Please note that the information herein is compiled from various sources and is assumed to be current at the time of distribution. Names, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail addresses may change, or become obsolete without notice. The compiler or NCSBC assumes no responsibility for any cost or inconvenience that errors, omissions, or changes may cause a user of this booklet.
Please reach out to using the Contact Us page for any suggestions, edits.
LEGAL ADVICE
If you have a legal problem, you may need a lawyer. If you cannot afford to pay the
Lawyer’s fee, you may seek legal help from :
LEGAL AID
It provides free legal service and is administered by the Legal Services Society
Of B.C. For more information, contact them at 601-6100.
UBC LAW STUDENTS LEGAL ADVICE PROGRAM
Law students, supervised by lawyers, give free law classes in many communities
In Vancouver area. For more information, contact them at 822-5791.
DIAL-A-LAW
You can call Dial-a-Law for free information about the law. This is a library of
Tapes prepared by lawyers. Call 687-4680 ( in Vancouver area), 1-800-565-5297
( elsewhere in B.C.).
Parents who work or go to school may need someone to take care of their children.
If you do not have someone to take care of your children, there are different kinds of
Childcare available. To find out, call 709-5699 ( in Vancouver) and 1-800-663-7867
( elsewhere in B.C.).
CHILD CARE
Parents who work or go to school may need someone to take care of their children.
If you do not have someone to take care of your children, there are different kinds of
Childcare available. To find out, call 709-5699 ( in Vancouver) and 1-800-663-7867
( elsewhere in B.C.).
CARS AND DRIVING LICENCE
DRIVER’S LICENCE
In B.C. all drivers must have a valid drivers licence. You need different types of
Licences, if you want to drive a motorcycle, bus, large truck or a taxi. To get a
Car driving licence, you must be 16 years old or older. And if you are under 19 years
Old, a guardian must sign the application. There are two kinds of test involved in the
Process.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
It is about the driving rules in B.C. A booklet called “Safe Driving Guide” has the
information about driving rules. The test is based on the booklet. In the process, you
will also have your vision test done.
ROAD TEST
If you pass the knowledge test, you get a learner driver’s licence, which is valid for
a year. You may practice driving with or without the driving school. But while
practicing, you must have at least 19 years old person sitting next to you who has a
valid driver’s licence. During the road test, an examiner will test your driving skills.
If you pass, you will get the licence.
For more information, contact “Motor vehicle Services – ICBC” which is in the Blue
Pages in the B.C. Government section.
BUYING NEW OR USED CAR
Car dealers well new and used cars. Shop around before commiting to buy. You may
Also buy a car directly form an owner. But make sure you checked everything
About the car.
WARRANTIES
If something goes wrong with the car after you buy, the warranty on the car
Will replace some parts for free. Find out what warranty covers and how long
It lasts on the car you plan to buy.
REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE
You must register your car and buy licence plates and car insurance. You can
Do this at any Autoplan office. The Insurance Corporation of B.C. ( ICBC) is
A company owned by the B.C. government. It provides vehicle insurance and
Handles accident claims.
CAR ACCIDENT AND REPORTING IT
In case of a car accident, find out if anyone is hurt and write down the other
Driver’s name, address, licence number etc. If there were any witness around, get
Their names and addresses as well. You should report to the police, if it is a serious
accident.
You should also phone ICBC as soon as possible about the accident. Call the
“Dial-a-Claim” number for the place where you live.
TRAFFIC TICKETS AND FINES
You have to pay a fine if the police catch you breaking certain driving rules, such
As driving through a red light, or driving faster than the speed limit. There are other
Fines involved, for example, parking tickets for parking in “no parking” site, or for
Not putting enough coins in the meter.
Drinking alcohol and driving is a serious offence, it may cost you the driving
Licence and also may have to pay a fine or go to jail.
All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts. Children under 9kg or 20lbs.
Must sit in a baby seat facing the rear of the car. Children between 9 and 18kg or
20 to 40lbs. Must sit in a child safety seat.
