Remember to:
- Be on time. Telephone as soon as possible if you're going to be late or absent.
- Be cheerful and co-operative with co-workers, but don't spend a lot of time talking when you're supposed to be working.
- Learn the rules — like how many hours you're expected to work and when breaks are allowed.
- Be willing to learn new skills and to help out in emergencies.
- Ask questions about anything you're not sure of, but try to think things out for yourself whenever you can.
Once you're working, a portion of your earnings is deducted from your paycheque for Employment Insurance. (Under the Employment Insurance Act, your employer has an obligation to make these deductions.)
Employment Insurance is a key social program that contributes to the security of all Canadians. It provides temporary income to people who have lost their jobs and helps the unemployed get back to work.
To receive Employment Insurance benefits, you must:
- be unemployed
- have worked at least 420 to 700 hours in the last 52 weeks
- have paid into the Employment Insurance Program
Contact the Government of Canada's Employment Insurance office if you have any questions. You'll find the address and telephone number of your local office under "Human Resources Development Canada" in the Government of Canada pages of your telephone book. You can also visit the Employment Insurance Web page.
Canada Pension Plan
Working Canadians over the age of 18 also pay into the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) [or the Quebec Pension Plan if you work in Quebec]. If you're an employee, you and your employer each pay half of the contributions. Again, your portion is deducted directly from your paycheque. (If you're self-employed, you pay both portions.)
The CPP has been set up to provide eligible contributors with three different kinds of benefits:
- Disability benefits — income if you become disabled
- Retirement pension — income you receive from the Government of Canada as early as age 60
- Survivor benefits — income for your spouse and dependent children if you die
If you're a full-time student between the ages of 18 and 25, and one of your parents dies or starts receiving a CPP disability benefit, you can get benefits too.
If you aren't sure but think you might be entitled to CPP benefits, call the toll-free number 1 800 277-9914 and someone will be happy to assist you. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, and you use a TDD/TTY device, please call 1 800 255-4786. You can also visit the CPP Web page.
Labour Standards
Labour standards are designed to protect both workers and employers. They cover such issues as minimum wage, minimum working age, hours of work and other working conditions, such as health and safety standards.
Never take for granted that your employer knows and meets all the labour standards. Ask questions, pay attention to health and safety within your workplace and don't be afraid to speak up and make suggestions for changes. Who knows, you may end up preventing a serious accident!
The first thing you need to check out is whether you are covered by federal or provincial/territorial labour laws. Where you work and what you do determines which labour laws apply to you.
Generally speaking, if you work in any of the following sectors, you are covered by federal labour laws:
- Air, interprovincial rail, road and pipeline transportation
- Banking
- Broadcasting
- Grain industry
- Shipping and related services
- Telecommunications
- Federal public service (for Occupational Safety and Health)
- Federal Crown corporations
To get information on federal labour standards, visit HRDC's Labour Program Web site or call your local HRDC office or HRDC Office for Students.
If you work in any other type of industry, you probably come under provincial/territorial labour laws. In that case, you should contact your provincial/territorial labour department for information.
If you're not sure which of the two applies to you, contact your local HRDC office. You may also want to check out the Youth Resource Network of Canada Web site links to occupational descriptions and standards at www.youth.gc.ca/infojobs/occdes_e.shtml.
Students and Taxes
Information for Working Students
Taxes… deductions, credits, payments, interest… it can all be very confusing. You can find practical information in the taxation guides published by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA) [formerly known as Revenue Canada] and in the brochure entitled Students and Income Tax. This brochure deals with several topics, including:
- Filing income tax returns
- Claiming or transferring education-related costs and tuition fees
- Applying for the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit
- Paying interest on student loans
- Claiming moving expenses
You can obtain these publications at the Tax Services offices of the CCRA. These publications are also available on the CCRA Web site at www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca. CCRA has a Web page specially for students at www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/individuals/taxkit99/infofst-e.html. You can also get information by calling toll-free 1 800 959-8281.
Applying for the GST/HST Credit
You can apply to receive GST/HST credit cheques if you are paying income tax and you're:
- 19 years of age or older,
- married, or
- a parent.
These payments are issued four times a year: in January, April, July and October. If you have any questions, contact the CCRA toll-free information line at 1 800 959-8281.
Canada Student Loans Program The Canada Student Loans Program can help you finance your education. Whether you're studying part-time or full-time, you may be eligible for a loan. The Government of Canada pays the interest on the loan while you are in school. If you've completed your studies and are having trouble repaying your loan, the Government of Canada has a number of options to make it easier, such as interest relief, debt reduction and tax credits on loan interest. If you want more information, pick up a free copy of the booklet entitled Canada Student Loans program at the HRDC office nearest you. You can also visit the web site at www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/student_loans or call the Canada Student Loans toll-free number at 1 888 432-7377. |
« return.