Social Insurance Number (SIN)
To be eligible for employment in Leeds Grenville you must have your SIN (Social Insurance Number) or a valid work permit for Canada. Social Insurance Number are available through Service Canada.
Service Canada locations in the Leeds & Grenville area:
Brockville, Gananoque, Kemptville
Prescott Outreach, Wednesdays only @ CSE Consulting, Prescott
Phone: 1-800-O-Canada (622-6232)
Work permits can be arranged via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Online applications can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work.asp.
Credential Recognition
You will need to have your education, work experience and professional credentials gained outside Canada asses- sed if you are in Canada as a Federal Skilled Worker and if you are planning on working in the skilled trades.
Credential assessment will help you to:
- Determine if your credentials are equal to the standards set for Canadian workers
- Find out whether you need more training or education in Canada
- Understand the types of jobs you are qualified for
- Help employers understand your qualifications
Information on Foreign Credential Recognition can be found at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/credentials/.
Workplace Language Skills
Strong English or French language skills are essential for many jobs in Canada. The level of English or French that you will need for working in Canada may be higher than the level needed to meet immigration requirements or for basic communication. Strong language skills are as important as educational credentials and previous employment experience for working in Canada. In many parts of Canada, the ability to speak both English and French is a definite advantage when you are looking for a job.
SEARCHING & APPLYING FOR JOBS
Employment Counselling and Job Search Assistance
The Employment & Education Centre (EEC)
The EEC offers a comprehensive package of employment services in Brockville and throughout the municipalities of the Leeds Grenville. Following is a list of some of these services:
- Employment counselling, offered through personal meetings with a trained counsellor to develop an action plan to achieve your employment goals.
- Workshops that cover essential job search skills from understanding the local job market to using the hidden job market, effective resume writing and interviews.
- A resource centre with free access to the internet, computers and a library for job search purposes.
- Job Development and Job Board: online resume posting and search of job openings in the area. In certain cases, advocacy with the employer on behalf of the client can be offered.
For more information, call: 613-498-2111 or visit www.eecentre.com.
CSE Consulting
Provides FREE services to all job seekers in Grenville County, with employment resource centres in Brockville, Prescott and Kemptville. The resource centres (equipped with free high-speed internet, computer labs and fax machines) offer the tools necessary to assist clients in their job search, as well as: occupational/educational information, labour market research, career coaching and support, training/education guidance, assessment tools, a resource reference library and referral to community services and supports.
CSE Consulting’s office in Brockville provides Employment Supports through the Ontario Disability Supports Program. Consultants are dedicated to assisting people with disabilities throughout the Leeds and Grenville region to successfully start a new job search, return to work and help those currently employed to keep their jobs. The following FREE services can be tailored to an individual’s needs: Employment Planning, Work Experience, Self-Employment, and Work-Related Disability Supports.
For more information, visit: www.cseconsulting.com
Brockville: 613-342-2312
Prescott: 613-925-0222
Kemptville: 613-258-6576
Kingston Employment and Youth Strategies (KEYS)
KEYS offers a variety of employment programs and services in the Gananoque Elgin and WestPort to newcomers, persons with disabilities, youth and anyone looking for employment.
For more information, call: 613-382-1085 or visit www.keys.ca.
Socially Assisted Employment
Ontario Works provides employment support to individuals who receive social assistance. Its services cover employment counselling, job search workshops and access to employment resource centres. Ontario Works also provides assistance to cover employment related expenses, including clothing, transportation, childcare and training.
Ontario Works has offices in Brockville, Prescott, Kemptville, and Gananoque.
For more information, call: 613-342-3840, ext. 2119 or 1-800-267-8146.
Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services
Provides employment assistance to people with disabilities through its Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). The ODSP program offers income and employment supports to people with disabilities who are in need. Their employment services include helping to find a job that is right for the each client, job coaching, on- the-job training, interpreter services, transportation assistance, software and mobility devices that can help clients do their job, and more. For more information, visit: www.mcss.gov.on.ca.