FINDING A JOB
SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER
You must have your Social Insurance Number ( SIN) to work in Canada. If you do
not have it, you can apply for one at the Human Resources Development Centre.The
Human Resources Development Centre is an important place to visit for other help
information and help you may need, such as finding job. For more information, look
in the Blue Pages in the Government of Canada section under “Human Resources
Development Canada” for your area.
RESUME
When applying for a job, many companies ask for a resume. It is a written summary
Of your education and work experience. Friends and even the immigrant settlement
Agency may be able to help you writing your resume.
3. STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
There are rules to follow to start a business. The business must be registered and
Licensed by the government. There are government programs that may help you
Start a business. For more information, call The Canada-B.C. Business Service
Centre at 777-5525 ( in lower mainland) and 1-800-667-2272 ( elsewhere).
WORKING
LAWS ABOUT WORKING
In B.C., there is a law to protect most workers, which is called the “Employment
Standard Act.” Both workers and employers have responsibilities under this Act.
Call the Employment Standards Branch for more information at 660-4000 ( in
lower mainland) and 1-800-663-3316 ( elsewhere).
HOURS OF WORK AND OVERTIME
In B.C., workers usually work eight hours a day and 40 hours a week. If you work
More than this, then you must get overtime pay, which is at least 1.5 times your
Hourly pay. If you get to go to work and there isn’t any work to do, then you must
Get paid for two hours of work. If you end up working only a short time, then you
Must be paid for four hours of work.
TIME OFF
After working for five hours, you should get a 30 minutes break. The employer
Doesn’t have to pay you for this time. If you work a split shift, the time between
When you start work in the day and the time you stop work cannot be more than 12
Hours. You must have 32 consecutive hours free from work each week. If your
Employer asks you to work during the 32 hours, you must get paid for double time,
Which is two times your hourly pay.
4. GETTING PAID
Most workers get paid by cheque every two weeks. Your employer must give you
A pay slip with every cheque.
DEDUCTIONS
The employer must deduct money from your pay cheque to pay for the following:
(i) CANADA PENSION PLAN (CPP)
You pay money into this plan each month that you work. As a result, when you
Retire, you may receive a pension from the government.
(ii) EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI)
You pay money into this plan each month that you work. If you lose your job,
You may receive money from the government while you look for a new job.
(iii) INCOME TAX
This money helps to pay the costs of government expenses, such as health care
And education.
(iv) TAXABLE BENEFITS
Your employer may provide some benefits, such as dental plan and pension plan,
Which are considered taxable benefits by Revenue Canada. The value of these
Benefits is deducted from your pay cheque.
(v) UNION DUES
If you are in a union and the union has an agreement with your employer, some
Money will be deducted to pay for the union dues.
(vi) VOLUNTARY DEDUCTIONS
Your employer may deduct additional amounts for things that you have given
Your permission to deduct, such as additional life insurance coverage and
Purchase Canada Savings Bonds through deductions from your pay cheque.
MINIMUM WAGE
In B.C. as of April 1st, 1998, the minimum wage is $7.15 per hour.
VACATIONS
All workers must get at least two weeks of paid vacation every year. If you leave
Your job before you take your vacation, your employer must give you the vacation
Pay, which is at least four per cent of your earnings.
HOLYDAYS
In B.C., workers must get the statutory holidays. If you work on any of the
Statutory holidays, you must be paid overtime rate or give you other day off. For
More information, call the Employment Standards Branch.
8. MATERNITY LEAVE
A working pregnant woman may take 18 weeks off work without pay, which can
Start up to 11 weeks before the delivery of the baby. If necessary, she can take up to
Another six consecutive weeks without pay. She/he may also take up to 12 weeks of
Parental leave after the baby is born. She may apply for money from Employment
Insurance ( EI) during her maternity leave.
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ( EI)
It is money the government gives to someone who loses a job. When you work, a
Small amount of money is deducted from your pay cheque each month. In case if
You are laid off, you may get money to live on while you are looking for a new job.
For more information, contact the Human Resources Development Centre near you.
