Kamloops - WelcomeBC

British ColumbiaNewcomers’ Guideto Resources and ServicesKamloops Edition

Library and Archives CanadaCataloguing in Publication DataMain entry under title:British Columbia newcomers’ guide to resources and services.– June 1999 –Irregular.“Immigrant settlement”.Issued also in multiple other language eds.Issued also on the Internet.Imprint varies.ISSN 1493-8065 = British Columbia newcomers’ guide toresources and services1. Human services - British Columbia. 2. Immigrants -Services for - British Columbia. I. British Columbia. MinistryResponsible for Multiculturalism and Immigration. II. BritishColumbia. Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’sServices. III. British Columbia. Welcome BC.HV4013.B74 361.97.11 C00-801748-4

British ColumbiaNewcomers’ Guideto Resources and ServicesKamloops Edition2013

Please note2013 Kamloops Edition: The information in this guide is up to date at the time of printing. Names, addressesand telephone numbers may change, and publications go out of print, without notice. For more up-to-dateinformation, please visit: www.WelcomeBC.caThis guide has been written using the Canadian Language Benchmark 4 (CLB 4) level to meet the needs ofnon-English speaking newcomers.To order copies of the BritishColumbia Newcomers GuideThe B.C. Newcomers’ Guide is available in a web versionat: www.WelcomeBC.ca Print copies of the provincialedition book are available free of charge while quantitieslast. The provincial edition is also available in thefollowing languages: Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese(Traditional), Farsi (Persian), French, Korean, Punjabi,Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.You can order copies of the provincial edition by fillingin the resource order form at: www.WelcomeBC.ca Youcan also request copies by telephone, fax, or e-mail. Pleaseinclude your contact name, address, postal code, andphone number with “B.C. Newcomers’ Guide - English#7550001438” in the subject line.Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training5 th Floor – 605 Robson StreetVancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3Telephone: 604 660-2203E-mail: DCVCustomerSer@gov.bc.caCreditsIllustrations: Gillian Ruemke-Douglas and Nola JohnstonMap of British Columbia (inside back cover): Tourism BCPhotographs courtesy of the following:City of Kamloops - Ken WouInsurance Corporation of British ColumbiaLaw Courts Education Society of British ColumbiaGary LinnNatural Eye InstitutePictureBCThe ProvinceTourism BCTourism KamloopsTourism VancouverThe Westcoast ReaderAcknowledgements(2013 Kamloops Edition)• Barbara Carver, Baytree Communications(Project Coordinator and Editor)• Anne MacLaurin (Researcher and Writer)• Alan Bagshaw, Canvas Plus (Graphic Design)• Brandon Leudke, Leudke Creative (Graphic Design)• Andrea Scott, Big Red Pen (Proofreading)• Carrie Davies (Fact Checking)• Timothy Tucker (Project Coordinator)• Joan Acosta (Editor, 2012 Provincial Edition)• Emily Hunter (Researcher, 2012 Provincial Edition)Thank youThe British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide, Kamloops Editionwould not be possible without the help of all the individuals,agencies, and government organizations who contributed tothis book.Special thanks are also extended to the following individualsand organizations for their hard work and dedication to the2013 B.C. Newcomers’ Guide and its translations:• Jody Johnson, School District #41(Review and analysis)• La Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (Francophone content)• The Provincial Language Service (Translation)The British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide, Kamloops Editionwas made possible due to the efforts and support of:• Jennifer Casorso, City of Kamloops• Paul Lagace, Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society• Cindy Fisher and Kyle Mattson, City of Kamloops• Jennifer Neis, Kamloops Literacy Society• Brad Lyon, Northern Lights College• Jane Harper, South Peace Community Resource SocietyNewcomers’ Guide Advisory Committee Members:Sandra Cabrera (Storefront Orientation Services), ShermanChan (M.O.S.A.I.C.), Dominic Fung (Immigration andWelcomeBC Branch), Hye Soon Kim (Inter-CulturalAssociation of Greater Victoria), Donna Lo (AbbotsfordCommunity Services & Chilliwack Community Services),Aurea Lucas (S.U.C.C.E.S.S.), Sharon Pannu (Immigrant &Multicultural Services Society of Prince George).This project is made possible through funding from theGovernment of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Welcome to British Columbia!Every year we welcome more than 40,000new immigrants to beautiful BritishColumbia, a place where newcomers fromaround the world are choosing to live, workand raise their families.In B.C. we are putting families first, and part of our job is to ensure that youfeel at home and have access to the resources and services you need to thrive inour province.To help you in your journey, we are happy to offer you the 2013 BritishColumbia Newcomers’ Guide, Kamloops Edition. Previous editions of this guidehave helped many new immigrants over the years, and I know it will help youand your family find the information and services you need so that you canconfidently settle in your new home – British Columbia.Inside this guide you’ll find important information about topics such ashousing, banking, health care, education, driving, employment and business,the legal system, government, citizenship and much more.Immigrants play an important role in British Columbia, and I am thrilled towelcome you to our province. I wish you well in your journey to settle andadapt to your new life.Thank you for choosing British Columbia as your new home.Honourable Pat BellMinister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training

Welcome to Kamloops!Kamloops continues to shine as one ofthe best places in British Columbia tolive, raise a family, work and invest. We aremoving forward in such a positive way, gainingnational recognition for the quality of life we offerour citizens. Our economy is situated to continually grow for yearsto come, which will have even more wanting to make this greatcommunity home.There is always something to do in Kamloops for all ages, and we continueto ensure that we put forward programs and investment that offer healthylifestyle opportunities for everyone.On behalf of Council, I wish to extend a heartfelt welcome to everyonevisiting our community, and I am confident that you will quickly feel partof our City and discover why we are proud to call Kamloops home.Mayor Peter Milobar

Table of of ContentsWelcome to Kamloops, British Columbia1About British Columbia and Kamloops 3Chapter 1: Arriving in B.C. and the First Few Days 11Chapter 2: Finding a Place to Live 26Chapter 3: Money and Banking 38Chapter 4: Health Care 44Chapter 5: Education 52Chapter 6: Help for Individuals and Families 62Chapter 7: Cars and Driving 74

Table of ContentsChapter 8: Employment and Business 84Chapter 9: The Legal System 97Chapter 10: Government and Citizenship 104Chapter 11: Community, Culture and Sports 112Chapter 12: Environment 118Abbreviations and acronyms 124Index125Questionnaire130

Using the B.C. Newcomers’ GuideNewcomers’ Guide VideosNewcomers’ Guide videos are now available online through the WelcomeBC website. Thesevideos have more information on some of the topics covered in this guide. The videos areavailable in 11 different languages. To view the videos online, go to www.WelcomeBC.ca orscan the Quick Response (QR) codes to view them on your smartphone. Learn more aboutQR codes below.Throughout the guide, you will see symbols like this one next to sometopics. These are QR codes that you can scan with your smartphoneusing software such as ScanLife. When you scan a QR code, it willplay the Newcomers’ Guide video for that topic on your smartphone.If you do not have a QR code reader on your smartphone, go towww.getscanlife.com from your mobile browser to download the freeapplication. Standard data usage rates apply.2

About British Columbia and Kamloops• History• Major cities• Geography• Time Zones• Climate• Industry• B.C.'s First People• SettlersCanada has about 34 million people. About4.5 million people live in British Columbia(B.C.). Most British Columbians live in thesouthern part of the province.Canada has two official languages: English andFrench. In B.C. most people speak English.B.C. is one of Canada’s ten provinces. It isa very large province—larger than manycountries in the world. For example, it isfour times larger than Great Britain.B.C. is on the west coast of Canada. It isbetween the Rocky Mountains and thePacific Ocean. It has many mountains,rivers, lakes and forests.Kamloops became a city in 1893. Today,85,000 people live here and the city is growingfast. Kamloops has a relaxed lifestyle with goodrestaurants, theatre, arts and culture. Residentsenjoy outdoor activities such as camping,biking, hiking, skiing, fishing, hunting,boating and canoeing. Kamloops has oneof the best climates in Canada.Major citiesMetro Vancouver is the biggest city in BritishColumbia, and the third largest city in Canada.More than two million people live here.Victoria is the capital city of B.C. It is onVancouver Island. About 375,000 peoplelive in and around Victoria, and the B.C.government meets here.Prince George is the largest city in northernBritish Columbia. It provides services toNorthern B.C. About 83,000 people live inPrince George.3BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

About British Columbia and Kamloops3797Deas Lake77Fort NelsonNECHAKONORTH COAST37Stewart37PRINCE RUPERT Terrace1637MassetKitimat16HazeltonSmithers16HoustonPEACE/NORTHEASTNECHAKOBurns LakeVanderhoofMackenzie97Fort St James97Fort St JohnChetwynd27PRINCE GEORGE24ClintonDawson CreekCache Lillooet16TumblerRidgeLyttonMcBrideLoganLakeMerrit5ClearwaterLittle Fort5KAMLOOPS97KelownaTHOMPSONSicamousSalmon ArmVernonRevelsto6VANCOUVER ISLAND/CENTRAL COASTPort McNeillPort HardyCampbellRiverTofinoUclueletPortAlberniWellsQuesnelBarkervilleCARIBOO/CENTRALAnahim LakeAlexis CreekPrinceton PentictonVANCOUVERHopeCastlegar33 33Abbotsford97NANAIMOMAINLAND/SOUTHWESTValemount Princeton PentictonHopeCastlegar33 33Abbotsford9797 100 MileHouseClearwater THOMPSON-OKANAGAN24Little Fort935GoldenClintonRevelstokeCache CreekLillooet KAMLOOPS SicamousLoganSalmon ArmInvermereLake97Whistler 99VernonLyttonPowellMerritNakuspKOOTENAYRiver5KELOWNA 6 Kaslo6 3AKimberleyVICTORIAWILLIAMS LAKENelson CRANBROOK6 313Other cities in British Columbia:• Kelowna is in the interior of the province. It is on Okanagan Lake, and is at the centreof a large fruit-growing and wine-producing area.• Penticton and Vernon are also in the Okanagan Valley.• Nanaimo is on Vancouver Island.• Fort St. John is in Northern B.C.• Cranbrook is in Eastern B.C.4

About British Columbia and KamloopsGeographyBritish Columbia is on the WestCoast of Canada, between the RockyMountains and the Pacific Ocean.It is a land of mountains, rivers, forests,islands and coastlines. The RockyMountains are in the eastern part ofthe province. The Coast Mountains arenear the Pacific Ocean. Forests covermost of the province. Much of BritishColumbia is wild country.There are not many roads and towns in Northern B.C., and people must drive long distancesfrom one town to another. Most British Columbians live in the southern part of the province,close to the United States border.The area around Vancouver, south toward the U.S. border, and east toward the town of Hope,is called Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, or the Lower Mainland. More than 2 millionpeople—half the population of the province—live here.Kamloops is in the B.C. interior, where the North and South Thompson Rivers meet. It is hasgrasslands and sandstone canyons, and has a geography and appearance that is very differentfrom the rest of B.C.!British Columbia’sProvincial FlowerBritish Columbia has its ownflag. The Pacific Dogwood isB.C.’s provincial flower.Kamloops was built along the Thompson River, and bridgesconnect the city centre to the North Shore.Time ZonesLike most of B.C. Kamloops is in the Pacific time zone.Small areas near the Rocky Mountains are in the mountaintime zone. Most of B.C. is on daylight saving time (DST)in the spring and summer. (Note: The area around Fort St.John is not on DST.)Most of B.C. is in the Pacific Time Zone and on daylightsaving time (DST) in the spring and summer. In areas onDST, people turn their clocks back one hour in November.In March, they turn their clocks forward one hour.5BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

About British Columbia and KamloopsClimateBritish Columbia has four seasons:Winter (December to February)Spring (March to May)Summer (June to August)Fall (September to November)The climate varies in different parts of B.C. The coast has a mild climate all year around.Summers on the coast are warm and winters are rainy and mild. The interior, or central areaof the province, is usually cold and snowy in the winter and the summers are hot and sunny.In the north, winters are long and cold with lots of snow, and summers are short.Kamloops has a dry climate with hot summers and mild winters. The weather here isconsidered among the best in Canada.6

About British Columbia and KamloopsPreparing for winterWinters along the coast are usually veryrainy. You will need an umbrella, raincoat,and rain boots. In the interior and northernregions, winters can be very cold. It isimportant to wear warm winter clothingwhen you are outside. Most people wearthick coats or jackets, scarves, hats, andgloves or mittens. If it is snowing, boots willkeep your feet warm and dry. Many peoplewear boots outside and take shoes to wearindoors at work or school.On very cold days, some people wear longunderwear under their clothes. This specialunderwear is made from warm materials.Children usually feel cold more. It isimportant to dress children warmly inwinter.IndustryService industries make up three quartersof B.C.’s economy. They include finance(banks, credit unions, trust companies, andmortgage companies), insurance, real estate,transportation (trucks, buses, taxis), retailand wholesale trade, tourism, and healthservices (nurses, doctors, technicians).Forestry, construction, mining, fishing, andfarming are also very important.The Kamloops economy includes tourism,agriculture, forestry, mining, manufacturing/retail, and high tech. The major employersin this area are the health care authority, thelocal school district, and the university.7BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

About British Columbia and KamloopsKamloops has excellent transportationlinks. Many sports hold their competitionsin Kamloops, and it promotes itself as atournament capital.B.C.’s first peopleAboriginal people have lived for thousandsof years in the area that is now called BritishColumbia. Today, about 200,000 Aboriginalpeople live in B.C. About five percent ofpeople in B.C. are Aboriginal.There are three main groups of Aboriginalpeople in Canada: First Nations, Métis andInuit. They have many different cultures,languages, and traditions. Sixty percent ofFirst Nations languages in Canada are foundin B.C. British Columbia has 32 languagesand 59 dialects.Métis are people of mixed Aboriginal andEuropean ancestry. Culture and historyare important parts of being Métis. Theirlanguage is Michif. Inuit people live innorthern Canada. They speak Inuktitut.Before people came here from Europe,Aboriginal people had their own societies,cultures, lands, and laws. In the past, thefederal and provincial governments tried tochange the way of life of Aboriginal people.For example, children were taken away toschools, and were not allowed to see theirfamilies or speak their own language. NowAboriginal people live in cities, towns and intheir own communities. Aboriginal peopleand the governments of B.C. and Canada areworking to make treaties (agreements) to keepAboriginal rights and lands, and to improveeducation and health in their communities.Many names of places in B.C. are namedafter Aboriginal words, for example:Nanaimo, Tsawwassen, Sooke, Esquimalt,Kamloops, and Chilliwack. The name ofthe country, Canada, is Aboriginal in origin.“Canada” is from the word “kanata” whichin Huron-Iroquois language means “village”or “settlement”.The Shuswap or Secwepemc (pronouncedsuh-Wep-muhc) people occupy a vastterritory of the interior of British Columbia.This traditional territory stretches from theColumbia River Valley along the RockyMountains, west to the Fraser River, andsouth to the Arrow Lakes. Most Secwepemcpeople live in the river valleys.The Tk’emlupsemc, “the people of theconfluence (where rivers meet)”, are nowknown as the Tk’emlups Indian Band.They are members of the Interior-SalishSecwepemc (Shuswap) speaking peoples ofBritish Columbia.The word Kamloops is the Englishtranslation of the Shuswap word Tk’emlups,meaning “where the rivers meet.”8