Professional Networking
The process of meeting potential employers and other contacts to further your career is called professional networking. Professional networking is an essential part of your job search. It can help uncover the hidden job mar- ket and unadvertised jobs. Job search workshops at the Employment + Education Centre and CSE Consulting provide in-depth information on professional networking strategies. Settlement.org also offers a list of professional networks.
Employers in the Region
You will need to research businesses in the area that employ people with your skills. For example, if you are trained and experienced as an engineer, a starting point to find engineering firms in the area is Leeds Grenville online business directory (www.leedsgrenville.com) that can help you find businesses in your field. Their website also offers a comprehensive list of organizations and businesses.
JOB SEARCH WEBSITES
Website Link |
Description |
|---|---|
| www.jobbank.gc.ca | Posts hundreds of new openings every day. Narrow your search to Ontario and then to the Kingston or Cornwall areas for available jobs in Leeds Grenville. |
| www.gojobs.gov.on.ca | Lists Ontario Public Service (OPS) Employment Opportunities. |
| www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca | Lists Government of Canada positions. |
| www.indeed.ca | Searches jobs from thousands of job boards, newspapers, classifieds and company websites for jobs. |
| http://cse.jobs.ims-login.com/jobs | CSE Consulting job board. |
| http://eecentre.totalhire.com/postings.php | Employment + Education Centre job board. |
| http://jobs.keys.ca | KEYS job board. |
| www.charityvillage.com | Lists employment opportunities in the not-for-profit sector. |
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AT WORK
Occupational Health and Safety
You have the right to a safe work environment. The Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Office can inform you of your rights and responsibilities as a worker, and you can report unsafe working conditions in your workplace. Workers who report unsafe working conditions are protected against dismissal or other punitive action by their em- ployer. For more information, visit: www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/ or call: 1-877-202-0008.
Employment Standards
Employers have to comply with the Ontario Employment Standards Act, which regulates working hours, workplace requirements, wage variations, leave and holiday and overtime pay among other matters. Contact the office of Employment Standards for information about your rights and responsibilities as an employee. For more information, visit: www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/ or call: 1-800-531-5551.
Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC)
The Ontario Human Rights Commission works to build respect for human rights into all aspects of life in Ontario. It works with different sectors and groups, including the Government of Ontario, to promote organizational change and to break down barriers to equity and success. The OHRC has developed a policy to support immigrants who are facing employment barriers because of a perceived need by employers for “Canadian work experience”.
Learn more from their website: https://goo.gl/PyYzgb
Employment Insurance
If you are unemployed, you might be eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) depending on whether you meet certain requirements. EI provides temporary financial assistance (regular benefits) while you look for work or upgrade your skills. You may also receive temporary financial assistance from EI if you are:
• Sick, injured or subject to quarantine for health reasons;
• Pregnant or caring for a newborn or adopted child; or
• Caring for a family member who is seriously ill with a significant risk of death.
If you work in Canada, you must pay EI contributions so that you can benefit from EI in a time of need. Your emplo- yer will usually deduct EI contributions directly from your paycheques. EI benefits are also available to self-em- ployed people who choose to participate in the EI program. To benefit from EI, you must apply and meet certain eligibility criteria. For detailed information on EI and how to apply, consult www.servicecanada.gc.ca/ei, call Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218 or visit a Service Canada Centre in person.
Pensions
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a program for workers and their families. It provides a measure of protection to cover loss of income due to retirement, disability or death. Anyone who works in Canada is required to pay into
the CPP. Your employer will deduct CPP contributions directly from your paycheques. The amount you pay is based on your salary. If you are self-employed, it is based on your net business income (after expenses). You can get more information about the CPP at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/cpp/cpptoc.shtml, by calling 1-800-277-9914 or by visiting a Service Canada Centre.