10. GETTING HURT AT WORK
The Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) helps workers who are injured at work.
If you cannot work because you got hurt or sick at work may get money from WCB.
If you have an accident at work, report to the authority immediately. For more
Information, contact WCB at 660-7888 ( in lower mainland) and 1-800-663-4261
( elsewhere in B.C.).
TYPES OF HOUSING
Depending on your need and financial situation, there are several kinds of housing
available in B.C.
Apartment/Suite :
This kind usually has one or more bedrooms. All apartments and suites have a kitchen, a
Bathroom and a living room. These suites for rent may be in an apartment building or Bathroom and a living room. This may be located in an apartment building or in a house.
b) STUDIOs/BACHELOR SUITES :
These kind of housing have one room with a kitchen area and a bathroom.
c) DUPLEX :
A duplex is a house divided into two separate apartments. It may be bought or
rented.
d) TOWNHOUSE :
A townhouse is a small house joined to other small houses. It may be bought or
rented.
e) APARTMENT BUILDING :
An apartment building has one owner for the whole building. In a comdominium
building, which is also known as Condo or Strata, each apartment is owned by one
person or family.
f) MOBILE HOME :
A mobile home can be moved from one place to another. It is usually cheaper to
buy than a house. You must also buy or rent the land to put the mobile home on.
ROOM FOR RENT :
It is usually in a shared house or apartment. Everyone shares the kitchen and
bathroom.
ROOM AND BOARD :
It means a room and meals. Furniture is included.
HOUSING COOPERATIVES ( CO-OPS) :
Co-ops and some non-profit groups also provide low-cost housing. There is a waiting
list for these places. B.C. Housing has low-cost apartments and townhouses that the
government rents. These are also for families with low and middle incomes. To rent,
you must have lived in B.C. for at least a year. There is a waiting list for these places.
When you rent a place, usually you also have to pay the “Security Deposit” which is
not more than half of one month’s rent. The landlord keeps the money until you
move out. If there is no damage done by you and clean the apartment well, then the
landlord must give you back the money plus the interest accumulated within 15 days
of your move out. When you rent a place, you and the landlord should make a
written tenancy agreement, which is the contract agreement. The agreement outlines the
rules for the renting. When you plan to move out, you must tell your landlord in writing
before the last day of the one month before you will move out. You also need to cancel all
the utilities such as telephone line etc. before you move out. While you have a home, rental
or otherwise, you may buy insurance on your home and your belongings for incidents such
as fire and robbery.
For more information on co-ops, call (604) 879-5112 ( in lower mainland), and on
B.C. Housing, call 433-2218 ( in Vancouver), 1-800-257-7756 ( elsewhere in B.C.).
BANKS, CREDIT UNIONS AND TRUST COMPANIES
You can open an account at a bank, a credit union, or a trust company. Before banking,
find out what kind of accounts it has and about interest and service charges for them. It
may vary.
PAYING BY CASH, CHEQUE, CREDIT CARD, OR DEBIT CARD
To pay by cheque, you must show the cashier some ID. For that, the driver’s licence, or the
passport, or a credit card are the best best. If you don’t have the driver’s licence, you may get
a ID card from a Driver Services Centre. Look in the Blue Pages for that section.
You can get credit cards from department stores or gas companies. You can also get
bank credit cards like Visa and Mastercard.
Debit cards can be used instead of a cheque or credit card to buy things in some
stores. You get these cards from your banking institution. When you buy things using these
cards, the money gets deducted from your account immediately. You may also ask for
some cash for your own use at that time. Each time you use your debit card, there is a fee
for the service.
BANKING BY PHONE AND INTERNET
You may be able to do some of your banking from home with a touchtone phone such as
Paying bills. You may also be able to do your banking from home over the Internet. For this,
You need a computer, a telephone/cable line to connect to the internet and a software to
Access the Internet. You can get more information about these services, both from the
telephone company you are using and your bank.