About British Columbia and KamloopsToday, the Tk’emlups Indian Band occupies sixseparate reserves on the Interior Plateau, nearKamloops.KamloopsKamloops has a rich and diverse history thatincludes the Secwepemc, Cree-SaulteauxFirst Nations and European settlers. Majorhistorical events include the fur trade, goldrush and construction of the CanadianPacific Railway. The Thompson River wasused as a trade route, and boats travelled upand down the river carrying food, suppliesand fur.British and Spanish explorers came to thePacific coast in the 1700s. The Britishexplorer George Vancouver arrived in 1792.Vancouver Island and the city of Vancouverare named after him. Other Europeanexplorers came to the Pacific coast by riverand on land. One of these early explorerswas Simon Fraser. The Fraser River is namedafter him. People found gold along the FraserRiver in 1857. Thousands of people came toB.C. to look for gold.Between 1880 and 1885, workers built theCanadian Pacific Railway (CPR) acrossCanada. The CPR joined the country fromeast to west.Since 1885, B.C. has grown quickly. Inthe last 100 years, people from all over theworld have come here to live. In 2012, thepopulation of B.C. was about 4.6 million.Kamloops has been a ranching communitysince the 19th century and ranching is still anintegral part of the lifestyle of many residents.The City of Kamloops has more informationabout the history the city.City of Kamloops7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828-3311www.city.kamloops.bc.ca/museum/history.shtmlIn 1867, the provinces of Ontario, Quebec,New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia joinedtogether to form Canada. British Columbiajoined Canada in 1871. At that time, it wasestimated that about 36,000 people livedin B.C. There were many more Aboriginalpeople than newcomers.9BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

About British Columbia and KamloopsWhere to go forinformationTo get more information aboutBritish Columbia:• Go to the B.C. government website:www.WelcomeBC.ca• Ask at your local library for books andmaps of B.C.• Visit Service BC250 – 455 Columbia StreetTel: 250 828-4540www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/kamloops.html• For statistics about B.C.:www.bcstats.gov.bc.caTo get more information about the historyof Kamloops visit:• Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant SocietyTel: 778 470-6101E-mail: kis@immigrantservices.cawww.immigrantservices.ca• City of Kamloops7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828 3311E-mail: info@kamloops.cawww.kamloops.ca• Tourism Kamloops1290 West Trans Canada HighwayTel: 250 372-8000www.tourismkamloops.com• For tourist information:www.hellobc.com10

Chapter 1: Arriving in B.C. and the First Few Days• Arriving in B.C.• Help for newcomers• To-do checklist• Emergencies• Safety tips• Money• Metric and imperialmeasurements• Shopping• Social customs• Telephones andInternet• Post office• Transportation!Refugee claimantsRefugee claimants are people who live in Canada, butare waiting for a decision by the government to makethem permanent residents. They are not eligible for allgovernment benefits and programs for newcomers. Forexample, some refugee claimants may not have regularmedical insurance (MSP). For more information, seeChapter 4. Refugee claimants can apply for a workpermit and income assistance. Contact your localimmigrant settlement agency. They can help you applyfor government services.The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) mayprovide temporary health insurance to refugees,protected persons, and refugee claimants and theirdependants until they are eligible for provincial orterritorial or private health plan coverage. Resettledrefugees who already have provincial or territorialhealth insurance may receive extra health coveragethrough the IFHP for one year from the date theyarrive in Canada. This includes emergency dental,vision, and pharmaceutical care. Coverage may beextended for people with special needs.For more information, visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5568ETOC.aspHelp for newcomersat the airportMost people immigrating to Canadaand settling in British Columbia arriveat Vancouver International Airport. TheCommunity Airport Newcomers Network(CANN) welcomes immigrants and refugeeswho arrive at the Vancouver InternationalAirport. The service is located in theImmigration Landing Room at the airport’sInternational Arrival area. CANN providesorientation and information for newcomersin more than 20 languages.Community Airport Newcomers NetworkTel: 604 270-0077E-mail: cann@success.bc.cawww.success.bc.ca/cann11BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysVisiting VancouverYou might decide to visit Vancouver when you first arrivein British Columbia. More than 2 million people live in theVancouver area, more than half the people in the province.Most of British Columbia’s immigrants settle in Vancouverand the metropolitan area. There are many ethniccommunities to explore, including Chinatown, the PunjabiMarket and markets in Richmond, a suburb of Vancouver.Visitors to Vancouver enjoy shopping, scenery and outdooractivities like golf, sailing, cycling, hiking, skiing and running.Travelling to KamloopsMost people fly directly from Vancouver to Kamloops. Itwill take you less than one hour to fly. If you drive it willtake approximately 3.5 hours, depending on traffic androad conditions. If you take the bus it will takeapproximately five hours and cost less than 100 dollars.Where to stay when you arriveWhen you arrive in Kamloops, you will need a place to stay.Many newcomers stay with relatives or friends when they firstarrive. If you do not have friends or relatives in Kamloops,you can stay in a hotel or motel until you find a home.You can look in the telephone book’s yellow pages, underHostels, Hotels and Motels.The Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society can alsohelp you find a place to stay.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.ca!!Ask the ExpertDo you have questions aboutliving, working, or settling inB.C.?Contact WelcomeBC’s Ask theExpert. This service is FREEfrom the Government ofBritish Columbia.Visit: www.WelcomeBC.ca andclick on “Ask the Expert”Government-Assisted Refugees(GAR)Government-assisted refugeesare permanent residents.They get financial help fromCitizenship and ImmigrationCanada under the ResettlementAssistance Program (RAP).RAP helps with housing,food, clothing, health care,and access to provincial andfederal programs. For moreinformation, contact B.C.’s localimmigrant settlement agency,Immigrant Services Society ofBritish Columbia – ResettlementAssistance Program (RAP) at604 684-7498 in Vancouver,or call the Citizenship andImmigration Canada CallCentre at: 1 888 242-2100.Website: www.cic.gc.caFor more information on theCitizenship and ImmigrationCanada Call Centre, seeChapter 10.12

Chapter 1: Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysAgencies to helpnewcomersImmigrant settlement agencies give freehelp to newcomers. Most of these agencieshave interpreters and settlement workers.They can help newcomers look for housing,jobs, and English classes. They may also dotranslations. These agencies may help withimmigration problems.Translation andinterpreting servicesContact the Society of Translators andInterpreters of British Columbia at604 684-2940 or visit the website:www.stibc.org. You can also look inthe yellow pages, under Translators andInterpreters. These companies charge a fee.Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caChecklist of things to do right awayFFContact the Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society for information aboutyour community, jobs, finding a place to live, and language training.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caFFApply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). (See Chapter 8.)FFRegister for the Medical Services Plan (MSP). You will not have MSP for up to threemonths. Make sure you buy private medical insurance for that time. (See Chapter 4.)FFOpen a bank account. (See Chapter 3.)FFFind a place to live. Buy insurance for your homeand belongings. (See Chapter 2.)FFApply for the Canada Child Tax Benefit for childrenunder 18 years old. (See Chapter 3.)FFRegister children for school. (See Chapter 5.)FFApply for a B.C. driver’s licence. (See Chapter 7.)FFRegister for English classes. (See Chapter 5.)!NamesWhen you fill in forms for thegovernment, jobs, schools, andother agencies, make sure yourname is exactly the same as onyour passport and other officialdocuments.13BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Arriving in B.C. and the First Few Days!9-1-1 Tips• When the 9-1-1 calltakeranswers, say whichemergency service youneed: fire, police, orambulance.• Know your location (whereyou are calling from). Tellthe call-taker the city, youraddress, the cross streets,or other landmarks—forexample: a gas station,school, or store.• Learn directions—north,south, east, and west, fromwhere you are.• If you call 9-1-1 bymistake, do not hang up.Stay on the line and tellthem you do not needhelp. If you hang up, theywill not know if you areokay and may send thepolice.• Do not program yourphone to dial 9-1-1automatically.• Teach your children howto make a 9-1-1 call andwhat to say.EmergenciesPersonal safetyIn Kamloops, the emergency phonenumber for fire, police, and ambulanceis 9-1-1. The 9-1-1 call is free, evenfrom a pay phone. You can ask for helpin your own language if you do notspeak English. Learn to say the nameof your language in English.In some places, especially large cities, there are manycrimes. Be careful to protect yourself and your belongings.Criminals sometimes use other people’s personal informationfor crimes. This is called identity theft. Keep importantdocuments and information—such as your passport,Social Insurance Number, credit cards, and bank accountnumber—in a safe place.Lock your home, car, or bicycle. Do not leave extra keysoutside. Do not leave valuable things where someone can seethem and steal them.14

Chapter 1: Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysCanadian moneyMoney is also called cash—coins and bills. There are 100 cents inone dollar. Common bills (paper money) are $5, $10, $20, $50, and$100. Coins used in Canada are:• penny = 1 cent ($0.01)• nickel = 5 cents ($0.05)• dime = 10 cents ($0.10)• quarter = 25 cents ($0.25)• loonie = 1 dollar ($1.00)• toonie = two dollars ($2.00)The Canadian Government stopped making pennies (1 cent,$0.01) in May 2012, but they are still recognized as cash. Storeswill “round up” the cost of the item to the nearest five cents.toonienickelquarterdimepennyloonie• If something costs $1.01 or $1.02, you will pay $1.00• If something costs $1.06 or $1.07, you will pay $1.05• If something costs $1.03 or $1.04, you will pay $1.05• If something costs $1.08 or $1.09, you will pay $1.10Metric and imperial measureCanada’s official system is metric. People in Canada use both metricand imperial measurements, such as kilogram (kg) and pound (lb).Some stores have prices marked in both systems, and others use just onesystem. Distances and speed limits on roads are in kilometres (km) andgas is measured in litres (l). Canadians measuretemperature in degrees Celsius (C).ShoppingMost stores open around 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. and close by 6 p.m. Some stores may be open latein the evening. Many stores are closed on Sundays, but most grocery stores and departmentstores are open. People do not bargain for a lower price in stores that sell new products.Kamloops has several shopping centres, including the Aberdeen Mall, the largest in the B.C.Interior. There are also many shops downtown.Kamloops has a downtown farmers’ market, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables fromlocal farmers.15BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysSecond-hand stores, yard sales,and online salesSecond-hand and consignment stores sellused clothing, furniture, and other householditems, usually very cheaply. Churches andcharities often have thrift stores. You can alsodonate things you no longer need.On Saturday, the market is on St. Paul Streetbetween Second Avenue and Third Avenue.On Wednesday, the market is on Victoria St.,between Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue.The market runs in the mornings from themiddle of April to the last Saturday in October.You will usually pay a 7% Provincial SalesTax (PST) and a 5% federal Goods andServices Tax (GST) on most products andservices you buy.For information about the PST, visit thewebsite at: www.gov.bc.ca/pstFor information about the GST, visit thewebsite at: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/gnrl/hw-eng.htmlRefunds and exchangesIf you buy something and later you decide youdo not want it, you may be able to return orexchange the item. Stores do not have to takethings back, but some stores will return yourmoney or exchange items. Always keep yourreceipt and find out the rules about exchangesand refunds. Not all stores have the same rules.Check the yellow pages under Second HandStores.Often, people will sell things they no longerneed at a yard or garage sale at their home.Check the Classified Advertisements in thelocal newspaper and watch for small signsposted along the roadside. They are usuallyheld on Saturday mornings. If you bargain,you can sometimes bring down the price.Social customsWhen you leave your homeland and cometo live in a new country, everything seemsdifferent. People here may seem strangeto you because they speak and behavedifferently. They have different socialcustoms. Sometimes misunderstandingshappen because of these differences.Then you may feel confused or embarrassed.Watch how people behave together—forexample, how close they stand when theyspeak to each other, and so on.Canadian society may have different valuesfrom your culture’s. Canada’s society ismulticultural. By law, you have to respectother people’s lifestyles, beliefs, religion, andculture, and they have to respect yours.16

Chapter 1: Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysIn Canada, many couples live together withoutmarriage (common law). This is also trueof same-sex (gay, lesbian, or transgendered)couples. Same-sex marriage is legal in Canada.Many Canadians live in single-parent families(mother or father only) because the parentsare separated or divorced. Many others live inblended families where the children may befrom previous relationships.In B.C., it is against the law to smoke in publicbuildings. In public, you may drink alcoholonly in places that have a liquor licence.Most of the time, Canadians are easy-going(informal) and polite. Usually people call eachother by their first names. But this changeswith the social situation. For example, youshould call employers, clients or doctors bytheir title (Mr. for a man, Ms. for a woman,Mrs. for a married woman, Dr. for a doctor).If you know them, and know that they preferbeing on a first-name basis, call them by theirfirst name. If you are not sure, ask them.Canadians are serious about some things,such as time. If you have an appointment—for example, to see a doctor—you should bethere on time.If you have to cancel a doctor’s or dentist’sappointment, you should call at least 24hours before your appointment. Some placesrequire 48 hours’ notice. You should checkwhen you make the appointment. If you donot call to cancel, you may have to pay a fee.Canadians usually respect privacy. You shouldnot ask personal questions about how muchmoney someone makes, who they live with, whattheir religion is, what their sexual orientation is,or what property they own, unless you are gettingto know them well. These things depend on thesocial situation as well as individual differences.Try to learn more about Canadian socialcustoms. Communicate and make friends. Whenyou are not sure, ask friends, neighbours, andpeople at work. You can also talk to the people atyour settlement agency.Adjusting to life in CanadaMost newcomers are excited about their newlife when they first arrive in Canada. But aftera short time they may feel worried and irritablebecause it is often difficult to find jobs, housing,and schools. Also, learning a new languageis not easy. Newcomers may feel anxious ordepressed. Some people may have difficultysleeping, or they may have stomach problemsor headaches. It may help to talk about theseproblems with family, friends, or a doctor. Talkto a settlement worker at the Kamloops CaribooRegional Immigrant Society.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470 -6101www.immigrantservices.caTelephones and InternetThere are three kinds of telephones. Land linesare phones which work through a wire in yourhome. Cordless phones are attached to the wirein your home, but are portable around and nearyour home. For a phone in your home, you pay afixed monthly fee for all local calls. Long distancecalls are usually paid by the minute. Cell phones(mobile phones) are small, portable pocket phonesyou can take anywhere. Plans for cell phones canbe expensive. Make sure you understand all thecosts when you buy a cell phone.17BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysTelephone CallsWhen you make a telephone call, you usually have to dial 10 numbers. The first threenumbers are the area code.Local callsThere are four area codes in British Columbia: 236, 250, 604 and 778.In Kamloops, all phone numbers begin with 250 or 778, and are followed by seven othernumbers. In Metro Vancouver, all phone numbers begin with 236, 604 or 778.Coin-operated pay phones can be paid for by either coin or calling card. Rates are posted onthe phones. You can talk as long as you wish. You can find pay phones on streets, in shoppingmalls, and in public buildings.On private land-line phones, there is no charge for local calls. At a hotel or motel, you mayhave to pay an extra charge for each call you make from your room. (For more information onprivate phones, see Chapter 2.)Long distance callsFrom a pay phone:0 + 236, 604, 778 + local number – for calls to Metro Vancouver0 + 236, 250, 778 + local number – for calls to everywhere else in B.C.1 + area code + local number – Canada and the United States01 + country code + city code + local number – overseasThe operator tells you how much money to put into the telephone. You can also pay for longdistance calls with a credit card or prepaid phone card. If you want the person you are callingto pay, tell the operator you want to make a collect call.From a private phone:1 + 236, 604, 778 + local number – for calls to Metro Vancouver1 + 236, 250, 778 + local number – for calls to everywhere else in B.C.1 + area code + local number – Canada, United States, and the Caribbean011 + country code + city code + local number – overseas18