Prepare for Employment
Service for pre-arrival immigrants
The National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA has launched the Build ON / ON Batit program with funding from the Government of Canada. The program offers specialized information and orientation to individuals relocating to Ontario and showing an interest in working in the Skilled Trades. The service is available to pre-arrival immigrants that are planning to settle anywhere in Ontario, and is provided in English and French. A link to the program can be found at OntarioImmigration.ca site. To learn more about the program, it’s main link is: www.buildonbatit.com
EMPLOYMENT CHECKLIST
To make yourself completely prepared for employment in Leeds & Grenville, make sure you have:
- Your SIN number or a valid work permit for Canada
- Contacted the Employment and Education Centre if you are in Brockville/ Leeds region; CSE Consulting if you are in Prescott/ Kemptville/ Grenville region; or KEYS if you are in the Gananoque area, for access to community employment services
- Conducted research on local labour market information to find out prospects of your selected occupation and compile a list of major employers in your field
- Completed credential evaluation of your academic credentials if necessary
- Contacted the Volunteer Centre St.Lawrence Rideau to find out about volunteer opportunities
- Utilized different strategies to job search: view job listings on company or customized employment websites, consistently monitor job advertisements in local media, or try professional networking and cold calls to area businesses
Foreign Credentials
Credential evaluation refers to assessing and providing an equivalency report of your educational credentials according to Canadian standards.
Normally, employers, academic institutions, professional licensing bodies and apprenticeship training programs require an evaluation report from those who have international education.
Since the schooling requirements vary from country to country, credential evaluation helps Canadian employers and schools to understand the exact level of your knowledge.
There are a number of agencies who provide evaluation of international academic credentials for a fee in Ontario.
It is important to consult your hiring organization or school first to make sure that they recognize the assessment completed by the given agency before having it done.
(WES) World Education Services
Phone: 1-866-343-0070
The application can be completed online and all required documents can be submitted by mail or in person at the WES office in Toronto. You can complete a preliminary assessment of your credentials, find about the required documents for credential evaluation from your country of education, and much more on the WES website.
(ICAS) International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
Phone: 1-800-321-6021
ICAS applications can be completed online and the required documents can be sent by mail or submitted in person at the ICAS office in Guelph. ICAS also has an Access Centre in Brockville where you can get information about ICAS services and pick up the application package.
(CES) University of Toronto Comparative Education Service
Phone: 1-416-978-2400
The application forms and the required documents can be submitted by mail or in person to the CES office in Toronto.
(OCAS) Ontario College Application Service
Phone: 1-888-892-2228
OCAS performs credential evaluation of your international degrees only if you are applying to a college in Canada. It does not provide stand alone credential evaluation services. To find out how to apply to a college in Canada, check the Ontario Colleges website.
Preparing for a Job Interview
For more information on preparing for a job interview, please contact one of the employment service agencies in Leeds & Grenville:
Employment and Education Centre
serving Brockville
KEYS Employment Services
serving Gananoque and the Kingston area
CSE Consulting
serving North and South Grenville
STARTING A BUSINESS
Invest in Canada
Canada is consistently ranked as a top destination for investment. It offers the lowest costs of doing business of all the G7 nations, has a highly competitive workforce and unrivalled technology broadband infrastructure. Whether you are considering business class immigration or you are already in Canada and want to invest in a business, there are a number of resources to help you make well informed investment decisions. The Invest in Canada website provides a full overview of the comparative advantages, industry sectors, professional services, federal regulations for foreign direct investment, business opportunities and related legal and tax requirements applicable in Canada.
Invest in Ontario
Invest in Ontario provides a comprehensive guide to industry sectors, and government programs and incentives in Ontario. It examines various factors that make cities good places to invest and allows you to compare cities in Ontario to other places around the world.
The Doing Business in Ontario website has an Investment Section that can help you arrive at your choice of investment / business activity in Ontario. In addition to broad industry overviews, there is information for you if you are specifically interested in the farming, or mining and minerals industries of Ontario
The following list of resources can help you start a new business, buy an existing business or a franchise, or invest in a business in Leeds Grenville.
Business Support and Resources
Municipal Economic Development Offices can provide assistance in understanding the business and economic climate in a municipality and its surrounding region. They can also show you investment opportunities and help in building your business network.