MORTGAGE AND LOANS
A mortgage is borrowed money to buy a home. A loan is also borrowed money for other
Reasons, such as to buy a car, or a TV. You must pay back part of the borrowed money
Each month with interest. If you end up not being able to repay the borrowed money, there
Is a provincial government agency that will give you free advice and counselling on what to
Do. Look in the provincial government section in the Blue Pages under “Debt Counselling”
Or “Debtor Assistance” for address and telephone number.
PST AND GST
Whenever you buy something in B.C., you must pay seven per cent Provincial Sales
Tax ( PST) and seven per cent Federal Goods and Services Tax ( GST). There is, however,
No PST on clothes for children under 15 years old. If you have a low income, you can get a
GST credit, meaning the government sends back money to you four times a year. To apply
For this return, you need to fill in the special page of the income tax form.
INCOME TAX
All the working people have income tax taken off their pay cheque each time. Still,
Everyone has to fill in a tax form each year and send it to the Revenue Canada by April
30th. If too much tax was taken off your pay cheques, the government may send you
back that amount. Similarly, you may have to pay more to the government because not
enough money was taken off your pay cheques.
Self-employed people who own businesses have to pay income tax as well. Non-working
people, or no income people also have to fill in the tax form. During March and April, many
community organizaitons give free help with filling in income tax forms. You can also pay
someone to help you fill up the forms. For more information, contact Revenue Canada
at 689-5411 ( in Vancouver), 363-0121 ( in Victoria) and 1-800-959-8281 ( elsewhere).
PROPERTY TAX
Everyone who owns a house, land, or buildings must also pay property tax. Your
municipality office sends you a bill once or twice a year. You can also pay your property tax
as part of your mortgage.
INVESTING MONEY
Depending on you need, there are a number of ways available to invest your money.
TERM DEPOSITS AND GICs :
Term deposits or Guaranteed Investment Certificates ( GICs) pay more interest than
Savings accounts.
CANADA SAVINGS BONDS AND TREASURY BILLS :
When you buy Canada Savingsbonds and Treasury Bills, you are lending money
To the government. In return, the government pays you interest on the bonds.
RRSPs :
Registered Retirement Savings Plan ( RRSP) let you invest money for your
Retirement. Putting money in a RRSP can lower the taxes you pay every year. If you
Are working or earning money from a business, you can put money in an RRSP. If
You take out some or all of the money before you retire, you will have to pay tax on it.
In that case, the tax is lower if your income is low.
LARGER INVESTMENT :
You may want to buy shares in a corporation, join with others in a “mutual” investment
Fund, or invest in other ways that may fit your need.
For further information on the options available, contact any bank, credit union, or trust
Companies. You may also talk to an investment/financial planner for advice.
HEALTH CARE
B.C. HEALTH INSURANCE :- B.C. government has a hospital insurance and a
medical Insurance plan. These plans are for British Columbia residents only.
Canadian citizens, landed immigrants and conventin refugees are all eligible.
REGISTERING FOR HEALTH INSURANCE :- you do not need to register or
pay for hospital insurance. To receive insurance through the Medical Services
Plan ( MSP), for medical services including doctors’ fees, you must register. If
you don’t , you will have to pay for these services yourself, which may be very high.
To register for medical insurance, call383-7151 ( in Vancouver ), 386-7171
( in Victoria ) and 1-800-663-7100 ( elsewhere in B.C.).
Even after registering, you will not get insurance protection immediately, you will
need to complete a waiting period that includes the rest of the month in which you
became a residentof B.C., plus two months. You should get temporary insurance
from a private insurance company for the waiting period. When your MSP
coverage begins, everyone in your family will get a “Care Card” with the person’s
name and a personal health number. Sign your card and always take it with
you when you visit a doctor or hospital.
HEALTH INSURANC E FEES :- MSP insurance coverage is not free. You
must pay a monthly fee, which varies if you are a single person or a family
of two or a family of three or more.
Some government-sponsored refugees are eligible for free MSP coverage.
But if you have a job, your payments may be taken off your pay cheque for the
coverage. You do not have to pay for hospital costs if you are a permanent
resident. If you are a refugee Claimant, you must get the “Interim Federal Health”
paper form the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office to go to a hospital.