Chapter 1: Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysIt is cheaper to dial directly from a privatephone. It may also be cheaper to make longdistance calls on weekends, weekday evenings,and on some holidays in North America. Lookin the first pages of your telephone book forinformation about rates and types of calls. Ifthere is something you do not understand, youcan ask the operator for help. Dial 0 (zero) forthe operator.Some telephone numbers are toll-free. Thismeans that you do not have to pay for thecall. These numbers usually begin with 1 800,1 866, 1 877 or 1 888 for example.Telephone numbers beginning with 1 900are pay-per-call numbers. This means you willbe charged for the call. These calls are oftenvery expensive and cannot be made from apay phone.Phone cardsCompanies in B.C. sell phone cards which letyou make phone calls from public telephonesor on cell phones. You can buy these cardsin many drugstores, supermarkets, andconvenience stores. These cards can be usedfor both local and long distance calls. Eachcompany charges different rates for theirphone cards.Answering machines and voice mailMany people have answering machines orvoice mail on their telephones. If they do notanswer the phone, you can leave a messagefor them. When you hear the message, waitfor the beep. After the beep, leave your name,phone number, and a short message. Speakslowly and clearly.InternetIf you need to use the Internet or sende-mail, most public libraries have computersyou can use for free. Some coffee shops alsohave computers with Internet service. Theseare called Internet cafes. You usually have topay to use their services. Many coffee shopsand public places have wireless Internet.If you have a wireless portable computer(laptop), you can use it there for free. Manyhotels and motels have free Internet servicewhen you stay with them. (For Internet inyour home, see Chapter 2.)Telephone booksTelephone books can be very useful. They aredivided into several sections.• The front pages have emergency numbers,community information, and area codes.• The white pages list the names, addresses,and phone numbers of people. They arelisted in alphabetical order.• The grey pages list the names, addresses,and phone numbers of businesses, schools,and some community services. They arelisted in alphabetical order.• The blue pages list government offices.The Government of Canada is listedfirst, then the Government of BritishColumbia, Health Authorities, then yourcity or town (municipal) government.• The yellow pages—sometimes a separatebook—list businesses under the type ofbusiness or work—for example, doctors,restaurants, and pharmacies.19BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysIf you live in an apartment building, askthe manager for a phone book. Libraries,settlement agencies, large stores, and officeswill usually let you use their telephone books.You can order copies of the phone book(white pages) and the yellow pages byvisiting: delivery.ypg.com/en/US/Home/Index or calling 1 800 268-5637.Find Telephone numbersOn the Internet, you can find phonenumbers and addresses of people andbusinesses at: www.yellowpages.ca orwww.canada411.caYou can also get an application for yourmobile phone at mobile.yp.ca/applications/or by texting YPAPP to 411411. Please notethat normal text messaging charges based onyour cellular plan will apply.If you cannot find a number in thetelephone book or online, you can calldirectory assistance. Dial 4-1-1 for localnumbers. There is a fee for this service if youcall from home or from your cell phone.You can also put letters in the outgoing slot ofa community mailbox. Sometimes, there aretwo mailboxes beside each other. Check thewriting on the front. One is for local letters andthe other is for mail being sent outside the city.Find a postal outlet near you by visiting theCanada Post website at: www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/fpo/personal/findPostOfficeAll addresses for Canada must have a postalcode. If you do not know the postal code foran address, you can look up the postal codein a book at any post office or on the CanadaPost website at: www.canadapost.caPostage on lettersStamps for letters cost different amountsfor Canada, the United States, and to othercountries. Postal rates sometimes go up.Check the price at a post office or at:www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/productsservices/send/postagestamps.jsfyour nameand addressstampThere are no phone books at most pay phones.Directory assistance is free from a pay phonewithin British Columbia—just dial 4-1-1.Sending and receiving mailYou can send mail froma regular post office ora small post office ina store. You can putletters (with stamps on)in any red Canada Postmailbox on the street.name and address of theperson you are writing topostal code20

Chapter 1: Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysYou can buy PERMANENT stamps to maila letter in Canada. The stamps have a “P” onthem. They can help you save money. Youcan use P stamps even if the price of stampsgoes up in the future.Envelopes and parcels (packages) that arebigger, thicker, or heavier cost more to mail.Check the price at a post office or at:www.canadapost.ca/cpotools/apps/far/personal/findARate?execution=e1s1ParcelsIf you mail a parcel to someone outsideCanada, you have to fill in a customs format the post office. Write what is in the parceland the value of the item. If you are not athome when a parcel is delivered, the lettercarrier may leave a note. It tells you whereyou can pick up the parcel. You will needphoto ID to pick up the parcel.insure packages with valuable items. Ask atyour post office about these services.Private courier companies (like UPS andPurolator) also deliver letters and packagesquickly, but they are often more expensive. Lookin the yellow pages, under Courier Service.TransportationYou can buy a map of Kamloops at bookstores,drugstores, and many grocery stores. Publiclibraries also have maps. You can get mapsfor Kamloops, B.C. road maps and travelinformation at the nearest tourist informationoffice.In Kamloops visit:Kamloops Visitor Centre1290 West Trans Canada HighwayTel: 250 374-3377www.tourismkamloops.comOrder a free B.C. roadmap on the HelloBCwebsite: www.hellobc.com/british-columbia/contact-us.aspxOther servicesThere are different ways of sending letters andparcels. For example, you can pay extra to haveyour mail delivered sooner. For importantdocuments, you should use Registered Mail,Xpresspost, or Priority Post. You can also buyinsurance for letters and parcels. You shouldVisit map websites at:www.mapquest.com or maps.google.com21BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysBusesMost cities and towns in B.C. have a bussystem. You can get a bus schedule at the BCTransit office and Kamloops City Hall. If youare a student at Thompson Rivers University,you can get one at the bookstore. Most busdrivers carry schedules, and you can getinformation online on the BC Transit website.BC Transit1460 Ord RoadTel: 250 376-1216www.transitbc.com/regions/kam/City of Kamloops7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828 3311www.kamloops.caBuses pick up people at bus stops in areasaround the city. People get on the bus at thefront door and get off at the back door. If youwant the bus driver to let you off at the next busstop, pull the cord above your seat or push thered button on some of the poles.In Kamloops, you can ask for a transfer fromthe driver when you pay your fare. Check thetransfer to find out how long you can use it.A single bus fare costs $2.25 for an adult,$1.75 for a Senior (65 years or older withidentification), $1.75 for full-time students upto Grade 12 (with identification). Children 4 orunder are free.If you take the bus a lot, it is cheaper to buy apass or a book of tickets. You can buy bus ticketsand passes at BC Transit office (1460 Ord Road),at Kamloops City Hall (7 Victoria Street West),at the Thompson Rivers University Bookstoreand at many grocery stores, drug stores andconvenience stores. Bus drivers do not sell booksof tickets or passes.Full-time students in schools, colleges, anduniversities can pay a lower price if they havea student pass. People with disabilities canalso get a special pass. Seniors (people 65years and older) pay a lower price by showingtheir BC Services Card (see Chapter 4) orany identification (ID) showing their age.You need to check with the bus company inyour community to find out what passes areavailable.For information about bus service, routes andcosts in Kamloops contact BC Transit.BC Transit1460 Ord RoadTel: 250 376-1216www.transitbc.com/regions/kamIf you travel to or visit Vancouver, hereare some tips about public transit. MetroVancouver has SkyTrain (rail) and SeaBus(boat) as well as buses. You can transfer frombuses to SkyTrain or SeaBus, or from theseservices to buses, without paying again. Thecost of your fare depends on how many zonesyou travel in. Longer trips (more than onezone) cost more during busy hours.22

Chapter 1: Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysFor information about bus service,routes, and costs in Metro Vancouver, callTransLink: 604 953-3333. You can alsouse the trip planner on the website at:www.translink.ca. Or, go to: www.google.com/transit and look up Metro Vancouveraddresses and click on Get Directions.TaxisTaxis are convenient, but they can beexpensive. Most cities and towns havetaxi companies. You can order a taxi bytelephone. Look in the yellow pages, underTaxicabs. At the end of your trip, the meterin the taxi shows how much to pay. Peopleusually give the driver a tip, which is about10-15% of the fare.Transportation for peoplewith disabilitiesPeople in wheelchairs can get on most busesin B.C.In Kamloops, special vans called handyDARTpick up people with disabilities at their homesfor a small fee. You have to register withhandyDART. You should phone three or fourdays before for a reservation.WalkingYou should cross streets only at a corner or acrosswalk, and obey traffic lights. It is againstthe law to cross in the middle of a block.This is called jaywalking. If the police seeyou jaywalking, you may have to pay afine. Many corners have crosswalks. Theseare wide white lines painted on the roador a sign. Cars should stop at crosswalks tolet people cross. Although people who arewalking have the right of way, you shouldalways be careful when crossing a street.Look left first, then right.BicyclesYou do not need a licence to ride a bicycle.People on bicycles must ride on the road,not on the sidewalk. They must obey thesame rules as car drivers. Only one personmay ride a bicycle. A small child may ridein a special seat behind the adult rider. Youmust have a light in front and a red reflectoron the back of your bicycle to ride at night.helmetBC Transit1460 Ord RoadTel: 250 376-1216www.transitbc.com/regions/kam/accessible/handydart.cfmSome taxis take wheelchairs. You need to askfor wheelchair service when you call the taxicompany.reflectorlight23BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysThe law says everyone who rides a bicyclemust wear a helmet (except Sikhs who weara turban for religious reasons). Where thereis a bike lane, you should use it.Kamloops is a bike-friendly city with manybike lanes, special places on the road forbikes to ride. If there is a bike lane, youshould use it. For more information aboutbike travel in Kamloops contact the Cityof Kamloops.City of Kamloops7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828 3311www.kamloops.ca/transportation/tpbicycleplan.shtmlSometimes, community centres and bicycleshops have free clinics to teach people howto ride safely.CarsIn all of North America, people drive on theright side of the road. You need a licenceand insurance to drive a car in B.C. Forinformation on licences, buying a car, andgetting car insurance, see Chapter 7.Travel between citiesDrivingWhile highways are very good in BritishColumbia, weather and mountains can makedriving very difficult sometimes. Becausethere are long distances to travel whenleaving Kamloops, it is important to beprepared before leaving the community. Forexample, it will take you four hours to drive355 kilometres to Vancouver and six hoursto drive 525 kilometres to Prince George.Sometimes, the roads are in the mountains,and even though it does not look like a longdistance, it could take a long time. Visit theDriveBC website (www.drivebc.ca) and findout exactly how many hours it will take todrive to your destination. You can also findinformation about weather warnings androad conditions.AirlinesThe Kamloops Airport (Fulton Field) islocated in the Brockelhurst area of the city.The airport has direct daily flights to andfrom the international gateway cities ofVancouver and Calgary as well as dailyflights to and from Prince George.Kamloops Airport (Fulton Field)3035 Airport RoadTel: 250 376-3613www.kamloopsairport.comYou can travel by airplane to most citiesin British Columbia. Small airlines fly tosmaller cities in B.C. and western Canada.Phone an airline company or talk to a travelagent for information on air travel. Lookin the yellow pages, under Airlines, AirlineTicket Agencies, or Travel Agencies.BusesBuses travel between towns and citiesthroughout British Columbia. Greyhoundtravels to most cities in Canada and theUnited States. Pacific Coach Lines travels toand on Vancouver Island. To call about routeand schedule information, look in the yellowpages, under Bus Lines, or contact GreyhoundCanada at 1 800 661-8747 (TRIP) or on theInternet at www.greyhound.ca24

Chapter 1: Arriving in B.C. and the First Few DaysTrainsTrains travel between many cities and townsin B.C. VIA Rail operates railway passengerroutes in B.C.:• east from Vancouver through Kamloops toAlberta and other provinces• in Northern B.C., between Prince Ruperton the Pacific Coast and Jasper, AlbertaIn Kamloops there are two major nationalrailway tracks: CN and CP. VIA Rail alsostops in Kamloops as part of its train travelpackages across the Rockies and the rest ofCanada. For information about rail travel inKamloops, contact these organizations:Via Rail500 Lorne StreetToll-free: 1 888 842-7245www.viarail.caKamloops Heritage Railway5 – 510 Lorne StreetTel: 250 374-2141www.kamrail.comKamloops Visitor Centre1290 West Trans Canada HighwayTel: 250 374-3377www.tourismkamloops.com/rail-travel-inkamloops-british-columbiaFor information, call VIA Rail at 1 888 VIA-RAIL (1 888 842-7245). There is also railwayservice between Vancouver and Seattle,Washington. For information, call Amtrak at1 800 USA-RAIL (1 800 872-7245).FerriesFerries connect Vancouver with cities onVancouver Island, such as Victoria andNanaimo. Other ferries go to small coastalislands and the Sunshine Coast. On someroutes, it is a good idea to have a reservation.For information, look in the yellow pagesunder Ferries, or call BC Ferries at 1 888 BCFERRY (1 888 223-3779). Visit the websiteat: www.bcferries.comThere are also ferries on lakes in the B.C.interior. There is no fee for these ferries. Forinformation, including a list of routes andphone numbers, visit www.th.gov.bc.ca/marine/ferry_schedules.htm!French-speaking ImmigrantsFrench-speaking immigrants can receiveinformation on settlement services andcommunity support by contacting:Connection Centre for FrancophoneImmigrants (CCFI) / Agence francophonepour l’accueil des immigrants (AFAI)1551 West 7th AvenueVancouver, B.C. V6J 1S1Tel: 604 630-0316Toll-free: 1 877 492-2780E-mail: info@vivreencb.cawww.vivreencb.ca25BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 2: Finding a Place to Live• Types of housing• Renting• Finding a place to live• Tenancy agreement• Moving in: To-dochecklist• Disagreements• Moving out: To-dochecklist• Buying a homeTypes of housingKamloops has different kinds of homes to live in. You can rent a small apartment in a bigbuilding, or buy a house with a yard. There are also many people you can talk to abouthousing. Real estate agents sell homes, and property management companies manageapartments and houses for rent. The Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society,community service organizations, and BCHousing may be able to help you find aplace to live.Kamloops Cariboo Regional ImmigrantSociety448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caAn apartment or suite usually has one orbedrooms. All apartments and suites have akitchen, a bathroom, and a living room. Suitesfor rent may be in an apartment building or in ahouse. Studios or bachelor suites have one roomwith a kitchen area and a bathroom.DuplexTownhousemore26

Chapter 2: Finding a Place to LiveA duplex is a house divided into two separateapartments. It may be bought or rented.A townhouse is a small house joined to othersmall houses. It may be bought or rented.ApartmentAn apartment building has one owner for thewhole building. In a condominium (condo orstrata) building, each apartment is owned by oneperson or family.A mobile home can be moved from one placeto another. It is usually cheaper to buy than ahouse. You must also buy or rent the land to puta mobile home on.Mobile homeA room for rent is usually in a shared house orapartment. Everyone shares the kitchen andbathroom.Subsidized and low-cost housingRoom and board means a room and meals.Furniture is included.BC Housing is a government agency that has housing available to help people in greatestneed. This includes subsidized (government-assisted) housing and help to pay for rent inprivate (non-government) apartments.To find out if you qualify for these programs and to find information in other languages, visitthe BC Housing website at: www.bchousing.org/Find or call 1 800 257-7756. BC Housinghelps organizations provide affordable housing in communities.In Kamloops, ask a settlement worker at Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Societyabout subsidized housing.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.ca27BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Money and BankingFinding a Place to LiveSubsidized housingSubsidized, or government-assisted housing,is long-term housing where the amount ofrent paid is based on the money you earn.There are different types of housing fordifferent groups: adults who are single orin a couple, families, seniors, and peoplewith disabilities. In order to be eligible forsubsidized housing through BC Housing,you must permanently live in BritishColumbia, meet the residency requirements,and have a total household income below acertain amount. There is usually a waitinglist for government-assisted (subsidized)housing. For more information, visit:www.bchousing.org/Options/Subsidized_Housing/ApplyRental Assistance ProgramThe Rental Assistance Program provideslow-income, working families with cashto help with their monthly rent payments.Families must have an annual householdincome of $35,000 or less, have at least onedependent child, and have been employedat some point over the last year. For moreinformation, visit: www.bchousing.org/Options/Rental_market/RAPShelter Aid for Elderly RentersThe Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER)program offers seniors monthly cashpayments to help with the cost of rent. Tobe eligible, you must be at least 60 years ofage, meet citizenship requirements, and havelived in B.C. for the full 12 months beforeapplying. For more information, visit:www.bchousing.org/Options/Rental_market/SAFERCo-opsHousing co-operatives (co-ops) and somenon-profit groups are a “mixed-income”form of housing. They often started througha government funding program and some doprovide subsidy for low-income members orhave a “rent-geared-to-income” policy. Eventhe “market rent” rate at housing co-ops canbe relatively low-cost compared to otherrental housing. This varies depending on theco-op. Many co-ops have long waiting lists.To see a complete listing of housing co-ops inKamloops, visit the website at: www.chf.bc.ca/what-co-op-housing/find-a-co-op. Each co-ophas its own listing in this directory and thelisting will explain how to apply.For more information on co-ops, call theCo-operative Housing Federation of B.C.Co-operative Housing Federation of B.C.Toll-free: 1 800 879-5111www.chf.bc.caRentingWhen you rent a place to live, you will bedoing official business with the person wholooks after the place. This person can be thelandlord or landlady, the owner or a manager.Where to look for housingYou can begin by contacting the KamloopsCariboo Regional Immigrant Society.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.ca28

