The capital of Canada is Ottawa. It is located in the province of Ontario.

The Canadian Constitution has a Charter of Rights and Freedoms to protect people against discrimination. As a resident, you have the responsibility to know, understand and uphold the law and the Canadian Charter.

The Canadian climate is cold between November and March and hot between June and September. However, the climate can vary across the country. British Columbia is hot in the summer and mild in the winter. The Prairies, (which consist of Alberta. Saskatchewan and Manitoba), are dry and either very hot or very cold. Central Canada, (Ontario and Quebec), has harsh winters and hot, humid summers. In Atlantic Canada, (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland), spring and summer are warm and pleasant while winter can be very cold and windy.

WELCOME TO CANADA

Adapting to a new way of life can sometimes be difficult, particularly when you arrive in a new country. This guide offers you general information about Canada. We hope it will help you adapt to your new life.

When you arrive in Canada, contact a Canada Immigration Centre (CIC) for immigrant services. You can also contact provincial government offices for general information.

Canada is a friendly and secure country. We want you to feel at home.

You Should Know

• Canada is very large. It takes over 8 hours to fly across it. It is 7.800 kilometres from Newfoundland on the cast coast to Yukon and British Columbia on the west coast.
• Canada has more than 27 million people. Most people live in cities and towns near the United States border.
• Canada is a federal state made up of 10 provinces and two territories. From west to east, the 10 provinces are: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Yukon Territory is north of British Columbia. The Northwest Territories are east of Yukon.

Getting Settled. Housing.

In most places, there are people to help you learn about your new community. Churches and community groups such as ethnic associations can help.

The Government of Canada can help you get settled into Canadian society. Contact a Canada Immigration Centre lo find out about the Immigration Settlement and Adaptation Program (ISAP). Provincial and international organizations can also help.

You Should Know

• Canada Immigration Centres (CICs) have information about government programs for newcomers.
• Canada Employment Centres (CEC&)can help you find a job. CECs or CICs can also help you apply for language (raining if you need it.
• There :>rc many CICs and CECs across Canada. You c;>n find the one closest lo your house in the telephone book. Look in the Blue Pages under Employment and Immigration, Government of Canada.
• If you are a government-assisted refugee, officials will meet you when you arrive and help you get settled. They will also give you names of people to call in case of need.
• CIC and CEC offices can direct you to agencies that help immigrants. You can also find them in the Yellow Pages of your telephone book under Social Services Organizations.

Choosing where to live is an important decision. You will want to choose a neighbourhood where you feel comfortable. You must also decide what you can afford and how far you want to live from work, schools, bus routes and stores.
You can buy or rent housing in Canada. If friends or relatives have not made arrangements for you. it might be a good idea to start by looking for rental housing. Rented rooms are available in most communities.

You Should Know

• Rooms for rent are listed in local newspapers. Look in the Classified Advertisement section under Apartments for Rent and Rooms for Rent. Also ask community groups tor information about housing.
• Avoid signing a lease if you plan to move to another city or community shortly after you arrive.
• As a tenant (someone who rents an apartment or house) you have legal rights and responsibilities. Laws protect you from unfair rent increases or evictions without cause. Phone the provincial or municipal government if you need information or help. Look in the Blue Pages of the phone book under General Inquiry, Provincial Government or Municipal Government. You can also ask community groups for information or help.
• Real estate agents can help you find a house. If you are buying a house, you should consult a lawyer or notary. All charge a fee for their services.
• New furniture and appliances are expensive. You can buy them second-hand or used. Look in the Classified Advertisement section under Articles for Sale or search in second-hand stores.

Education

YOU need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada. You also need a SIN to collect money from the government and for paying taxes. To get a SIN card. go to a CEC. Bring your birth certificate and immigration record of landing. You will receive your SIN in the mail four to six weeks after applying.

You have the right to join a labour union in Canada. Labour unions negotiate wages, hours and conditions of work. Union dues will be deducted from your salary.

There are laws to protect workers and employers. The provincial Ministry of Labour or a CEC can answer your questions.

Employers pay their workers every week, every two weeks or once a month. You can be paid in cash. by cheque or by direct deposit to your bank account. Your pay stub shows how much you earned. It also lists deductions for taxes, pension, unemployment insurance and any other items that are deducted from your pay.

It is illegal to leave children under the age of 12 unattended for long periods of lime. Because of this, you may need to pay someone to look after your children while you work. Look in the Yellow Pages under Day Nurseries or Day Care. Also check the Classified Advertisement section of newspapers under Employment Wanted.

There are many kinds of schools. Education is different in each province.

Your local Board of Education can tell you which school your children should attend. The choice is usually based on your religious preference and place of residence.

Many schools also offer night courses for adults.

You Should Know

• Children aged 6 to 16 must go to school. Classes start in early September and end in late June. There is a two-week vacation at Christmas and one-week vacation in either February or March.
• To enroll your children in school, take their birth certificate or baptism certificate to the school. Also bring their immigration record of landing. passport and any former school and health records.
• Children cannot start school until they have been immunized against communicable diseases.
• Schools are listed in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book.
• The language of instruction in Quebec is primarily French. In the rest of Canada, it is mainly English. In some communities, education is offered in both languages.
• Most schools are supported by the government. You don't pay for instruction unless it is a private school. Instead, you pay an education tax as part of your rent or property tax. All children have the right to free public education.
• If you want information on night school, contact the school board, college or university in your community.
• Some Canadian schools will not give credit to a course or diploma obtained outside Canada.

You can apply for credit cards from banks and trust companies. These cards allow you to buy items on credit and be billed for them at the end of-the month. Interest rates are charged by credit companies when you do not pay in full each month.
For more information on money, credit and banking look in the Yellow Pages of your telephone book under Banks or Trust Companies.

Health

Medical treatment is very expensive if you do not have government-sponsored health insurance. Apply as soon as you arrive in Canada. Insurance plans are different in each province, and may involve a waiting period. Call your provincial health office.
Most Canadians have a family doctor and dentist. Ask a community group or someone you know to recommend one.

You Should Know

• Doctors and dentists arc listed in the Yellow Pages of your telephone hook under Physicians and Surgeons. Dentists and Clinics.
• You can apply for a health card at the provincial Ministry of Health located in your city. You will be required to complete an application form and provide identification such as your birth certificate, visa and passport.
• If you need medical help quickly, dial 91 1 on your phone. If no 91 1 service exists, dial 0. Explain where you are and what the problem is. Most hospitals have an Emergency service open 24 hours.

OTHER SERVICES

The government provides many other services such as Child Tax Benefits, Canada and Quebec Pension Plan, Old Age Security Guaranteed Income Supplement and Spouses Allowance. The variety, efficiency and low price of these services make Canada one of the most fortunate countries in the world.

You Should Know

• The federal government sends a monthly Child Tax Benefit cheque to parents (usually the mother) or guardians of dependent children under the age of 18. The amount varies according to family income, the number of children and their ;igc. Contact Health and Welfare Canada for more information.
• The cheapest way to travel in most cilics is by public transport. Most cities have bus or street car systems. Toronto and Montreal .ilso have subway systems. You need exact fare to get on buses. Drivers do not carry change. Tickets or monthly passes are cheaper.
• For more information on public transport, dial 411 and ask for the telephone number of the public transit company.