The Canadian government will pay the hospital costs.
If you call an ambulance to go to the hospital, in case of an emergency, you will
have to Pay for it. The MSP will not pay for an ambulance.
FINDING A DOCTOR
There are two types of doctors in B.C. (a) family doctors, and (b) specialists. Family doctors
take care of most medical problems, whereas the specialists treat special health problems.
e.g. heart disease. Family doctor may refer you to a specialist if needed.
To find a family doctor, you may ask your friend or contact an immigrant settlement agency.
Some hospital may have a list of doctors who are taking new patients. Or simply look in the
Yellow Pages under “Physicians and Surgeons.”
MSP will not for regular dental services. If you have a job, your employer may have a dental
plan that you can join. Some public health units have dental clinics. They give free dental
check ups and cleanings to young children and low-cost dental care to older children and
adults. To find a dental clinic in your area, look in the Blue Pages under “Dental Clinics” in
the Cities and Municipalities Section.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
You must have a doctor’s prescription to buy prescription drugs at a pharmacy. You can
However, buy some drugs without a prescription. Such drugs are called “Non-prescription
Drugs.”
PHARMACARE PROGRAM
It is a B.C. government program. It may return some of the money you paid for
Prescription drugs you bought in B.C. For more information, call 682-6849 ( in Vancouver),
952-2866 ( in Victoria ) and 1-800-554-0250 ( elsewhere in B.C.).
PUBLIC HEALTH UNITS
Many communities have public health units. These are medical offices where community
health nurses and doctors give free health care information to families. In case of a serious
health problem, public health nurses may be able to help you in your own home. They can
also help women prepare for a new baby and visit them at home after the baby is born and
give immunizations to babies and children for polio, measles etc. For more information about
the health unit in your area, look in the Blue Pages for the “Health Authorities” section.
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Canada is a multicultural country. The government encourages people to take pride in their
language, religion and culture. It also encourages all Canadian to treat each other with
respect and to contribute to the Canadian society by taking part in community activities.
Canada has human rights laws that protect people from many kinds of discrimination.
It is discrimination if someone does not give you a job or a place to live because they
don’t like your age, race, ethnic or national origin, skin colour, family or marital status,
religion, disability, sex or sexual orientation. You can get help if you have a problem
with such discrimination. Call the Canadian Human Rights Commission at 666-2251
( in Vancouver) and 1-800-999-6899 ( elsewhere). Or call the B.C. Human Rights
Commission at 660-6811 ( in Vancouver), 387-3710 ( in Victoria) and 1-800-663-0876
( elsewhere in B.C. ).
A permanent resident/Canadian citizen may sponsor a relative to come to live in Canada. To
Do this you :
must be 19 years old or older,
must prove that you have enough money to take care of the relative(s) sponsored,
while they settle in Canada.
For more information regarding this issue, contact the Citizenship and Immigration
Canada Office.
Landed immigrants can leave Canada for short holidays or family visits. If you plan to make
long trips outside Canada, especially if it is for more than 183 days, you must get a “returning
resident permit” from Citizenship and Immigration Canada office. Otherwise, you may lose
your permanent resident status in Canada.
DEPORTATION
Permanent resident may be asked to leave Canada permanently. Some of the reasons of
Deportation are :-
1. if convicted of a serious crime before they came to Canada and didn’t tell Citizenship and
Immigration Canada about it.
2. if convicted of a serious crime while in Canada.
3. if lied or used false documents to enter Canada.
4. if broke promise to the Canadian government, e.g., if a person came to Canada on an
immigrant visa with a condition to marry someone within 90 days, but didn’t get married if the government decides to deport someone, that person should get
information about the laws about it and act on it by contacting a immigration lawyer
immediately.
After three years or more years living Canada, landed immigrants may apply for Canadian
Citizenship. Immigrant citizens have the same right as born Canadian citizens.
Canada allows dual citizenship, meaning you can be a Canadian citizen and a citizen of
another country at the same time. But Nepal does not allow dual citizenship.