Chapter 2: Finding a Place to LiveBC Housing has a Housing Registry forKamloops. Visit it at: bchousing.org/Options/Subsidized_Housing/Listings orvisit the nearest BC Housing office.The nearest office to Kamloops is in Penticton.BC Housing Interior Region290 Nanaimo Avenue WestPenticton, B.C. V2A 1N5Tel: 250 493-0301www.bchousing.orgYou can pick up an application forsubsidized housing at Interior CommunityServices.Interior Community Services765 Tranquille RoadTel: 250 554-3134www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.caLook for ads. You can find them in theselocations:• Look in the advertising section inKamloops This Week and Kamloops DailyNews. The classified section lists manykinds of things to buy, sell, or rent. Lookfor Classifieds–Rentals.• Look for Vacancy or For Rent signs infront of houses and apartment buildings.• Look for advertisements on notice boardsin your community.• Check the RentBC website at:www.rentbc.comDiscriminationA landlord cannot refuse to rent a place topeople because of their race, skin colour,ancestry, birthplace, religion, sex, maritalstatus, family status, sexual orientation,physical or mental disability, or lawfulsource of income. This is discrimination,and it is against the law. A landlord usuallycannot refuse to rent to people because theyhave children, unless it is an “adult-only”building, or reserved for people who are 55and older. A landlord can refuse to rent topet owners and people who smoke.If you have a problem with discriminationand you want advice, call the B.C. HumanRights Coalition or the Tenant Resource andAdvisory Centre. If you want to make anofficial complaint, contact the B.C. HumanRights Tribunal or the Canadian HumanRights Commission. See the listing at theend of this chapter.29BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Money and BankingFinding a Place to LiveFinding a place to liveWhen you find a place you like, ask thesequestions:How much is the rent?You usually pay rent on the first day ofeach month. The landlord can only increaseyour rent once a year and only by a certainamount. The landlord must tell you inwriting three months before the rent goes up.Are utilities included in the rent, or do I haveto pay for them?Utilities are electricity (hydro), gas or fueloil. Sometimes you have to pay for utilitiesyourself. Sometimes the landlord includes allor some of the utilities in the rent. Ask thelandlord about this so you know how muchyou will pay every month.How much is the security (damage) deposit?You usually have to pay some extra money—not more than half of one month’s rent—when you move in. The landlord keeps thismoney until you move out.The landlord can use this money to pay forany damage you do. If you do no damage,and clean the apartment when you moveout, the landlord must give you back all themoney plus interest. The landlord must dothis within 15 days. If the landlord wants touse some or all of the security deposit, youand the landlord should make an agreementin writing.Tenancy agreementIf you decide you want to rent a place, youwill need to sign a tenancy agreement. It is agood idea to bring a cheque with you whenyou look at places to rent. Make sure you geta receipt for all payments to the landlord.Tenants are responsible for paying the renton time, keeping the place clean, and notdisturbing other tenants.ReferencesA landlord may ask you for references (lettersfrom or phone numbers of people whocan recommend you as a good tenant oremployee). It is a good idea to have referenceswith you when you look at places to rent.Application deposits are illegalSome landlords ask tenants to pay a depositwhen they apply to rent a place. It is illegalfor landlords to collect money unless youhave both signed a tenancy agreement first.Some people who have paid these illegalapplication deposits were not able to rentand did not get their money back. Do notrent from a landlord who wants to charge anapplication deposit.30

Chapter 2: Finding a Place to LiveMake a checklist before you move inFFMake sure you have a signed tenancy agreementWhen you agree to rent a house or apartment, you andthe landlord are making a contract. It is called a tenancyagreement. The agreement should be in writing.Your tenancy agreement gives you the rules forrenting your home. Make sure you understandeverything in the agreement before you sign it. Ifyou are not sure, ask someone who can help you—for example, a settlement worker. You may need tohave the agreement translated into your language.For more information on tenants’ rights, go to thewebsite: www.tenants.bc.caFFCheck for damageBefore you move in, make a list of any damage you find. You and the landlord shouldsign the list. This is to make sure you get your damage deposit back. You can alsotake photographs of any damage you find in the apartment or house. The law saysthat landlords and tenants each have certain rights and certain things they must do(responsibilities). A tenancy agreement cannot change the law.FFArrange for utilitiesIf you have to pay for utilities, such as hydro (electricity) and gas, you have to get theseconnected. The cost of connecting is usually included in the first month’s bill. To get theseservices, check with BC Hydro (www.bchydro.com), FortisBC (www.fortisbc.com) orthe companies that provide oil, gas or hydro in your community. You can find their phonenumbers listed in the telephone book. You can also find companies that provide oil or gas inthe yellow pages, under Gas Companies, and Oils–Fuel and Heating.FFBuy insuranceBoth home owners and tenants can buy insurance. If you are a tenant, you should buyinsurance for your belongings (the things you own). The insurance company will pay formost of the cost of what you lose in a fire or a robbery. Look in the yellow pages, underInsurance Agents and Brokers.FFArrange for phone and Internet service31BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Money and BankingFinding a Place to LiveTelephonesThere are many telephone companies inB.C. They offer different kinds of services.You may see advertising that says you cansave money if you change phone companies.This may be true, but you need to be careful.Do not sign a sales contract unless youunderstand what services you are getting,how much they cost, and how long thecontract lasts. With some companies, youhave to pay a fine to get out of a contract.To get telephone service, look in the yellowpages, under Telephone Service–Local.InternetIf you want to have Internet service in yourhome, look in the yellow pages, under InternetAccess Providers. As with phone companies,there are many Internet companies in B.C.You may see advertising that says you can savemoney and get faster Internet. Do not sign acontract unless you understand what servicesyou are getting, how much they cost, and howlong the contract lasts.MailIn Kamloops, mail is delivered to your houseor apartment building. If you live in an areawithout home delivery, call Canada Post at1 866 607-6301 to get a community mailbox.Garbage and recyclingIn Kamloops, the city will collect garbageand recycling from the curb in front of yourhome every week. You can put your garbagein a container which you lease (rent) from thecity. You can put your garbage container onthe curb by 7 a.m. on collection day.The city will collect one container and upto two additional bags of garbage per week.Additional bags of garbage must be markedwith a special sticker. Garbage stickers costtwo dollars each. You can buy them at CityHall, Hasty Market, 7-Eleven, and Safeway.You can rent smaller or bigger garbagecontainers depending on how many bags ofgarbage you usually have. Bigger containerscost more to rent and have higher collectionfees. The medium-sized container holds 2.3bags of garbage. It costs eight dollars per yearto rent, and $95 a year to have the garbagecollected. The average household producestwo or three bags of garbage per week.For more information or to see which daygarbage is picked up in your neighbourhood,go to: www.kamloops.ca/garbage/index.shtmlSome items are not accepted in the garbagecart. These include:• grass clippings• clean recyclables• paints, solvents and other liquids• used oil and filters• construction and demolition materials• pesticides and herbicides• medical waste and needlesFor more information, including a full listof what is not accepted in the garbage cart,contact the City of Kamloops.32

Chapter 2: Finding a Place to LiveCity of Kamloops7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828 3461www.kamloops.ca/garbageYard waste such as grass clippings are notaccepted in garbage carts or recycling carts.You can take it to one of these depots:Cinnamon Ridge Compost Facility3765 Tranquille RoadTel: 250-554-3349McGill Road Yard Waste Depot1455 McGill Road(driveway to enter is on Bunker Road)Barnhartvale Compost Site970 Eliza RoadRecyclingYou should take your recycling cart to thecurb for pick-up before 7 a.m. on yourgarbage collection day. You can recycle paper,plastic, metal, and glass products in the greycart with a blue lid approved by the city.A guide to garbage and recycling can befound here: www.kamloops.ca/garbage/index.shtmlIn Kamloops, everyone must be part ofthe recycling program. For each garbagecontainer you order from the city, you mustalso have at least one recycling cart. The cityprovides each household with a 245-litrerecycling container. There is no charge tolease the recycling container. It costs $33 peryear to put your recycling out for collection.Some items are not accepted in the recyclingcart. These include:• grass and yard waste• glass windows and dishes• waxed cardboard• electronics and cell phones• medical waste and needles• oil and antifreeze containersFor more information on garbage andrecycling, including a full list of what is notaccepted in recycling carts, contact KamloopsCity Hall, Public Works and Utilities.Public Works and Utilities955 Concordia WayTel: 250 828-3461www.kamloops.ca/garbage/index.shtmlYou can also call the BC Recycling Hotlineat 1 800 667-4321 or go to: www.rcbc.bc.ca(For more information on recycling, seeChapter 12.)Water and SewerIf you buy a home, you will have to pay forwater and sewer services. In Kamloops,water, sewer and garbage bills are mailedtwice a year.City of KamloopsRevenue and Taxation Department7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828-3438www.kamloops.ca/finance/utilitybilling.shtml33BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Money and BankingFinding a Place to LiveThe average homeowner in Kamloops pays$544 per year for water and $245 per yearfor sewer.If you rent a house, an apartment or acondominium, ask your landlord if theseutilities are part of the rent.RepairsWhat if the roof leaks, the toilet does notwork, or there is no hot water? The law saysthe landlord must make these repairs quickly.The landlord must give you the name andphone number of someone who can makerepairs in an emergency.If a tenant or a tenant’s guests damage arented house or apartment, the tenant mustpay for the repairs.You may want to make changes in the placeyou rent—for example, paint the walls adifferent colour or drill holes in the walls forshelves. You should get permission from yourlandlord in writing before doing this.B.C. cities and towns also have laws abouthealth and building standards. Phoneyour city or town hall to talk about repairproblems, such as no heat or no hot water.Letting the landlord inA landlord must ask the tenant beforecoming into the house or apartment yourent. You can say no. However, the landlordcan come in if he or she has a good reasonand tells you 24 hours before.Emergencies are different. If there is anemergency, such as a fire or a broken waterpipe, the landlord can come in without atenant’s permission.DisagreementsFor information on landlord or tenant rightsand responsibilities, contact the ResidentialTenancy Branch. The office can also help solvedisagreements between landlords and tenants.Residential Tenancy BranchToll-free: 1 800 665-8779www.rto.gov.bc.caFor information in Kamloops, you can alsocall or visit the Service BC office.Service BC250 – 455 Columbia StreetTel: 250 828-4540www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/kamloops.htmlMake sure you are prepared. Have yourcomplaint in writing, with supportingdocuments such as the signed tenancyagreement, receipts, photos showing damage,and witnesses.EvictionThe landlord can tell a tenant to move out.This is called an eviction.The landlord must tell you in writing and givereasons. This is called giving notice.If you do not agree with the reasons thelandlord gives, you can call the ResidentialTenancy Branch, the Tenant Resource andAdvisory Centre, or your local tenants’ group.34

Chapter 2: Finding a Place to LiveMake a checklist before you move outFFGive noticeWhen you plan to move out of a rented house orapartment, you must tell your landlord in writing. This iscalled giving notice. If you are renting month-to-month,you must give the notice to the landlord one wholemonth before you will move out. For example, if youplan to move out on December 31, you must give noticeby November 30. December 1 is too late.FFCleanYou must clean your rented home before you move out. You must also clean the stove,fridge, bathrooms, and light fixtures. Check your tenancy agreement to see if youmust clean the carpets or drapes.FFCancel telephone and utilitiesCall the telephone company to have the phone disconnected or transferred to yournew address. If you do not do this, you may have to pay phone bills after you moveout. If you pay for the electricity, gas or oil, phone the companies and tell them todisconnect your service.FFChange your addressGo to the post office and fill in a change-of-address card. The post office will send yourmail from the old address to the new address. There is a fee for this service. Give your newaddress to your bank, employer, school, medical plan, Driver Licensing Centre, credit cardcompanies, Canada Revenue Agency, cable TV company, and any other contacts. Phonethem or mail them a change-of-address card. You can buy these cards at the post office.FFArrange for a moving company or rent a truckA moving company will send a truck and people to move your things. Look in theclassified advertisements in the newspaper or in the yellow pages, under Movers. Youcan also rent a truck or van and move things yourself. Look in the yellow pages,under Truck Renting and Leasing.35BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Money and BankingFinding a Place to LiveBuying a homeThe Kamloops real estate market isaffordable. Housing costs are approximatelyone-third less than a similar home in GreaterVancouver. The average house in Kamloopscosts about $369,000.You can look in newspapers, and on theInternet at: www.realtor.ca, to see whathomes are for sale. However, to buy a houseor an apartment, most people call a real estatecompany. Look in the yellow pages, underReal Estate. A real estate agent can helpyou find a house or apartment, bargain fora better price, and explain the legal papers.Many people pay a lawyer to help them withthe legal papers to buy a house.Most people borrow money from a bank,credit union, or trust company to buy ahouse. This is called a mortgage. Mortgagerates are not the same at all banks. Checkaround for the best mortgage you can get.The Canada Mortgage and HousingCorporation website has information aboutbuying a home and getting a mortgage (bankloan). Visit: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/buho/index.cfmTo find houses for sale in Kamloops and seehow much they cost, visit www.realtor.caIf you own your own home, you mustbuy insurance for it. You should also haveinsurance for your belongings. The insurancecompany will pay for most of the cost ofwhat you lose in a fire or a robbery. Look inthe yellow pages, under Insurance Agentsand Brokers.36

Chapter 2: Finding a Place to LiveIf you intend to rent out your house andbecome a landlord, you must understandyour rights and responsibilities. For moreinformation on becoming a landlord,go to the Residential Tenancy Branchwebsite at: www.rto.gov.bc.ca. Look forthe Residential Tenancy Act: A Guide forLandlords and Tenants in British Columbiaunder Publications. This guide is availablein English, Traditional Chinese, andPunjabi. You can also visit: www.tenants.bc.ca/main/?publications to downloadthe Landlord Guide, available in English,Traditional Chinese, and Punjabi.Where to go for helpFor more information on renting or buyinga place to live, go to the B.C. Governmentwebsite at: www.WelcomeBC.caHere are more resources:Kamloops Cariboo Regional ImmigrantSociety448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caFor information in Kamloops, you can alsocall or visit the Service BC office.Service BC250 – 455 Columbia StreetTel: 250 828-4540www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/kamloops.htmlB.C. Human Rights Coalition1202 – 510 West Hastings StreetVancouver, B.C. V6B 1L8Toll-free: 1 877 689-8474www.bchrcoalition.orgB.C. Human Rights Tribunal1170 – 605 Robson StreetVancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3Toll-free: 1 888 440-8844E-mail: BCHumanRightsTribunal@gov.bc.cawww.bchrt.bc.caCanadian Human Rights CommissionToll-free: 1 888 214-1090www.chrc-ccdp.caTenant Resource & Advisory Centre(TRAC)Toll-free: 1 800 665-1185www.tenants.bc.caResidential Tenancy BranchToll-free: 1 800 665-8779www.rto.gov.bc.ca37BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 3: Money and Banking• Banks, credit unions,and trust companies• Types of accounts• Cash, cheques, andcards• Sending money• Loans and mortgages• Taxes• Financial help forseniors• Investing moneyBanks, credit unions, and trust companiesYou can open an account at a bank, a credit union or a trust company.Before you choose a place to bank, find out what kind of accounts ithas. Ask questions about banking charges and interest on your money.Most banks pay you interest on the money in your accounts. A bank maycharge you for the services it provides. To find a bank or credit union inKamloops, check the yellow pages in your phone book under Banks.Types of accounts• Chequing accountsSome chequing accounts charge youfor each cheque you write. Some havemonthly charges that include a bundle ofservices. Most chequing accounts do notpay interest.• Savings accountsAll savings accounts pay interest, but theamount of interest is not always the same.You cannot write cheques on some savingsaccounts.• Chequing-savings accountsThese accounts pay interest. You can alsowrite cheques. The interest and chargesare not the same at all banks.• Term depositsThese accounts usually pay more interestthan saving accounts but you have toleave your money in for a certain lengthof time (a term).38

