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WORKING IN ONTARIO

 

Building your career

Do you have questions about finding work and building a career in Ontario? Here are answers to the questions newcomers often ask:

1) Where should I start?

There are many services that can help you learn more about working in Ontario.

  • Ontario’s Employment Ontario program has free advice on how to search for a job. To find the nearest Job Connect office call:
    1-888-JOB-GROW (1-888-562-4769). If you are in Toronto, call 416-326-5656.

  • Global Experience Ontario – a new one-stop access and resource centre for internationally trained professionals.
  • The Settlement.org website and the 211 Community Connection website provide information about language training, health care, and other services for newcomers.

2) What is a social insurance number (SIN)? Do I need one?

A SIN is an important piece of identification. It is provided by the government of Canada. You need one to apply for services from the federal or provincial government, to get a job, or to open a bank account. There are three ways to get a SIN:

  • Visit any Human Resource Development Centre of Canada to pick up an application form. You will find these centres listed in the blue pages of the telephone book under ‘Employment and Unemployment’.

  • Call 1-800-206-7218 to find the centre nearest you. You can arrange to have them mail an application form to you.

  • Download an application form from this web site.

3) Do I need a bank account?

Yes, you should open a bank account as soon as possible. In most cases, you must have a bank account to cash a cheque made out in your name. Banks, trust companies and credit unions all offer bank accounts and many other financial services. Talk to different organizations to find out which one has the best services for you.

4) Where can I find jobs?

You can find jobs in many ways:

  • Ontario’s Employment Ontario program can help you find work. To locate the nearest Employment Ontario agency call 1-888-JOB-GROW (1-888-562-4769). In Toronto, call 416-326-5656.

  • Human Resources Development Canada funds agencies that can help people find jobs. You can locate an agency near you by calling 1-800-206-7218.

  • You can also find advice on finding a job through the Looking for a Job section of the Ontario government website.

  • Many public libraries offer free access to the internet. They also have books on how to look for work. Some even offer programs that give you advice on how to find work.

  • Newspapers have classified advertisements that list jobs by profession or trade.

  • Some cities also have weekly or monthly employment papers that advertise jobs. These are usually free and can be found at public libraries and employment resource centres.

  • It is often helpful to talk to friends, neighbours, or people you have met through:
    • Immigrant service agencies
    • Volunteer agencies
    • Community associations
    • Professional organizations
    • Employment resource centres
    • Your place of worship
    • Clubs and other community groups.

5) How can I improve my job searching skills?

The Employment Ontario website has information about preparing for – and finding - a job in Ontario. It provides information in many languages. You will also find valuable information on the following web sites:

6) Are there workplace standards in Ontario?

Yes. In Ontario, all employers must meet workplace standards. These standards make sure that the workplace is safe, fair, productive and healthy for employers and employees.There are standards for many aspects of the workplace, including:

  • Hours of work
  • Minimum wage
  • Overtime pay
  • Wage statements
  • Pregnancy leave
  • Public holidays
  • Safety
  • Equal pay for men and women

Learn more: Read Employment Standards on the Ontario Ministry of Labour web site.

7) Can I start a business in Ontario?

Yes. Ontario is an excellent place to start a business. Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres can help you:

  • Start a business
  • Write a business plan
  • Find lawyers and accountants
  • Understand business licenses and permits
  • Learn about importing and exporting
  • File patents, copyrights and trademarks
  • Find a business mentor

To find the centre nearest you, call 1-888-JOBGROW (1-888-562-4769). Or, visit Small Business Enterprise Centres on the web.

8) Can I get financial help for education or training?

Yes. There are a number of ways to get financial support.University and college:

Apprentices:
  • The Ontario government has a “Loans for Tools” program for students entering an apprenticeship. This program can help you buy the tools you need. For more information, call 1-888-JOB-GROW (1-888-562-4769). In Toronto, call 416-326-5656.

9) What other information is on this web site?

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