REQUIREMENT TO BECOME CANADIAN CITIZEN
To become a Canadian citizen, you must
be 18 years old or older.
(ii) be a landed immigrant/permanent resident.
(iii) have lived in Canada as a permanent resident for three of the last four years.
(iv) speak some English/French.
know something about Canadian history, geography, and political system.
know your rights and responsibilities as a citizen of Canada.
(vii) have a clean record with the police and the Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
(viii) take the oath of citizenship.
Parents must apply for children who are under 18 years old, and may do so at the time
of their own application.
APPLYING FOR THE CITIZENSHIP
To apply for Canadian citizenship, call the Citizenship and Immigration Canada office.
Ask for an “Application for Citizenship” forms package. You will need an application form
For each adult and child in your family. Complete the application form(s), attach all the
Necessary documents and fees, and mail the application to the Citizenship Case Processing
Centre in Sydney, Nova Scotia. The address is on the forms package.
You may want to join a citizenship class to help you prepare for the citizenship test. For more
information, contact your local immigrant settlement agency, school, community college or
library.
GOVERNMENT
Canada has three levels of governments. All three are elected by the citizens of Canada.
1. Federal Government :- This is also called the government of Canada, looks after
the responsibilities such as immigration, national defense and the international trade.
2. Provincial Government :- Canada is divided into ten provinces and three
territories, each of which has it’s own government.
The responsibilities of the government includes
Education, highways and hospitals.
3. Municipal Government :- This is the local government of a city, town or village.
It’s responsibilities includes fire protection, recreation,
city streets and other local matters.
Help for new immigrants at the airport :- The Community Airport Newcomers’
Network ( CANN) welcomes new immigrants at the Vancouver International airport. It also helps the new comers to get the information and services they need. For further information please contact CANN at
#280 – 8191 Westminster Highway
Richmond, B.C. , V6X 1A7
Tel. (604) 270-0077; Fax (604) 270-6008
b) Agencies to Help Immigrants/Refugees :- There are immigrant settlement agencies in most locations in B.C. These agencies are there to help immigrants and refugees alike. Such helps includes getting interpreters to help find jobs, housing and English classes. Some of these agencies located in Vancouver are listed below :-
Inland Refugee Society
100 – 1720 Grant Street
Vancouver, B.C. , V5L 2Y7; Tel. (604) 251-3360, Fax (604) 254-2321
Immigrant Services Society of B.C.
501 – 333 Terminal Ave.
Vancouver, B.C. , V6A 2L7; Tel. (604) 684-2561, Fax (604) 684-2266
Immigrant Services Society Welcome House
530 Drake Street
Vancouver, B.C. , V6B 2H3; Tel. (604) 684-7498, Fax (604) 684-5683
Pacific Immigrant Resources Society
385 South Boundary Road
Vancouver, B.C. , V5K 4S1; Tel. (604) 298-5888, Fax (604) 298-0747
MOSAIC
2nd floor, 1720 Grant Street
Vancouver, B.C. , V5L 2Y7; Tel. (604) 254-9626, Fax (604) 254-3932
SUCCESS
28 West Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C. , V6B 1R6; Tel. (604) 684-1628, Fax (604) 684-3328
Adjusting to Life in Canada :- Most immigrants are exalted about starting a new life when they arrive in Canada. But as it takes time for them to get adjusted, which is often rather difficult, some may feel too worried and irritable. Finding a job, housing or school may not be that easy. Consequently, some may be unable to sleep, others may get stomach problems or headache. Such problems/symptoms are considered normal under the circumstances. It may help to talk over these problems with family, friends or counsellors at an immigrant settlement agency like the ones listed above under agencies.
d) Checklist of things to do immediately after arriving in British Columbia :-
(I) Apply for Social Insurance Number ( SIN ) chap. Finding job
(ii) Register for health insurance. Chap. health care
(iii) If you have no money to live on, you may apply for financial help from the provincial government. See next section e.