Chapter 3: Money and BankingPaying by cash, cheque,credit card or debit cardCash is money—coins and bills. Cheques aresometimes used instead of cash. When youwrite a cheque, you are telling your bank topay with your money. To pay by cheque, youmust show the cashier some identification(ID). Most cashiers ask to see identificationwith your photo on it, such as a driver’slicence. If you do not have a driver’s licence,ask for a B.C. Identification card (BC ID) ata Driver Licensing Centre. (To find a DriverLicensing Centre, see Driver’s Licence inChapter 7.) Some stores do not take cheques.You should check with the cashier if theytake cheques before shopping.Use your credit and debit cards safely, and keepthem in a safe place. You should protect themthe same way you protect your money.Bank machines39Credit cards let you buythings now and pay forthem later. You can getbank credit cards such asVisa and MasterCard. Youcan also get credit cardsfrom department storesor gas companies. If you do not pay the fullamount of the credit card bill each month, youhave to pay interest. The interest on some creditcards is higher than on others. If you won’t paythe full credit card bill every month, be sure tocheck the interest rates carefully. There are manylow-rate credit cards available.Debit cards can be used instead of a chequeor credit card to buy things in many stores.You get these cards from your bank or creditunion. When you buy things with a debit card,the money comes out of your bank accountimmediately.BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICESBanks, credit unions, and some trustcompanies have bank machines. They arecalled automated teller machines (ATMs).There are also bank machines in some storesand in other convenient places. Full-serviceATMs are usually provided by banks andcredit unions. You can take money out ofyour accounts or put money into them. Youcan also pay bills and transfer money to otheraccounts. Other machines will only allowyou to take out money. You can use bankmachines any time, day or night.Some banks and credit unions charge a servicefee each time you use an ATM. Usually it costsmore to use an ATM that is not from your ownbank. The bank machine should let you know

Money and Bankinghow much it will cost you to take out money.To use bank machines, you need a cardfrom your bank or credit union. You willget a secret number (personal identificationnumber or PIN) so that only you can useyour card. Be careful. Do not give thisnumber to anyone else or allow any personto see you use it or they may be able to takemoney from your bank account. Do notkeep the PIN written down anywhere nearthe card or on the card itself. If someonesteals your wallet, they would be able to takemoney from your account.Banking by phoneand InternetYou may be able to do your banking on theInternet. You need a computer and Internetservice (see Chapter 2) to connect to yourbank account. Ask your bank or credit unionabout this service.You may also be able to do some of yourbanking with a touch-tone phone. Forexample, you can find out your accountbalance, transfer money between accountsand pay your bills. Ask your bank or creditunion about this service.Sending moneyto other countriesCanadian banks and foreign exchangecompanies can send money to banks in mostcountries. You can also mail a money order(also called a draft). You can get this at a bank,foreign exchange company, or post office. Checkfirst that the money order can be cashed in thecountry where you are sending it. To find aforeign exchange company in Kamloops, lookin the yellow pages, under Foreign ExchangeBrokers. For money orders, look in the yellowpages, under Money Order and Transfer.Compare the costs to find the best price.Loans and mortgagesA loan is money you borrow from a bankor credit union. For example, some peopleget a loan to buy a car. You must pay backpart of the money you borrowed (called theprincipal) and an extra fee (interest) eachmonth. To get a loan, you must be earningenough money to easily repay the borrowedmoney.A mortgage is money you borrow to buy ahouse or apartment. Banks, credit unions,and mortgage companies give mortgages.(See Chapter 2.)Owing moneySometimes people borrow money or buythings and plan to pay for them later.They may find that they cannot make thepayments. If this happens to you, you shouldtalk or write to the people you owe moneyto. Sometimes it is possible to make smallerpayments.The Credit Counselling Society hascounsellors who can help people with debtand credit problems at little or no cost toyou. Call 1 888 527-8999 or go to:www.nomoredebts.orgYou can also look in the blue pages, inthe Government of Canada section underBankruptcy. Or go to the federal governmentwebsite at: www.osb-bsf.ic.gc.ca There are othercompanies that give advice to people on how40

Chapter 3: Money and Bankingto pay their debts. They charge a fee for theseservices. Look in the yellow pages, under Creditand Debt Counselling.Paying taxesGovernments get most of their money fromtaxes. Taxes pay for services such as roads,parks, community centres, medical care,welfare, schools, and universities.BC Sales Tax (PST)You pay 7% provincial sales tax on many goodsand services you buy in British Columbia. Forinformation, go to: www.gov.bc.ca/pstBC Sales Tax (PST) CreditYou may be able to claim a refundable taxcredit when you file an income tax return.For more information, go to: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Income_Taxes/Personal_Income_Tax/tax_credits/salestax.htmthe federal government by April 30. Thisreturn determines how much tax you pay onyour income. This return also determines ifyou qualify for tax credits and other benefits.Employees have income tax taken off theirpaycheques. If you have paid too much tax,the government will give you the money back(a refund). If not enough money was takenoff your paycheck, you may have to pay more.You must report income you earned inCanada and any income from outsideCanada. People who are not working mustpay tax on any income from investments.If you had no income in Canada, it isrecommended that you still complete andsend in a tax return. You may receive taxcredits and benefits you may be eligible for.Self-employed people and people who ownbusinesses also have to pay their taxes byApril 30, but they have until June 15 to fillout and send in their income tax return.41Goods and Services Tax (GST)You pay 5% federal sales tax on manygoods and services you buy in Canada. Forinformation, go to: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/gnrl/hw-eng.htmlGoods and Services Tax (GST) CreditYou may be able to claim a refundable taxcredit when you file an income tax return.For more information, go to: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/gsthst/fq_qlfyng-eng.htmlIncome taxEveryone in B.C. has to file a personalincome tax return each year and send it toBRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICESYou can send in your income tax return indifferent ways—filling out a printed papertax form, by phone or by Internet.For income tax information, visit theCanada Revenue Agency or visit the websiteat: www.cra.gc.caWorkers at the Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society can help you.Kamloops Cariboo Regional ImmigrantSociety448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.ca

Money and BankingYou can also pay someone to help you—forexample, an accountant or a tax preparationcompany. Look in the yellow pages, underTax Consultants.Child Tax BenefitThe Canada Child Tax Benefit is a monthlypayment to help families with the cost ofraising children under age 18. To qualify,at least one parent must be a resident ofCanada and both parents must send in theirincome tax forms every year, even if theyhave no income to report. To apply, call1 800 387-1193. For information, goto: www.cra.gc.ca. You can also talk to asettlement worker at your local immigrantsettlement agency.Property taxesGenerally, everyone who owns a house, land,or buildings must pay property tax. The Cityof Kamloops will send you a bill once a year.If your property is outside Kamloops, theB.C. government will send you a bill. Youcan also talk to your bank and arrange to payyour property tax as part of your mortgage.In Kamloops, property taxes are due the firstworking day after July 1. Property tax noticesare mailed to property owners in the lastweek of May every year. If you are a propertyowner and have not received your tax noticeby the second week of June, contact the Cityof Kamloops Tax Department. All propertyowners are responsible for paying theirannual property taxes on time.City of Kamloops7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828-3437www.city.kamloops.bc.ca/finance/propertytax.shtmlProperty Tax AssistanceThe Home Owner Grant Program reducesthe amount of property tax eligible BritishColumbians pay on a home (principalresidence). The Home Owner Grantprovides a maximum reduction in residentialproperty taxes of $570. If you are over 65,permanently disabled, or are an eligibleveteran, you may qualify for $275 more,for a total of $845.Another $200 homeowner grant is availablefor homeowners living outside the Capital,Greater Vancouver and Fraser ValleyRegional Districts. If you qualify, you willreceive this grant automatically when youapply for the homeowner grant.If you own a home in Kamloops, you willreceive an application form with your taxbill. If you live outside Kamloops, the B.C.government will send you an applicationform with your tax bill. For moreinformation, go to:www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Property_Taxes/Home_Owner_Grant/hog.htmProperty Tax Deferment ProgramsProperty tax deferment programs are lowinterestloan programs that allow qualifyingresidents to defer all or part of their propertytaxes until they sell or transfer ownership oftheir home, or it becomes part of an estate.42

Chapter 3: Money and Banking43Property tax deferral options are available forqualified individuals, including homeownersaged 55 and over, persons with disabilities,and families with children.For information on property tax deferment, goto: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Property_Taxes/Property_Tax_Deferment/ptd.htmProperty Transfer TaxWhen you buy or register a transfer of propertyin B.C. you must generally pay PropertyTransfer Tax. The rate of tax is 1% on the first$200,000 of the value and 2% on the rest.If you are buying your first home, you maynot have to pay this tax.For information on the Property Transfer Tax,go to: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/business/Property_Taxes/Property_Transfer_Tax/ptt.htmFinancial help for seniorsOld Age Security Pension (OAS)The federal and provincial governments givepensions to all seniors who meet Canadianlegal status and residence requirements. It doesnot matter if you worked or not. You mustapply for this pension when you are 65 yearsold. You must have lived in Canada for 10years before you can apply. If you worked ina country that has a pension agreement withCanada, the time can be shorter than 10 years.Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)People who get OAS but have little or noother income may also qualify for the GIS.How much you get depends on you andyour spouse’s (wife’s or husband’s) income.BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICESYou must apply to receive GIS. For moreinformation, call the Canada Pension andOAS enquiry line at: 1 800 277-9914.For more information about OAS and GIS, see:• www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/oas/pension/oldagesecurity.shtml• www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/pub/oas/oas.shtml• www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/oas/gis/guaranteeddincomesupplement.shtml• www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/pub/oas/gismain.shtmlSeniors SupplementPeople who get OAS and GIS may alsoqualify for the provincial government’s SeniorsSupplement. You will receive the SeniorsSupplement automatically if you are eligible.The amount depends on your income. Formore information, call 1 866 866-0800then press 4, or visit the website:www.mhr.gov.bc.ca/PROGRAMS/other.htmInvesting moneyThere are many ways to invest money.Banks and other financial companiessell investments such as term deposits,Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs),Canada Savings Bonds, and treasury bills.Talk to someone at your bank, creditunion, or trust company. You can also talkwith an investment counsellor or financialplanner. Look in the yellow pages, underFinancial Planning Consultants. You can findinformation about banking in Canada at:www.cba.ca/en/consumer-information

Chapter 4: Health Care• B.C. health insurance• Private insurance• Medical emergencies• Doctors and dentists• Public health units• Prescription drugs• HealthLink BC• People withdisabilities• Mental health centresB.C. health insuranceThe Government of British Columbia has a health insurance plan called the Medical ServicesPlan (MSP). It is only for eligible British Columbia residents who are Canadian citizens,landed immigrants, or government-assisted refugees. Post-secondary international studentswith study permits and people with work permits for six months or longer can also get MSP.MSP pays for basic, medically needed health costs—for example, doctor visits, some medicaltests, and treatments. Some health costs are not covered by MSP—for example, dentists andphysiotherapists. Please contact Health Insurance BC for more information. Call toll-free1 800 663-7100 or visit the website at: www.health.gov.bc.ca/insuranceRegistering for medical insuranceAll residents of British Columbia must register with MSP. You shouldregister as soon as you arrive. There is a waiting period. You will not getMSP coverage for up to three months. You should buy private medicalinsurance for that time. If you do not have medical insurance, you mustpay the doctor or hospital yourself. Medical costs can be very high. Lookin the yellow pages, under Insurance Companies–Other Than Life.44

Chapter 4: Health CareWhen you apply for MSP, make sure that yougive your name exactly as it is on other officialdocuments. Phone Health Insurance BC tofind out how to register. For more information,call toll-free: 1 800 663-7100 or visit thewebsite at: www.health.gov.bc.ca/insuranceWhen your MSP coverage begins, you willget a card with your name, birth date, photoand Personal Health Number. This is calledthe BC Services Card. It used to be called theCareCard, and you may be asked for the cardby either name. Always bring your BC ServicesCard when you go to a doctor, clinic, orhospital. You will also need it for prescriptionsand when you register children for school.Medical premium feesMSP insurance coverage is not free. You mustpay a monthly fee (premium). The costs permonth are:• for a single person: $66.50• for a family of two: $120.50• for a family of three or more: $133.00Note: Premium costs could change. PhoneHealth Insurance BC to check the costs.If you have a job, MSP premiums may be paidby your employer. Ask your employer about this.Premium assistanceIf your income is low, you may be eligible forpremium assistance. You may be able to payless, or get free MSP coverage.You must have lived in Canada for the last 12consecutive months (one year) as a Canadiancitizen or permanent resident. You need to fillout a form to apply for premium assistance.Contact Health Insurance BC or your localsettlement agency for information.Refugee claimantsIf you are a refugee claimant, you need tocontact Health Insurance BC to find out ifyou qualify for MSP coverage. If you do notqualify, ask Citizenship and ImmigrationCanada (CIC) about the Interim FederalHealth Program (IFH). Phone the CIC callcentre at: 1 888 242-2100 or visit the websiteat: www.cic.gc.caPrivate insuranceMSP insurance does not cover all medicalcosts. You can buy extra insurance from aprivate company. Look in the yellow pages,under Insurance Companies–Other Than Life.Out-of-province coverageCheck with MSP about your coverage ifyou will be away from B.C. for an extendedperiod of time.HealthLinkBCHealthLink BC provides access to freenon-emergency health information andadvice in British Columbia. You can get thisinformation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week bytelephone, website, an app for your mobilephone, and printed information.45BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 4: Health CareBy phone: 8-1-1Navigation ServicesCall 8-1-1 to find out about general healthinformation and health services in your area,or to speak directly with a registered nurse,dietitian, or pharmacist.Nursing ServicesCall 8-1-1 to ask a registered nurse yourhealth questions. Nurses are available24/7/365 to provide non-emergency healthinformation, advice, and referral.Pharmacist ServicesCall 8-1-1 to speak to a licensed pharmacistabout your medication. HealthLink BC’sPharmacist Services are available from 5 p.m.to 9 a.m. every day of the week.Dietitian ServicesCall 8-1-1 to speak to a registered dietitianfor information about nutrition and healthyeating. Dietitian Services are available fromMonday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., oryou can e-mail a dietitian with your nutritionquestions by visiting: www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthyeating/emaildietitian.htmlAll of HealthLink BC’s 8-1-1 servicesare free. Translation services in more than130 languages are available upon request.On the Internet: www.HealthLinkBC.caThis website provides medically approvedinformation on more than 5,000 healthtopics, symptoms, and over-the-counterand prescription drugs. You can find tipsfor a healthy lifestyle and check medicalsymptoms. You can also search and find amap for more than 5,800 health services inor near your home.BC Health Service LocatorAppThe BC Health Service Locator Apphelps you find walk-in clinics, hospitals,emergency rooms, immunization locations,after-hours pharmacies, and laboratoryservices on an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.Visit: www.HealthLinkBC.caBC HealthGuide HandbookThe free BC HealthGuide Handbook hasinformation on common health topicsincluding disease prevention, home treatment,emergencies, healthy lifestyle choices, andadvice on when to go to a doctor or to hospital.The Handbook is available in French,Chinese, or Punjabi. The English BCHealthGuide is available online at:www.HealthLinkBC.ca. French, Chinese,and Punjabi handbooks can be found atmany pharmacies, Service BC offices, andimmigrant settlement agencies. It can also beordered online at: www.HealthLinkBC.ca orby calling 8-1-1.In Kamloops, copies of the BC HealthGuideHandbook are available at the Public HealthUnit.Kamloops Public Health Unit519 Columbia StreetTel: 250 851-730046

Chapter 4: Health CareHealthLinkBC FilesHealthLinkBC Files are easy-to-read factsheets on public health and safety topicsincluding common illnesses, vaccinations,environmental health concerns, and healthtips. Most information has been translated.Visit: www.HealthLinkBC.ca to downloadfiles in English, Chinese, Farsi, French,Punjabi, Spanish, and Vietnamese.Types of doctorsThere are two types of doctors in BritishColumbia: family doctors (generalpractitioners or GPs) and specialists.Family doctors take care of most medicalproblems. You can also talk to your familydoctor about emotional problems, nutrition,and family planning.• Look in the yellow pages, under Physiciansand Surgeons.• Visit the website for the College of Physiciansand Surgeons at: www.cpsbc.ca to find a listof doctors who are taking new patients.• Ask your friends, neighbours, co-workers, orother people in your community.Making an appointmentBefore you go to the doctor, phone the doctor’soffice for an appointment. Always take yourBC Services Card with you when you go to adoctor. Make sure you are on time.If you are very late or miss an appointment,you may have to pay a fee. This fee is notcovered by MSP.Medical emergenciesSpecialists treat special health problems, suchas heart disease. If you are sick, go to a familydoctor first. Your family doctor may refer(send) you to a specialist. If you think youneed to see a specialist, you must talk to yourfamily doctor first and ask for a referral.47Finding a family doctorTo find a family doctor:• Talk to people at the Kamloops CaribooRegional Immigrant Society. They may beable to help you find a doctor who speaksyour language.Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caBRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICESIf you have a serious accident or suddenlyget very sick, you should call 9-1-1 or go tothe emergency department of Royal InlandHospital. It is open 24 hours a day, sevendays a week.Royal Inland Hospital311 Columbia StreetTel: 250 374-5111If you are taking prescription medicine, bringit with you.

