dial 1 + area code +
555 1212 (you will be charged for this service)
Operator: Dial 0
Emergency: Dial 9-1-1
Postal Service
Canada Post outlets are located inside many drug stores and convenience
stores. Mail is home delivered from Monday to Friday. Large packages,
however, are held at your local post office for you to pick up. You will receive
a notice in the mail indicating a parcel is being held. Bring this notice with
you along with some identification in order to claim it. Canada Post will hold
parcels for up to 2 weeks.
In small towns, mail is not delivered to individual homes. Residents must
pick up their mail at the local post office. Mail is kept in general delivery for
one week only.
Postal Rates
Postal rates are the same for both envelopes and postcards. You must
include the six-character postal code on anything you mail.
One standard letter anywhere in Canada is 61 cents
One standard letter to the United States in 1.05 cents
One standard letter overseas is $1.80
Time Zones
Canada spans six time zones. All provinces, except Saskatchewan, switch
between daylight saving time and standard time to make optimal use of
daylight throughout the year. In early March, clocks are set one hour ahead;
in mid-October, clocks are set back one hour.

Travel In Canada
Your Canadian experience should take you beyond the area where you settle
to live and work. Go ahead - Explore the beauty and diversity that makes our
country special!
While our cities are wonderful, you must venture into the magnificent
countryside to really appreciate Canada. According to The Economist, Canada
is among the three most scenic countries on earth, along with Norway and
New Zealand. Discover the unique arts and crafts of our First Nations people.
Here are some common ways to get around while in Canada:
Plane
Flying is the most efficient and fastest way to travel across North America.
Canadas two largest airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, serve most Canadian
cities. There are a number of regional carriers in Canada, such as Porter
Airlines which flies out of the Toronto Island Airport to Ottawa, Montreal,
Halifax and a number of U.S. cities.
All Canadian carriers provide online booking services and most offer a range
of prices for one-way flights. So, if you find an exceptionally inexpensive
one-way price to your destination, you will need to be flexible about your
return date if you want the same low price coming back.
Canadian travel agencies, including those online, can assist you in booking
domestic flights; the fees they charge are more than offset by their
knowledge, which can end up saving you significant money and time.
Bus
Canadians use the word bus to refer to both local transit vehicles and
highway coaches. Canadian bus line companies offer an extensive network of
reliable bus service throughout the country, including frequent downtown-to-
downtown services between major cities.
Greyhound: services eastern Ontario and western Quebec
Coach Canada / Trentway-Wager Bus Lines: services Ontario
Greyhound: services most of Canada offering travel passes such as the
Greyhound Canada Pass and the Point-To-Point Pass
Acadian Bus Line: services Atlantic Canada.
Moose Travel Network: hop-on, hop-off bus tour of central and western
Canada starting in Toronto
Train
VIA Rail Canada provides passenger rail service in Canada, and offers an
extensive schedule of operations in the Quebec City - Windsor corridor. The
Ocean provides bi-weekly service between Montreal and Halifax, and the
Canadian runs between Toronto/Vancouver. Regina, Calgary and Banff are
not served by the Canadian.
Car
Car rental agencies are located across Canada. Prices are competitive, so
check more than one agency to get the best deal. Most agencies wont rent
to anyone under 25 years old or without a major credit card. Before buying a
vehicle, its advisable to contact the ministry of transportation in the province
or territory in which you reside.
Driving in North America
If your home drivers permit is not in English or French, it might be wise to
apply for an International Drivers Permit before coming to Canada. If you
are interested in working as a driver in Canada, you must obtain a Canadian
drivers license at a ministry of transportation office in the province where
you intend to drive. Bring your home drivers license and your birth
certificate with you when you apply.
Citizens from countries that have reciprocal licensing agreements with the
Canadian provinces can exchange their home drivers license for a Canadian
drivers license. If this does not apply to you, you may be required to pass
the complete drivers test.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are posted in kilometers (km) as follows:
Urban Areas: Legal limit is 50 km per hour, unless otherwise indicated.
Highways: Legal limit is 100 km per hour
Traffic at intersections is usually regulated by automatic lights, roundabouts
are becoming more common; traffic moves on the right.
Short-Term Accommodation
Youth Hostels
Hostelling International Canada
Global Village Backpackers (multilingual site)
Canadiana Backpackers Inn (multilingual site)
SameSun Backpackers Lodges
Other Accommodations
During the summer months (May to August), many university and college
residences offer short-term accommodation. Check their websites for details

Enjoying Winter In Canada
In a country the size of Canada, where it takes a number of days to drive
from one coast to the other, the weather can vary greatly from region to
region. Winter in Toronto, Ontario can be as mild as in Paris, France;
Winnipeg, Manitoba can be downright frigid; while in Victoria, British
Columbia, located in the southern end of Vancouver Island, golf courses
remain open year-round!
What kind of weather can I expect December - March?
You can expect major snowstorms anywhere in Canada, and severe sub-zero
temperatures in the Prairies, Ontario and Quebec. Winter weather in Atlantic
Canada is typically not as mild as areas along the Pacific.
Apart from Vancouver and Vancouver Island, can I expect mild
weather anywhere else in Canada?
Yes!
In Calgary and the area around southern Alberta, people can leave their
homes in the morning wearing parkas in -20 degrees Celsius weather - and
return home that evening carrying them because the temperature has
soared to + 20 degrees Celsius. This naturally occurring phenomenon, called
a Chinook, only lasts a few hours however.
In Toronto, nearby Lake Ontario produces a moderating influence on the
weather, which means a major snowstorm occurring in the far northern
suburbs of the city may not extend southward to the areas closer to the lake.
This is known as the Lake Effect.
How are homes heated?
Canadian homes are heated centrally and heating costs can be high in winter
since it takes a considerable amount of fuel to maintain indoor temperatures
around 19 degrees Celsius when it is minus 19 degrees Celsius outside.
Factor this additional cost if you are renting. While the cost of heat (oil,
natural gas, electric or hot water) might be included in the rent, it is worth
confirming this with your landlord before signing a lease.
How do I dress in winter?
Canadians tend to layer their winter clothing: winter jackets over sweaters,
shirts, and in some instances, long underwear. However, Canadians are style
conscious too! You can find attractive winter clothing in a multitude of
discount clothing stores or in second-hand shops without having to spend a
lot of money. In colder regions, you may want to invest in insulated gloves,
boots, and a warm hat. Even though wearing a hat (or a toque as do many
Canadians) may interfere with your hairstyle, hat head is better than
frostbite!
If you plan to be outdoors in temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius,
or with a wind chill, bundle up! Exposed human skin, particularly the
extremities, can freeze in minutes. Expose as little skin as possible and avoid
long hikes. If you must be outside for any length of time, take shelter
indoors often to warm up.
Should I avoid going outside?
Not at all! Canadians definitely dont hibernate. While its important to dress
for the elements, some large Canadian cities have connected their
transportation grids to pedestrian underground walkways, which makes
getting around in the winter much easier.
As cold as winters may get, Canadians brave the elements to enjoy a variety
of winter activities: skiing (cross country and downhill), skating on outdoor
rinks or frozen ponds, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing are but a
few of the activities that entice Canadians out of doors during the colder
months.



A Final Word
We hope you enjoy discovering Canada and its people, and that the
wonderful memories you bring home with you are among your most
treasured souvenirs. We also invite you to email your comments and
suggestions about this guide to experience@international.gc.ca.