Additional resources for starting a business can be found by searching the websites below:
Canada Business Network
The goal of the Canada Business Network is to provide businesses with the resources it needs to grow and prosper, including a wide range of information on government services, programs and regulations. www.canadabusiness.ca
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Delivers a range of programs, services and tools to help businesses innovate and compete in the global economy.
www.ontario.ca/ministry-economic-development-employment-and-infrastructure
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office
32 Wall Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 300 Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
613-342-3840
www.leedsgrenville.com/en/invest/aboutus/economicdevelopmentoffice
City of Brockville Economic Development Office
1 King Street West Brockville, Ontario K6V 7A5
613-342-8772 ext. 445
www.brockville.com
Gananoque Economic Development Office
30 King Street East
P.O. Box 100
Gananoque, Ontario K7G 2T6
613-382-2149 ext.1127
www.gananoque.ca/invest-in-gananoque
Municipality of North Grenville Economic Development
285 County Rd #44,
Kemptville ON K0G 1J0
613-258-9569 ext. 125
www.greenandgrowing.ca/business
Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre
This organization provides training, counselling and coaching services to assist businesses that are just starting or have been in business for less than five years. Experienced business counsellors guide entrepreneurs and provide tools to assist in writing a business plan and/or securing financing. They also offer a program for Ontario residents aged 18 to 29 who are not attending school full time who are interested in starting their own business. Contact them directly for eligibility requirements and additional services.
3 Market St. West, Unit 3A Brockville, Ontario K6V 7L2
613-342-8772 ext. 470
www.lgsbec.com
1000 Islands Community Development Corporation
This organization also provides business counselling and support. Their services include business advice, help in developing a business plan, entrepreneurial training, referrals and more.
3 Market St. West, Unit 3 Brockville, Ontario K6V 7L2
1-800-431-6015
www.ticdc.ca
Grenville Community Futures Development Corporation
This organization also provides business counselling and support in Grenville County. Their services include business advice, help in developing a business plan, entrepreneurial training, referrals and more.
197 Water St #405, Prescott, ON K0E 1T0
613-925-4275
877-925-4275
www.grenvillecfdc.com
Settlement.org is another reliable source of comprehensive information on starting a business including the advantages and disadvantages of self-employment.
Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce enable business communities throughout Leeds Grenville to come together to further the interests of businesses located in the area.
1000 Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce
Areas Served: West of Brockville to the East of Kings- ton; including Gananoque, Ivy Lea, Rockport and Lansdowne.
Sampson House
215 Stone Street South Gananoque, ON K7G 2A3 613-382-7744
1-800-561-1595
www.1000islandsganchamber.com
Athens and District Chamber of Commerce
Areas Served: Township of Athens, Charleston Lake and area.
PO Box 543
Athens, ON K0E 1B0
613-924-0997
www.athensontario.com
Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce
Areas Served: Brockville and Area
3 Market Street West, Suite 1 Brockville, ON K6V 7L2
613-342-6553
www.brockvillechamber.com
Lyndhurst Seeley’s Bay Chamber of Commerce
Areas Served: The villages of Lyndhurst and Seeley’s Bay
P.O. Box 89
Lyndhurst, ON K0E 1N0
613-928-2382
www.lyndhurstseeleysbaychamber.com
Merrickville and District Chamber of Commerce
Areas Served: Merrickville and Area
PO Box 571
446 Main Street West
Merrickville, ON K0G 1N0
613-269-2229
www.realmerrickville.ca
North Grenville Chamber of Commerce
Areas Served: Municipality of North Grenville and Area
PO Box 1047
5 Clothier Street East
Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
613-258-4838
www.northgrenvillechamber.com
South Grenville Chamber of Commerce
Areas Served: Prescott, Township of Augusta and Township of Edwardsburgh/ Cardinal.
107 King Street West
PO Box 2000
Prescott, ON K0E 1T0
613-925-2171
www.southgrenvillechamber.ca
Westport and Rideau Lakes Chamber of Commerce
Areas Served: Westport, Portland, Forfar, Delta, Newboro, Elgin and Chaffey’s Locks PO Box 157, Westport, ON K0G 1X0
613-273-2929
www.therideaucalls.com