Chapter 4: Health CareWalk-in clinicsIf you need medical attention but it is not an emergency,you can go to a walk-in clinic.In Kamloops, these clinics have walk-in service:• Northshore Treatment Centre700 Tranquille RoadTel: 250 554-4265• Kamloops Urgent Care Clinic910 Columbia Street WestTel: 250 371-4905• Summit Medical Clinic4 – 1380 Summit DriveTel: 250 374-9800!Healthy KidsProgramThe B.C. Healthy KidsProgram helps low-incomefamilies with the cost of basicdental care and prescriptioneyeglasses for children under19 years. This help is forfamilies who already getMSP premium. For moreinformation, go to:www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/publicat/bcea/HealthyKids.htmThese clinics have doctors and nurses. You do not need anappointment. Most large communities have walk-in clinics.Some clinics are open late. Many are open seven days aweek. Look in the yellow pages, under Clinics.What if you need to go to a walk-in clinic before you havereceived your BC Services Card? If you have completed yourwaiting period, but have not yet received your BC ServicesCard, you must pay for the visit. Keep your receipt. MSPmay pay for part of the cost of the visit.Calling an ambulanceIf you need an ambulance, call 9-1-1 or the emergencyphone number in your area. This number is usually at thefront of the telephone book. Ask for an ambulance. Theambulance will take you to the emergency department ofa hospital. MSP will not pay for the ambulance. If you goin an ambulance, you do not have to pay right away. Youwill get a bill later. If you have a low income, you may getassistance.48

Chapter 4: Health CareHospital costsYou do not have to pay for hospital costs ifyou have MSP coverage.Language assistanceThe Provincial Language Service providesinterpreters in 180 languages. Ask yourdoctor or the hospital to call the ProvincialLanguage Service at 1 877 228-2557 to bookan interpreter. Only a doctor or a hospitalmay book this service.Finding a dentistTo find a dentist, check with friends, animmigrant settlement agency, or look in theyellow pages, under Dentists. You can alsogo to the BC Dental Association website at:www.bcdental.org/Find_a_Dentist. Phonethe dentist’s office to make an appointment.MSP will not pay for dental services. If youhave a job, your employer may have a dentalplan that you can join. MSP will pay if yougo to a hospital for dental surgery.If your family is not covered by an employer’sdental plan, children under 19 can get somedental care under the Healthy Kids Program.This is only if your family already gets MSPpremium assistance. Ask your dentist for moreinformation.Some public health units have dental clinics.They give free dental checkups and cleaningsto young children and low-cost dental care toolder children and adults.Public health unitsMany communities have public health units.These are medical offices where nurses anddoctors give free health care information. Youwill need your BC Services Card to visit apublic health unit.If you have a serious, ongoing health problem,a public health nurse may be able to helpyou in your home. These nurses can also helpwomen prepare for a new baby and visit themat home after the baby is born. They will alsogive immunizations to babies and children toprevent diseases, such as polio and measles.Kamloops Public Health Unit519 Columbia Street KamloopsTel: 250 851-7300Private specialized clinicsIn some cities and towns there are privatespecialized clinics such as weight-loss, andChinese and other alternative medicine. Youhave to ask what services are covered by MSP.To find clinics in your area, look in theyellow pages, under Clinics.Prescription drugsYou must have a doctor’s prescription (writtenpermission) to buy prescription drugs(medicines) at a pharmacy (drugstore). Thepharmacist will explain how often and howlong you must take the medicine.You can buy some medicines without aprescription. These are called non-prescriptiondrugs or over-the-counter drugs. These are49BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 4: Health Careusually for less serious problems, such ascommon colds or headaches. If you have aquestion about over-the-counter drugs, askthe pharmacist or call 8-1-1 and ask to speakto a pharmacist about your medication.Eye exams and eyeglassesYou must buy prescriptions at drug stores orpharmacies. To find pharmacies in Kamloops,look in the yellow pages under Drugstores orPharmacies.Registering for prescription druginsurance: PharmaCare and FairPharmaCareAs soon as you get your BC Services Card,you should register for prescription druginsurance with PharmaCare. It is a B.C.government program. It may pay some ofthe cost for prescription drugs you buy inB.C. You have to be a permanent resident ofB.C. and for most PharmaCare plans, youmust have MSP coverage.Fair PharmaCare is for B.C. families whohave MSP coverage. The lower your income,the more help you will get to pay forprescription drugs.To register or get more information, phoneHealth Insurance BC. Call toll-free: 1 800663-7100 or visit the PharmaCare websiteat: www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharmacareIf you need an eye examination, talk to yourfamily doctor or look in the yellow pages,under Optometrists.MSP pays for routine eye exams by anoptometrist:• for children and youth 18 years andyounger• for adults 65 years and olderNote: MSP covers up to $46.17 for an eyeexam. Some optometrists may charge morethan $46.17. Be sure to ask your optometristabout costs before your eye exam.MSP also pays for other visits to anoptometrist. The plan pays for people of allages with a medical need. For example, avisit to remove an object from an eye or visitsfor people with eye diseases.Some people have benefit plans at work. Theseplans might help pay for eye exams, glasses,and contact lenses. Ask your employer.50

Chapter 4: Health CarePeople with DisabilitiesMental health centres andcommunity agenciesIf you have a serious emotional problem,talk to your doctor and get help. If you donot have a family doctor in Kamloops, talkto a settlement worker at Kamloops CaribooRegional Immigrant Society to find help.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caYou can also call the Canadian Mental HealthAssociation.People with disabilities may need informationabout housing or jobs. They may also wantto know what special programs are availablein their communities. For information andadvice, call the B.C. Coalition of People withDisabilities toll-free at 1 800 663-1278, orvisit the website at: www.bccpd.bc.caCanadian Mental Health AssociationTel: 250 374-0440Crisis Line: 1 888 353-2273www.kamloops.cmha.bc.caDo not feel ashamed or try to deal with theproblem alone.Most B.C. communities have mental healthcentres that help people with problems such assevere depression, paranoia, and schizophrenia.There is help in Kamloops for people withmental health and addiction issues.Kamloops Mental Health and AddictionServices200 – 235 Lansdowne StreetTel: 250 377-6500For more help for individuals and families,see Chapter 6.51BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 5: Education• Education system• Elementary andsecondary schools• Distance education• Post-secondaryeducation• Costs and financialhelp• English classes foradults• Continuing educationfor adultsEducation systemEducation is very important to mostCanadians. The education system inCanada has three levels. Children usuallygo to elementary school from ages five to12, and to secondary school (high school)from ages 13 to 17 or 18. After secondaryschool, students can go on to post-secondarystudy at colleges, technical schools, anduniversities.In British Columbia, both the provincialgovernment and local Boards of Educationmanage the public school system(Kindergarten to Grade 12).The provincial government funds theeducation system and sets the legislation,regulations, and policies that make sure everyschool meets provincial standards and everystudent receives a high-quality education.There are also 60 local Boards of Education(school boards) across the province. Kamloopsis part of Kamloops/Thompson SchoolDistrict 73. Trustees are elected to theseboards to make local education decisions.For more information about the Ministryof Education, visit the website at:www.gov.bc.ca/bcedIf you want information about registeringyour child for school, learning assistance, ELL(English Language Learning), or have otherquestions about education in Kamloops,contact the Board of Education directly.Kamloops/Thompson School District 731383 9th AvenueTel: 250 374-0679www.sd73.bc.ca52

Chapter 5: EducationPreschoolFor children under five years old, there arefree learning programs in schools calledStrongStart BC. Parents and children attendthese programs together. For information,contact your local school or visit: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/strongstart_bc/Many schools offer Ready, Set, Learnprograms for children who are three yearsold. Parents also attend. Children learnimportant skills through play activities, andparents get information about how to helptheir child learn. For information, contactKamloops/Thompson School District 73 at250 374-0679 or visit:www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/rslElementary and secondaryschoolsIn British Columbia, all children between theages of 5 and 16 must go to school. Publicelementary and secondary (high) schools arefree. For a list of public schools in Kamloops,go to www3.sd73.bc.ca/schools, or contactthe school district.Kamloops/Thompson School District 731383 9th AvenueTel: 250 374-0679www.sd73.bc.caSome children go to independent (private)schools. Most independent schools charge fees.Parents may also choose to teach theirchildren at home. Students who are taught athome can take courses on the Internet and canalso have lessons sent to them by mail.Children usually start elementary school inthe same year that they turn five years old.This first year of elementary school is calledkindergarten. Kindergarten is a full-dayprogram in public schools. Independentschools also offer kindergarten for a fee. Formore information on kindergarten, visit:www.bced.gov.bc.ca/early_learning/fdkChildren usually attend the public schoolclosest to their home. In some elementaryschools, students study in multi-grade classes.For example, one class may have students ingrades 1, 2, and 3. Some school districts havemiddle schools for students in grades 6 to 8.Secondary schools are for students in grades8 to 12, or grades 9 to 12. Most studentsfinish secondary school by age 18. When theygraduate from secondary school in B.C., theyget a graduation certificate.For a list of all elementary and secondary schoolsin Kamloops, visit: www3.sd73.bc.ca/schoolsEnglish classes for childrenSome students attend English LanguageLearning (ELL) classes. Most students whoneed help learning English receive extra helpin the regular classroom. Some older studentsattend both regular classroom programs andELL classes. The school will decide if yourchild needs ELL classes—you do not have toenroll them.Special preschool programs can help youngchildren learn English. To find out if there isan ELL preschool program in your area, askan immigrant settlement agency.53BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

EducationRegistering a child forpublic schoolWhen you register your child at school, youwill need to show official documents withyour child’s date of birth, your resident statusin British Columbia, and the address whereyou live. You will also need to show yourchild’s immunization record. This is a paperthat lists the vaccinations against diseasesthat your child has received.To register your child for public school,contact Kamloops/ThompsonSchool District 73.Kamloops/Thompson School District 731383 9th AvenueTel: 250 374-0679www.sd73.bc.caGetting involvedIf you have a child in school, talk oftenwith your child’s teachers. Go to the parentteachermeetings during the year. You canalso go to school meetings and volunteerin the school. Your children will sometimesbring home letters and notices from school.Make sure you read them to know what ishappening at your child’s school.Keeping your languageMany newcomers want their children tocontinue learning their native language. Insome places, there may be a preschool withclasses in your language. There may alsobe classes after school or on Saturdays forelementary school students. You may haveto pay fees for these classes. Many secondaryschools have a choice of language classes.For information, call the B.C. HeritageLanguage Association at 604 298-4526 orvisit their website at: www.bchla.netChildren with specialneedsSome children need extra help. They maybe blind or deaf or have another physicaldisability. Some children may need helpbecause they have a learning disability.In British Columbia, children with specialneeds attend regular classes. Contact yourlocal school to talk about your child’s specialneeds, and to learn about programs andservices to help your child.French programsThere are French programs in B.C. publicschools:• In Kamloops, students can take FrenchImmersion programs to learn French andstudy all subjects in French at:ˏˏˏˏˏˏSouth Kamloops SecondaryLloyd George ElementarySouth Sahali ElementaryTo learn more about French Immersionin programs in Kamloops, contact theDistrict Language Coordinator at 250376-2266, or visit: www3.sd73.bc.ca/tags/french-immersion54

Chapter 5: Education• In all other public schools, studentscan learn French as one of their regularsubjects. Talk to your local school orcontact Kamloops/Thompson SchoolDistrict 73 at 250 374-0679 for moreinformation.• Some school districts have a program forstudents who speak French as their firstlanguage. You can find out about thefrancophone program by calling Conseilscolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique.Conseil scolaire francophone de laColombie-BritanniqueToll-free: 1 888 715-2200www.csf.bc.caIndependent (private)schoolsSome independent schools have religious programs,such as in Catholic or Muslim schools.Others may have different teaching methods.Most independent schools charge fees. For alist of independent schools, call the office of theFederation of Independent School Associationsat 604 684-6023 in Metro Vancouver. For moreinformation visit the website at: www.fisabc.caYou can also look for independent schoolsin the yellow pages of the phone book,under Schools–Academic–Elementary andSecondary. The B.C. Ministry of Educationhas information on independent schools onthe website at:www.bced.gov.bc.ca/independentschoolsDistributed (distance)Learning andHomeschoolingSome children in British Columbia do notgo to regular schools. These children maylive far from school, be too sick to travelto school or their parents may prefer toteach them at home. They can do this intwo ways—by Distributed Learning or byHomeschooling.Taking courses online or by correspondence(sent by mail) is called Distributed Learning. Youcan find out about Distributed Learning schoolsand courses at: www.learnnowbc.ca/schoolsStudents in Kamloops can take onlinedistance education courses through an onlinelearning program known as @KOOL.@KOOLTel: 778 471-6061kool.sd73.bc.caWhen parents are responsible for teachingtheir children at home, this is calledHomeschooling. Parents have to preparethe lessons and make sure their children arelearning. They must register their child witha school before they begin. You can findmore information on Homeschooling at:www.bced.gov.bc.ca/home_school55BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

EducationPost-secondary educationAfter Grade 12, many students continuetheir education. There are public(government-funded) and private (notgovernment-funded) universities, colleges,and institutes in British Columbia.People can study many different subjects atuniversity, such as arts, education, sciences,medicine, and law. It takes about four yearsof full-time study to complete a Bachelor’sdegree. If you continue at university, you canget a post-graduate degree such as a Master’sor a Doctorate/Ph.D.Colleges and institutes offer first- andsecond-year university courses. Then youcan transfer to a university. Colleges andtechnical institutes also have job trainingprograms, for example, chef training,computer technology, or auto mechanics.At Thompson Rivers University in Kamloopsstudents can take university credit courses,learn trades and study business, nursing,computer sciences, engineering and othercourses that will prepare them for theworkforce.The college campus has nearly 13,000students and another 10,000 students studyonline or by distance through the OpenLearning Division. Students can also takeprograms at regional centres throughoutthe interior of B.C., at a satellite campus inWilliams Lake, and at an Open LearningCentre in Vancouver.Thompson Rivers University900 McGill RoadTel: 250 828-5000www.tru.caFor a list of colleges and institutes, see theend of this chapter or look in the yellowpages of the telephone book, under Schools–Academic–Colleges and Universities. Theyellow pages have both public and privateschools. For a list of public post-secondaryinstitutions, go to: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/institutionsTo help you choose a post-secondary schooland program, see Being an Informed Studentat: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/informedstudent/welcome.htmCosts and financial helpAt public universities, colleges, and institutes,the government pays for most of the cost ofprograms, but students also have to pay fees.Each post-secondary school has different fees,and each program has different fees.The B.C. government lends money to manystudents who need financial help. Somestudents with low incomes may get helpto pay their fees and some of their livingexpenses. To get this help, students musthave lived in B.C. for 12 months before theirprogram starts. For information, talk to thefinancial aid office at the college, institute oruniversity you plan to attend. You can alsoget information at the B.C. Governmentwebsite at: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc56