(iv) Apply for the Child Tax Benefit for children under 18 years old. The federal government sends monthly cheques to some families. The cheque is usually issued and sent to the mother. If you are a low income working family with children, you may be eligible for the B.C. Benefits Family Bonus. To find out about these benefits, please call 669-7815 ( in Vancouver ) and 1-800-387-1193 ( Elsewhere in B.C.).
e) Social Assistance/Welfare :- Those immigrants ( some refugee claimants as well) who
may not find jobs and have no money to live on, may qualify for some financial help from the provincial government. This financial help is known as “welfare” or “B.C. Benefits” or “income assistance.” For this benefit, please visit the nearest Income Support Program office of the Ministry of Human Resources. Telephone number and address may be obtained from the Blue Pages of the Telephone Book.
f) Food Banks :- Many communities in B.C. have food banks for people who need emergency food. Each food bank has different rules. Food Banks are run by the donation collected from people in the community.Check before you go there. To find the Food Bank in your area, please look in the White Pages of the Telephone Book under “Food Bank.”
f) 1. Telephone Book :-
The telephone books may have several sections. Sometimes they come separately.
(i)The Front Pages : It has area codes, emergency numbers and community
Information.
(i) The White Pages : It lists the names, addresses and phone numbers of people and businesses and is listed in alphabetical order.
(ii) The Blue Pages : It lists government offices. First listed is the government of Canada, then the provincial government and lastly listed is the municipality government you are living in.
(iii) The Yellow Pages : It lists businesses under the type of business, ie, doctors,
restaurants and pharmacies.
2. Long Distance Calls
Telephone number beginning with 1-800, 1-888 and 1-877 are called “ toll free
numbers,” meaning you do not have to pay for the call. It is free. The telephone numbers
beginning with 1-900 are called “pay per call numbers,” meaning you have to pay for the
call. It is not free.
To make a long distance call, from a pay phone dial :
(i) 0 + 604 + seven digit local number ( In lower mainland area of B.C.)
(ii) 0 + 250 + seven digit local number ( In rest of B.C.)
(iii) 0 + area code + local number ( In Canada, United States, Mexico and the
Caribbean).
(iv) 01 + country code + area code + local number ( Rest of the world).
(v) 01 + 977 + area code + local number ( Nepal). 1 is the area code for Kathmandu.
Post Office
All mail destined in Canada must include the postal code. If you do not have the
postal code, you may find it from the postal code book available at any post office
free of charge. Postage required on regular letter ( ie, less than 30g. for Canada
and the United States, and 20g. for rest of the world) is :
(i) 46 cents in Canada,
(ii) 55 cents to the United States, and
(iii) 95 cents to rest of the world.
Bigger/heavier than the regular letter cost more accordingly.
Metric and Imperial measure
Usually both metric and imperial measurements are used in Canada. The conversion table below may be helpful to you :
To Convert Into Multiply By
gallon ( imperial) liters 4.506
gallon ( U.S.) liters 3.785
grams ounces 0.035
kilograms pounds 2.205
kilometers miles 0.621
centimeters inches 0.394
feet meters 0.305
These are some of the Abbreviations and Acronyms commonly used in Canada :
B.C. British Columbia
BCSIP British Columbia Settlement and Integration Program
CPP Canada Pension Plan
CIC Citizenship and Immigration Canada
CPR Canadian Pacific Railway
EI Employment Insurance
CANN Community Airport Newcomers’ Network
ESL English as a Second Language
GIC Guaranteed Investment Certificate
GST Goods and Services Tax
ICBC Insurance Corporation of BC
ICES International Credential Evaluation Service
ID Identification
IFH Interim Federal Health
MSP Medical Services Plan
NCSBC Nepal Cultural Society of BC
OLA Open Learning Agency
PST Provincial Sales Tax
RCMP Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RRSP Registered Retirement Savings Plan
SAFER Shelter Aid for Elderly Rental
SIN Social Insurance Number
TV Television
WCB Workers’ Compensation Board
YMCA Young Men’s Christian Association
YWCA Young Women’s Christian Association
Natural disasters, such as floods, forest fire, snowstorms or a major earthquake may
Occur anytime, on which we may not have any control. But if you are prepared, you can
Reduce the risks involved. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to shut off
The gas, water and electricity.
