Understanding the Canadian workplace
In Canada it is each person's responsibility to find a job. It may take months for you to find work -- or much longer if you need to improve your English or upgrade credentials to qualify for a regulated profession or trade.
STEPS to prepare for work
- ENTRY Program is your first step on the road to becoming successfully employed. It is a free orientation program for immigrants. It explains all aspects of Canadian life, including work.
- Improve your English. It is very hard to get a job without proper English. Take advantage of free classes. There is beginners through to advanced, specialized English.
- Employment services are provided free to immigrants. Classes teach job-search techniques, computer, language and other skills, will help you overcome obstacles to getting a job.
- Workplace culture Social interaction, safety & health, payments, self-employment are some of the topics covered on the lower half of this page.
- Career research is absolutely necessary. What are employers looking for? Do you need your educational credentials assessed? Will you have to upgrade your professional qualifications?
Canadian workplace culture
In order to get a job you must convince the employer that you can fit into the company. This is one reason employers want Canadian work experience. Working as a volunteer or in a job different than your field can demonstrate that you are familiar with "the Canadian way."
Whether you have a question about social customs or office policies, if you are unsure people ordinarily won't mind if you politely ask what practice to follow.
Compared to your original country you will find differences in how business and work is done in Canada. It is up to you to find out how your work patterns may be different.
For example, Canadian are very strict about time. The workday starts exactly at the specified time, and should end at the specified time. Following the rules of work hours is a worker's responsibility.
How workers are paid
For example, people are usually paid every two weeks. And your employer must make deductions (subtract) from your paycheque for income tax, Employment Insurance, government pension and possibly other things such as union dues and company health benefits. When you are hired at, say, $8.5 per hour that is your “gross pay.” The amount on your paycheque after deductions is your “net pay.”
Worker rights
Manitoba has laws that protect workers. For example, all workers are allowed to join a union, and there are reasonable limits on scheduled hours of work.
Manitoba has an employment standards law to promote fairness in the workplace. This law sets rules for both the employer and the employee. The Manitoba government Employment Standards Branch investigates when someone complains that an employer is not following employment standards.
Workplace health
Manitoba has laws and agencies to ensure workplaces are safe and healthy. Manitoba Federation of Labour Occupational Health Centre has multi-language classes on health and safety. It also has doctors to see injured workers.
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Career research resources
- PERSONALIZED CAREER RESEARCH TOOL: The Working in Manitoba, Canada Tool explains qualification requirements, job opportunities, recommended English ability and more. Look up your job and get a report.
- CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES: This website lists services, educational programs, instructional literature and other help for job-seekers. For example, by checking √ NEWCOMER/IMMIGRANT and √ PARENT the site generates a resource list specific to you.
- PROFESSIONAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS: This page has a fact sheet for all regulated professions in Manitoba. They list the education and experience you need to be allowed to practise.
- TRADES CERTIFICATION: This page has a fact sheet for each trade in Manitoba. They list the requirements to be certified as a journeyman.
- MANITOBA COMPANIES DIRECTORY: This is the place where you can research any businesses in the province.
- IMMIGRANT SUCCESS STORIES: Read immigrants tell how they managed to establish themselves in properous careers, overcoming challenges such as language and qualifications recognition.
Self-employment is an option
Some Canadians choose to work for themselves. This may be an activity in your home such as making and selling art or doing bookkeeping. Or it may be running a larger business. Government programs may help financially or with advice. Go to:
Service Canada.
These websites are also helpful:
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