Chapter 5: EducationParents can start a Registered EducationSavings Plan (RESP) to save for their child’seducation after high school. You can openan RESP at many banks and credit unions.Your child needs a Social Insurance Number(SIN) to open an RESP. You may also beable to get a Canada Education SavingsGrant. This is money that the Governmentof Canada deposits into your child’s RESP.For more information, go to:www.CanLearn.ca or call 1 888 276-3624.English classes for adultsThere are many English as a SecondLanguage (ESL) classes to help adults learnto speak, read, and write English.English Language Services forAdults (ELSA)Many students work part-time or workin the summer to earn money for theireducation.Private post-secondaryschools and collegesBritish Columbia has many private postsecondarycolleges, business schools, technicalschools, and language schools. The fees aresometimes higher than at public colleges, andthey may have different programs.Make sure that the private post-secondaryschool or college you want to attend isaccredited with the provincial government.Accredited means the school or college haspassed tests for educational standards.You can contact the Private Career TrainingInstitutions Agency (PCTIA) to find outwhich schools are accredited. Call toll-free1 800 661-7441. The PCTIA website is:www.pctia.bc.caTo find private post-secondary schools andcolleges, look in the yellow pages, underSchools.Adult immigrants who need to learn Englishcan go to free government-sponsored ESLclasses. These free classes are called EnglishLanguage Services for Adults (ELSA). SomeELSA classes have child care. (For other childcare services, see Chapter 6.) Find out moreabout this, and other English language servicesat: www.WelcomeBC.ca/LearnEnglishIn Kamloops, you can talk to a settlementworker at the Kamloops Cariboo Regional ImmigrantSociety about free English instruction.Kamloops Cariboo Regional ImmigrantSociety448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.ca57BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

EducationESL Settlement Assistance Program(ESL SAP)In many areas of B.C., trained tutors helpnewcomers learn English. To find an ESLSAP Tutoring Centre, go to:www.WelcomeBC.ca/LearnEnglishCollege and public school EnglishclassesAdult immigrants can also attend a fulltimeor part-time English class at a collegeor public school. These schools may offerfree ESL classes or charge fees for classes.The provincial government may help paythe fees for students with low incomes. Forinformation on the Adult Basic EducationStudent Assistance Program, visit:www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/explore/grants-scholarships/adult-basic-educationThompson Rivers University offersEnglish language classes for students andfor members of the community. Thereare beginner, intermediate, and advancedclasses to help all levels of English languagespeaking, reading, and writing.Thompson Rivers University900 McGill RoadTel: 250 828-5000www.tru.caCommunity groupsImmigrant settlement agencies, communitygroups and churches may also provide free orlow-cost English classes in some areas.Private English schools and tutorsMany private English schools and privatetutors also teach English. These classes may bemore expensive than classes in public schoolsand colleges, and are not always accredited withthe provincial government. Look in the yellowpages, under Language Schools, for a listing ofESL schools, or search on the Internet. Findout if they are accredited by the government.For information on ESL classes, visit:www.elsanet.org/esldirectory/index.phpContinuing education foradultsSome adults in British Columbia want to starta program or continue their studies. Adultstake courses to improve their reading or mathskills, to finish secondary (high) school, tolearn new job skills, or for enjoyment. Manyadults attend full-time classes during the day.Some working people study part-time. Manycolleges, universities, and secondary schools offerfull-time or part-time programs in the evening.Adults can take upgrading courses to Grade 12free of charge. You can take courses at a publicschool, a college, or on the Internet. Forinformation about adult education programs,phone your local community college or visit:www.aved.gov.bc.ca/abe/abesap.htm58

Chapter 5: EducationIn Kamloops, Thompson Rivers Universityoffers career and college preparationprograms (adult basic education) fromfundamental through to high schoolGrade 12 equivalence. The college also hasprograms to prepare students to enter collegepost-secondary programs.Thompson Rivers University900 McGill RoadTel: 250 828-5000www.tru.caDistributed (distance)Learning for adultsSome adults want to study at home orcannot go to classes. Many colleges anduniversities offer classes on the Internet, bycorrespondence (by mail), and by telephone.You can get information from ThompsonRivers University Open Learning at 1 800663-9711. Visit their website at: www.tru.ca/distance. You can also look online for postsecondarycourses at: www.bccampus.caUniversitiesThompson Rivers University offers studentsa choice of taking courses part-time, in theclassroom and online.Thompson Rivers University900 McGill RoadTel: 250 828-5000www.tru.caOther B.C. UniversitiesYou can also take online courses from theseuniversities.Capilano University2055 Purcell WayNorth Vancouver, B.C. V7J 3H5Tel: 604 986-1911www.capilanou.caThere are also campuses in Sechelt andSquamish.Emily Carr University of Art and Design1399 Johnston Street, Granville IslandVancouver, B.C. V6H 3R9Tel: 604 844-3800Toll-free: 1 800 832-7788www.ecuad.caKwantlen Polytechnic University12666 72nd AvenueSurrey, B.C. V3W 2M8Tel: 604 599-2100www.kwantlen.bc.caThere are also campuses in Langley,Richmond, Cloverdale, and Surrey.Royal Roads University2005 Sooke RoadVictoria, B.C. V9B 5Y2Tel: 250 391-2511www.royalroads.caSimon Fraser University8888 University DriveBurnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6Tel: 778 782-3111www.sfu.ca59BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

EducationUniversity of British Columbia2329 West MallVancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4Tel: 604 822-2211www.ubc.caUniversity of the Fraser Valley33844 King RoadAbbotsford, B.C. V2S 7M8Tel: 604 504-7441Toll-free: 1 888-504-7441www.ufv.caThere are also campuses in Abbotsford,Agassiz, Chilliwack, Hope, and Mission.University of VictoriaBox 1700Victoria, B.C. V8W 2Y2Tel: 250 721-7211www.uvic.caVancouver Island University900 – Fifth StreetNanaimo, B.C. V9R 5S5Tel: 250 753-3245Toll-free: 1 888 920-2221www.viu.caThere are also campuses in Cowichan,Parksville, and Powell River.CollegesCamosun College3100 Foul Bay RoadVictoria, B.C. V8P 5J2Tel: 250 370-3000www.camosun.bc.caCollege of New Caledonia3330 – 22nd AvenuePrince George, B.C. V2N 1P8Tel: 250 562-2131Toll-free: 1 800 371-8111www.cnc.bc.caThere are also campuses in Burns Lake, FortSt. James, Fraser Lake, Mackenzie, Quesnel,Valemount, and Vanderhoof.College of the RockiesBox 85002700 College WayCranbrook, B.C. V1C 5L7Tel: 250 489-2751Toll-free: 1 877 489-2687www.cotr.bc.caThere are also campuses in Creston, Fernie,Golden, Invermere, and Kimberley.Douglas College700 Royal AvenueNew Westminster, B.C. V3M 2Z4Tel: 604 527-5400www.douglas.bc.caThere are also campuses in Coquitlam andMaple Ridge.Langara College100 West 49th AvenueVancouver, B.C. V5Y 2Z6Tel: 604 323-5511www.langara.bc.ca60

Chapter 5: EducationNorthern Lights College11401 – 8th StreetDawson Creek, B.C.Tel: 250 782-5251Toll-free: 1 866 463-6652 (1 866 INFO-NLC)www.nlc.bc.caThere are also campuses in Atlin, Chetwynd,Dease Lake, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, andTumbler Ridge.North Island College2300 Ryan RoadCourtenay, B.C. V9N 8N6Tel: 250 334-5000Toll-free:1 800 715-0914www.nic.bc.caThere are also campuses in Campbell River,Port Alberni and Mount Waddington, and alearning centre in Ucluelet.Northwest Community College5331 McConnell AvenueTerrace, B.C. V8G 4X2Tel: 250 635-6511Toll-free: 1 877 277-2288www.nwcc.bc.caThere are also campuses in Hazelton,Houston, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, QueenCharlotte Village, Masset, Nass Valley,Smithers, and Skidegate (Kaay Llnagaay).Okanagan College1000 KLO RoadKelowna, B.C. V1Y 4X8Tel: 250 762-5445www.okanagan.bc.caThere are also campuses in Penticton,Salmon Arm, and Vernon.Selkirk CollegeBox 1200301 Frank Beinder WayCastlegar, B.C. V1N 3J1Tel: 250 365-7292Toll-free: 1 888 953-1133www.selkirk.bc.caThere are also campuses in Grand Forks,Kaslo, Nakusp, Nelson, and Trail.Vancouver Community College1155 East BroadwayVancouver, B.C. V5T 4V5Tel: 604 871-7000www.vcc.caInstitutesBritish Columbia Institute of Technology3700 Willingdon AvenueBurnaby, B.C. V5G 3H2Tel: 604 434-5734Toll-free: 1 866 434-1610www.bcit.caJustice Institute of British Columbia715 McBride BoulevardNew Westminster, B.C. V3L 5T4Tel: 604 525-5422Toll-free: 1 888 865-7764www.jibc.caNicola Valley Institute of Technology4155 Belshaw StreetMerritt, B.C. V1K 1R1Tel: 250 378-3300www.nvit.bc.ca61BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 6: Help for Individuals and Families• Employment andincome assistance• Food banks• Crisis centres• Emergency shelter• Abuse and violence• Seniors’ programs andbenefits• Help for young people• Support for gay,lesbian, andtransgendered people• Help for families• Child careEmployment and income assistance (welfare)If you do not have enough money to live on, you can apply for financial help from the provincialgovernment. This help is called the B.C. Employment and Assistance (BCEA) Program. It is alsocalled welfare or income assistance. It is only for permanent residents and refugee claimants.When you apply, the government will check your financial situation (your income, expenses, andthings you own) to decide if you are eligible. Contact an Employment and Assistance Office at1 866 866-0800 to talk about your application. Visit the website at: www.eia.gov.bc.ca/bcea.htmFor More Information• Employment and Income Assistance Officein Kamloops300 – 619 Victoria StreetToll-free: 1 866 866-0800www.eia.gov.bc.ca/publicat/bcea/BCEA.htm• Kamloops Cariboo Regional ImmigrantSociety448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.ca• Service BC250 – 455 Columbia StreetTel: 250 828-4540www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/kamloops.html62

Chapter 6: Help for Individuals and FamiliesSponsorship breakdownSome people are sponsored by a familymember to come to Canada. Sometimes thereare changes or problems in the family, suchas a marriage breakdown. If this happens, thesponsor is still responsible for the relative. Ifthe sponsored person gets income assistance(welfare), the sponsor is responsible for payingthe money back to the provincial government.For information about sponsorshipbreakdown, contact the B.C. Ministry ofSocial Development at 1 877 815-2363, orvisit: www.eia.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/2005/Sponsorship_Default.htmFor help in cases of abuse or to find anemergency shelter, see Abuse and Emergencyshelter later in this chapter, or contact theKamloops Cariboo Regional ImmigrantServices Society.Kamloops CaribooRegional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caFood banksKamloops has several programs to make surepeople in need get food.The Kamloops Food Bank offers foodhampers to singles, couples and families.It also provides hampers in emergencies.• Families and single parents – Monday,Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 11:30 am• Singles and adult couples – Tuesdayand Thursday, 9 a.m. - 11:30 am (nochildren, please)• Seniors, working clients, students andpeople with mobility issues – Thursday,4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Please bring proofof employment or enrollment.Kamloops Food Bank171 Wilson StreetTel: 250 376-2252www.kamloopsfoodbank.orgThe Kamloops Food Bank is also open to allclients on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. atthe Kamloops United Church.Kamloops United Church421 St. Paul StreetThe Kamloops Salvation Army offersemergency food hampers and communityand family services from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Monday to Friday. It also has a food shareprogram called the Good Food Box. It costs$25 per month to receive a box of fresh fruitand vegetables.Salvation Army344 Poplar StreetTel: 250 554-1611web.salvationarmy.org/can/www_can_kamloopsministries.nsfFood banks are not run by the government.People in the community donate the food.If you want to donate food, there are boxesin many food stores, churches, and otherplaces. For information about food banks inB.C. visit: www.foodbanksbc.ca63BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Help for Individuals and FamiliesCrisis centresSome newcomers have problems adjustingto their new country. They get extremely sador upset. Some people may even think aboutsuicide. Most B.C. communities have crisiscentres to help people in emotional crisis,such as depression, suicidal thoughts, orfamily and marriage problems.If you are in a crisis, call the Distress PhoneServices at 1 866 661-3311 or 1 800 784-2433 (1 800 SUICIDE) 24 hours a day,7 days a week.You can also visit the Crisis Centre websiteat: www.crisiscentre.bc.caFor support and information, young peoplecan visit: www.YouthInBC.com and adultscan visit: www.CrisisCentreChat.caIn Kamloops, women who are in crisis orwho are leaving an abusive relationshipcan call the Y Women’s Emergency ShelterOutreach Services.Y Women’s Emergency Shelter OutreachServicesTel: 250 374-6162www.kamloopsy.org/vawiss.htmYou can also call the Kamloops UrgentResponse Team and talk to a mental healthcounselor in case of crisis.Kamloops Urgent Response TeamTel: 250 377-6500Tel: 250 377-0088 after hours and weekendsThe Crisis Prevention Intervention andInformation Centre For Interior BC has24-hour help lines for people in crisis:Toll-free: 1 888 353-2273The Ministry of Children and FamilyDevelopment operates an emergencytelephone line for children. If you orsomeone you know needs help of any kind,anytime of the day or night, call 310-1234(no area code needed). This is a toll-free call,and can be made from a pay phone.HomelessnessIf you leave your home because of an emergencyor because you are worried about your safety,you may need to find emergency shelter.Contact the Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society. They can help you find aplace to stay.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Services448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caIn Kamloops, the Salvation Army hasprograms to help families in poverty.Salvation Army344 Poplar StreetTel: 250 554-1611web.salvationarmy.org/can/www_can_kamloopsministries.nsfIf you experience violence in your family andneed a new place to live in an emergency,please see the Abuse in the family section ofthis guide.64

Chapter 6: Help for Individuals and FamiliesOutreachHomeless outreach workers will help peoplewho are currently living on the street orwho are at risk of losing their home to findfood, warm clothes, and a place to stay in anemergency. They will help you find housingand income support. They will also help youcontact your landlord, find life skills training,health, household, and financial management.In Kamloops, Ask Wellness outreach workershelp people on the street.Ask Wellness433 Tranquille RoadTel: 250 376-7558www.askwellness.caEmergency ShelterProgramBC Housing funds emergency shelters anddrop-in centres to help people who arewithout a home with a temporary bed, food,and access to other support services.In Kamloops, both men and women can findemergency shelter at Emerald Centre.Emerald Centre271 West Victoria StreetEmergency shelter for women only can befound at the Y Women’s Emergency Shelter.Y Women’s Emergency Shelter is for womenand children leaving an abusive relationship.Y Women’s Emergency ShelterTel: 250 374-6162Extreme WeatherResponse ProgramThe Extreme Weather Response programprovides people and families living on thestreet with access to a warm, dry place tosleep when the weather is very cold. Theprogram is open from November 1st toMarch 31st.People living on the street can get out of thecold at St. Paul’s Cathedral.St. Paul’s Cathedral360 Nicola StreetTel: 250 376-4161Help for victims of traumaSome people may have suffered from griefor trauma before coming to Canada. Forexample, they may have experienced tortureor the trauma of war. They may also haveexperienced the loss of loved ones. There aregroups that give help and counselling to thesepeople and their families.For more information about getting help inKamloops, contact the Kamloops CaribooRegional Immigrant Society.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caThe Kamloops YMCA-YWCA has a programfor children who have witnessed abuse.400 Battle StreetTel: 250 376-7800www.kamloopsy.org65BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Help for Individuals and FamiliesThe Vancouver Association for Survivorsof Torture (VAST) also provides support.It provides service in English and otherlanguages.Vancouver Association for Survivors ofTorture (VAST)Toll-Free: 1 866 393-3133www.vast-vancouver.caAbuse and violenceThere are many forms of abuse, both physicaland emotional. When one person assaults(attacks), hurts, mistreats, or threatensanother person, it is called abuse. In Canada,all violence and threats of violence are againstthe law. The police can arrest someone whoassaults or threatens to attack another person.The person could get a fine or go to jail.Abuse is always wrong. If someone abusesyou, it is not your fault. You can get help toget away from the person who abuses you.Sexual assaultSexual assault is any form of sexual contactwithout a person’s consent. Sexual assaultcan range from unwanted sexual touching toforced sexual intercourse (sometimes calledrape). Sexual assault is against the law, even ifit is done by a spouse, a relative, or a friend.If you have been sexually assaulted, callVictimLink BC at 1 800 563-0808. They willhelp you to see a doctor, talk to a counselor,report to the police, and get other supportservices. If you are in danger or want to reportthe sexual assault, call the police. For moreinformation, visit: www.victimlinkbc.caIf you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.You should call the police even if the sexualassault happened in the past. The nonemergencyphone number for the KamloopsRCMP is 250 828-3000.There are other organizations that helpwomen who have been sexually assaulted. Youcan call the Women Against Violence AgainstWomen (WAVAW) Rape Crisis Centre. Thecrisis line is available 24 hours a day.Toll-free: 1 877 392-7583www.wavaw.caAbuse in the familyAbuse can happen in families. A familymember can be a wife, husband, common-lawwife or husband, or same-sex partner. Children,parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, andin-laws are also family. There are many formsof abuse that can happen in a family. Forexample, hitting or kicking someone, orusing a weapon to hurt someone, is physicalabuse. Forcing sex on someone is sexual abuse.Threatening to take away their children, notletting someone talk to friends or family, ornot letting the person go out of the house areforms of emotional abuse. Threatening to takeaway immigration sponsorship is also abuse.Not letting a person get or keep a job, get jobtraining, or have money, are forms of financialabuse. Not letting someone practise theirreligion is spiritual abuse. Using religion as areason to hurt or control someone is also abuse.If you are a permanent resident of Canada, youwill not be deported if you leave an abusivefamily situation. Your sponsorship cannot betaken away after you become a permanentresident. If you are not yet a permanent66