If an earthquake strikes, the secret to survival will be to avoid panic. In a major quake
The ground can pitch and roll like the deck of a ship in a storm. Your chances of survival
Are best if you remain calm and prepared.
Here is what you can do:
BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE
Assemble a family emergency pack containing food, water, medications and first
Aid supplies and battery-operated radio and flashlight with extra batteries.
Fasten hot water heater securely in place and tall furniture solidly to walls.
Take a current, approved first aid course.
Prepare a family emergency plan and practise it regularly.
Know the best way to reach the nearest emergency first aid station.
Be prepared to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours.
DURING THE EARTHQUAKE
If you are in a building : 1. stay there and take cover beneath sturdy furniture
or in doorways. Stay close to the centre of the building
and away from glass window.
Don’t ignite candles, matches or lighters.
Remain clear of areas subject to the danger of falling
debris.
If you are in outdoors : Stay away from buildings and overhead power lines.
If you are in a moving car : Stop in a clear area away from bridges and overpasses
And stay inside the car.
3. AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE
Assess situation, check for injuries, treat your own injuries and if qualified give
First aid.
b) Inspect gas, water and electric lines. If in doubt, shut off mains. If there is a gas
leak, open windows, leave building and report to authorities.
c) Consult radio or TV for emergency information.
d) Stay out of damaged building.
e) Make phone call only for life threatening emergencies. Don’t overload the phones
needlessly.
f) Provide emergency help to those about you and remain calm until help arrives.
- Police 9-1-1
- Ambulance 9-1-1
- Fire 9-1-1
- Poison Control Centre 682-5050, 682-2344, or 1-800-567-8911
- Hospital in your area, See Yellow Pages under “Hospital”
- Family Physician … ….
- Neighbor/Relative … ….
- Crime Stoppers ( Tips Line) 669-8477, 1-800-222-8477
- Earthquake, Flood, Spills and Tsunami ( 24 hrs.) 1-800-663-3456
- Sexual Assault ( victim) centre 255-6344
- Children Helpline ( child abuse and neglect) Dial “0”, ask for Zenith 1234
- Youth Against Violence 775-4264, or 1-800-680-4264
- Victim Information Line 1-800-563-0808
- National Crime Prevention Centre 1-877-302-6272
- B.C. Safe School Centre 1-888-224-7233
- B.C. Block Watch Society 1-888-405-2288
QUICK GUIDE TO A FIRST AID PROVIDER
- Keep Calm:
1. Note the cause of the accident and number of casualties. Don’t injure yourself or
further injure the victim in a foolish attempt at rescue.
2. Determine what treatments have been administered.
- Send for Help:
1. Use the Emergency Procedures as described above.
- Give First Aid:
1. Give first aid until relieved by emergency personnel.
2. Do not move victim unless absolutely necessary.
3. Check responsiveness.
4. Check airway, breathing and circulation.
5. Stop serious bleeding.
6. Check for broken bones or other injuries.
7. Locate medical alert tags, if any.
8. Assist emergency personnel when they arrive by providing pertinent information.
- Having a list of emergency phone numbers handy can save precious time when it
Counts most.
- If you have difficulty speaking, have a friend record a message, giving your name and address that you can use in the event of an emergency. Keep the tape in a
Recorder next to your phone.
- Wherever 9-1-1 is available, the address and phone number of the registered phone
Line will be displayed in most cases. This means even if the caller is unable to
Speak.
- For the quickest response from emergency teams, follow the Procedures
carefully:
- Don’t panic. Assess the situation.
- Determine the type of emergency.
- Dial 9-1-1 or appropriate emergency number.
- Give the following information/answer to the dispatcher’s questions clearly and
Concisely:
1. Type of emergency.
2. What help is needed.
3. Exact address with cross-street.
4. Telephone number.
5. How many people require help.
6. What treatment is being administered.
e) Don’t hang up until told to do so by the dispatcher.