Chapter 6: Help for Individuals and Familiesresident, Citizenship and Immigration Canada(CIC) will carefully evaluate your special casebefore making a decision.If you need help• If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.• Call VictimLink BC at 1 800 563-0808or go to: www.victimlinkbc.ca. Theycan give you information and referralsto agencies and services to help you.They also provide immediate support forvictims of family and sexual violence.This service is available in 110 languages.• Call a Transition House or Safe HomeProgram. Transition houses help women(with or without children). They are open24 hours a day, seven days a week. Theygive safe temporary shelter, usually up to 30days. You can get help to find counsellingand medical help. In Kamloops, the YWomen’s Emergency Shelter is a safe placefor women escaping violence.Y Women’s Emergency ShelterTel: 250 374-6162Child abuse and neglectSometimes parents do not take proper careof their children. They may hit or neglecttheir children—for example, they may leaveyoung children under 12 years old at homealone. There are laws to protect children inthese situations.If you think a child needs help, call the Helplinefor Children. Dial 310-1234 from anywhere inB.C. No area code is needed. You can phonethis number 24 hours a day. The governmentmay send a social worker to check on a child.If social workers think the child is in danger,they can take the child out of the home to asafe place. If this happens, the parents shouldget legal help immediately. If you believethat a child is in danger, abused or neglected,the law says you must report it.Elder abuse and neglectSeniors are people 65 years or older.Sometimes seniors are abused physically,emotionally, sexually, or financially. They maybe neglected or they may neglect themselves.If you, or someone you know, is being abusedor neglected, call VictimLink BC.Toll-free: 1 800 563-0808www.victimlinkbc.caCentre for Elder Advocacy and SupportToll-free: 1 866 437-1940www.bcceas.caAnimal abuseSometimes people abuse or neglect animals.They may be pets (such as dogs, cats or birds),farm animals, or animals in zoos or game farms.Animal abuse is against the law. If you thinkan animal is being abused or neglected, youshould report it. Contact the BC Society for thePrevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA).Toll-free: 1 800 665-1868www.spca.bc.caKamloops SPCA1211 8th StreetTel: 250 376-7722www.spca.bc.ca/kamloops67BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Help for Individuals and FamiliesProblems with alcohol,drugs, and gamblingIf you need information and support foraddiction, there is information onlinein Punjabi, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi/Dari,Korean, Russian, Spanish, Japanese,Vietnamese and French at: www.heretohelp.bc.ca/other-languagesTo find an agency in your community thathelps with alcohol and drug problems, call theAlcohol and Drug Information and ReferralLine at: 1 800 663-1441. This service isavailable in other languages. You can phonethese numbers 24 hours a day, or visit thewebsite at: www.bc211.caDownload a list of meetings in Kamloops:www.bcyukon-al-anon.org/~bcyukon-alanon/meetings.htmlContact Al-Anon for more information:Call toll-free: 1 888 425-2666www.bcyukon-al-anon.org/contacts.htmlSeniors’ programs andbenefitsFor gambling problems, call the ProblemGambling Help Line at 1 888 795-6111. Thisservice is available in other languages. You canalso look in the blue pages of the telephonebook, in the Government of British Columbiasection, under Addiction Services.For help with an addiction issue in Kamloops,call the Kamloops Mental Health andAddiction Services addiction line at250 377-6500 or after hours at 250 377-0088.Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is for people whowant to stop drinking alcohol.Download a list of meetings in Kamloops:www.bcyukonaa.org/_pub/meetings/districts/dist_62.phpAl-Anon is for people who have a friend orfamily member who is an alcoholic.HousingB.C. Housing has programs for seniors withlow incomes. (For information on low-costhousing for seniors, see Chapter 2, under Lowcosthousing.) One of BC Housing’s programsis called Home Adaptations for Independence(HAFI). This program provides funding tohelp low-income seniors and people withdisabilities stay in their own homes.To find out if you qualify for HAFI, call BCHousing at 1 800 407-7757 or visit the BCHousing website at: www.bchousing.org/HAFI. Information about HAFI is availablein English, Punjabi, and Cantonese.68

Chapter 6: Help for Individuals and FamiliesSeniors’ groupsMost communities in B.C. have seniors’groups. These groups usually have programsand activities for seniors. Some have specialservices such as counselling, medical clinics,and legal advice.In Kamloops, a seniors’ centre at North ShoreCommunity Centre has recreational, culturaland educational programs for seniors.North Shore Community Centre452 730 Cottonwood AvenueTel: 250 376-4777www.nsccs.webs.comFor more information on seniors’ programsand services, contact the Seniors Health CareSupport Line. Call 1 877 952-3181 and askfor a free copy of the BC Seniors’ Guide.This Guide is available in English, Chinese,Punjabi, and French. It is also online at:www.gov.bc.ca/seniorsguideHelp for young peopleMany communities have agencies with specialcounsellors to help young people. Counsellorscan answer questions and give advice aboutpregnancy, drugs, sexually transmitteddiseases (STDs), and other problems.Kamloops Youth Clinic519 Columbia StreetTel: 250 851-7300The Safe Spaces program at InteriorCommunity Services provides counseling andsexual health services to youth.Safe Spaces Program Coordinator765 Tranquille RoadTel: 250 371-3086www.safespaces.infoNew Life Mission has a free clinic on Tuesdayafternoons. The clinic is usually open from1 p.m. until 3:30 or 4 p.m.New Life Mission181 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 434-9898There are community agencies to helpchildren and young people. Big Sisters andBig Brothers match an adult and a child.The adult acts like an older sister or brotherto the child. Boys and Girls Clubs also helpyoung people—for example, the clubs havemany after-school programs. Children canplay team sports and learn new skills.• The Kids Help Phone, at 1 800 668-6868,is a 24-hour help line for children andyouth. You can get immediate help andinformation. You do not have to tellthem your name. The information yougive them is confidential (they do not tellanyone else). In B.C. you can also call theHelpline for Children at 310-1234 (noarea code required).• The Youth Against Violence Line, 1 800680-4264, is a 24-hour help line. You donot have to tell them your name and theinformation you give them is confidential.Young people can report crimes andviolence, and get help. Anyone can call forinformation about gangs, bullying, andother problems young people may have.This service is available in 130 languages.69BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Help for Individuals and Families• The Kamloops Safe House offers freetemporary shelter for youth ages 13-18and a 24-hour phone line.Kamloops Safe HouseToll Free: 1 855 629-7233Tel: 250 314-0771www.interiorcommunityservices.bc.caSupport for gay, lesbian,and transgendered peopleThere are agencies where gays and lesbianscan go for information and advice in theirown language. Call Qmunity (B.C.’s QueerResource Centre) at 1 800 566-1170. Visitthe website at: www.qmunity.caThe Gay and Lesbian Association (GALA) ofKamloops supports gay, lesbian, bisexual andtransgendered people.Tel: 250 376-7311www.gaycanada.com/kamloops-galaIn Kamloops, there are organizations thatoffer information, services and support togay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgenderedpeople.Kamloops Youth Clinic519 Columbia StreetTel: 250 851-7300The Safe Spaces program at InteriorCommunity Services provides counseling,support, and health services to GLBT youth.Safe Spaces765 Tranquille RoadTel: 250 371-3086www.safespaces.infoPeople needing sexual health services can goto the free clinic at the New Life Mission.The clinic is open on Tuesdays from 1 p.m.until 3:30 or 4 p.m.New Life Mission181 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 434-9898For more information about sexualhealth clinics and resources, go to:www.optionsforsexualhealth.orgGay and lesbian youth can get help andadvice at the Pride Education NetworkE-mail: info@pridenet.cawww.pridenet.caParents of gay and lesbian children can gethelp and advice at PFLAG (Parents, Families,and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). Visit thewebsite at: www.pflagcanada.caHelp for familiesFor help finding after-school or before-schoolchild care contact Kamloops Child CareResource & Referral.Kamloops Child Care Resource & ReferralUnit E – 1420 Hugh Allan DriveTel: 250 372-7791www.childcarechoices.ca/main/Interior/Kamloops/There are also many programs for childrenoffered by the City of Kamloops. Forinformation on activities and schedules, seethe City of Kamloops Recreation and ActivityGuide: www.kamloops.ca/activityguide/index.shtml70

Chapter 6: Help for Individuals and FamiliesBenefits for familieswith childrenYou can apply for the Canada Child TaxBenefit for children under 18 years old. Thefederal government sends monthly cheques tosome families. The cheque is usually sent tothe mother. If you are a low-income workingfamily with children, you may be eligible forthe B.C. Benefits Family Bonus. To find outabout these benefits, call 1 800 387-1193 orvisit the website at: www.servicecanada.gc.ca.You can also talk with a settlement worker toget more information.Child careTypes of child careParents who work or go to school may needsomeone to take care of their children. Ifyou do not have a family member to takecare of your children, there are two differentkinds of child care available: licensed childcare and unlicensed child care. The B.C.government checks all licensed child carecentres. For more information, contact thelicensing officer at your local CommunityCare Licensing Program. You can look upthe Health Authority Community CareLicensing Programs at: www.health.gov.bc.ca/ccf. Babysitters and unlicensed familyday cares are not checked.Licensed child care• A group child care centre (day care) isusually in a community centre, churchor school. It takes children between 18months and five years old. The workershave special training. Child care centresare usually open all day.• A licensed family day care takes babiesand children of all ages. It can take up toseven children. This kind of care is in thecaregiver’s home. You can take your childthere every day.• A pre-school program provides learningactivities and games for children for up tofour hours a day. Pre-school programs areusually for children three to five years old.• Out-of-school care is a program forschool-age children at or near theirschool. It is before and after school andon school holidays. These programs areusually for children five to 12 years old.Unlicensed child careUnlicensed or Licence-not-required (LNR)child care providers can only care for twochildren or one group (brothers and sisters)of any age at one time, in addition to theirown children.Unlicensed child care providers may ormay not have formal child care trainingor experience. They set their own hours ofoperation, fees, and operating policies. Parentsmust judge the quality of care provided in anyunlicensed child care arrangement.LNR child care providers are encouraged—but not required—to register with their localChild Care Resource and Referral (CCRR)program. If they have registered, it means theyhave met important requirements, such as:• criminal record check (for everyone overage 12 living in the home)• character references• home safety assessment71BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Help for Individuals and Families• physician’s report on their physical andemotional capacity to care for children• first aid training• child care training courses or workshopsFamilies using a Registered Licence-Not-Required child care provider are eligible for ahigher Child Care Subsidy rate than a nonregisteredLicence-Not-Required.For more information call 1 888 338-6622or visit: www.ccrr.bc.caYou can also contact the Interior HealthAuthority Community Care Licensing Office.Kamloops Health Unit519 Columbia StreetTel: 250 851-7340Choosing child careParents’ Guide to Selecting and MonitoringChild Care in BC is a booklet that can helpyou decide what kind of child care you need.You can get the booklet on-line at: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/publications.htmFinding child careThe B.C. government has Child CareResource and Referral offices that help parentsfind child care. For information, visit thewebsite at: www.ccrr.bc.caKamloops Child Care Resource & ReferralUnit E – 1420 Hugh Allan DriveTel: 250 372-7791www.childcarechoices.ca/main/Interior/Kamloops/You can also:• talk to a worker at the Kamloops CaribooRegional Immigrant Society for help.Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.ca• Call the Ministry of Children and FamilyDevelopment at 1 888 338-6622.• Call Service BC toll-free: 1 800 663-7867.• Look in the yellow pages, under DayCare Centres or Pre-School Centres.• Get advice from friends and neighbours.• Look in the classified advertisements inthe newspaper for babysitters and childcare (day care) centres.• Look for advertisements on notice boardsin your community.You may need to talk with several people andvisit several places to find child care you like.Child care costsFull-time child care is expensive. Theprovincial government may pay for all or partof the cost for some low-income families.This is called a child care subsidy. For moreinformation, call the Child Care SubsidyService Centre at 1 888 338-6622. If you donot speak English, ask for someone who speaksyour language. Visit the website at: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/subsidy_promo.htm72

Chapter 6: Help for Individuals and FamiliesTo find out if you are eligible for the ChildCare Subsidy, visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/eligibility.htmContact Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Services Society for help with theapplication form.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caThe Canada Child Tax Benefit is a monthlypayment to help families with the cost ofraising children under age 18. To qualify, atleast one parent must be a resident of Canadaand both parents must send in their income taxforms every year, even if they have no incometo report. To apply, call 1 800 387-1193. Forinformation, go to: www.cra-arc.gc.ca/bnfts/cctb/menu-eng.html. You can also talk to asettlement worker at your local immigrantsettlement agency.You will need receipts from your child carecentre. If you pay an individual for child care,you will also need receipts that contain theirfull name and their Social Insurance Number.Children who need extra supportSome children need special care. Theymay have a physical disability or a learningproblem. For information on programs thatmay be available for your child with specialneeds, visit: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/my_childs_special_needs.htm or call 250 952-6044.Some child care centres can give your childextra care to be able to participate in aregular child care setting. To learn moreabout the Supported Child Developmentprogram, visit: www.scdp.bc.ca, or call aChild Care Resource and Referral office at1 888 338-6622 (www.childcarechoices.ca).For more information, contact KamloopsChild Care Resource & Referral.Kamloops Child Care Resource & ReferralUnit E – 1420 Hugh Allan DriveTel: 250 372-7791www.childcarechoices.ca/main/Interior/Kamloops/Starting your own child careprogramWhat if you want to start a child care centre?You need a licence to take care of more thantwo children who are not your own. You do notneed a licence to look after one or two children.For more information, visit www.health.gov.bc.ca/ccf/child_care.html. You can alsocontact the licensing officer in Kamloops, at theInterior Health Authority Community CareLicensing Office.Kamloops Health Unit519 Columbia StreetTel: 250 851-734073BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 7: Cars and Driving• Driving in B.C.• Insurance• Driver’s licence• Traffic laws• Car crashes• Buying a car• Winter and summerdriving!Driving in B.C.• In Canada, people drive onthe right side of the road.• You must have a valid licenceand vehicle insurance todrive in B.C.• You must respect the rightsof cyclists and pedestrians(people walking), and stop forpedestrians crossing the street.• You must not leave youngchildren alone in a car.ICBCIn B.C., the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia(ICBC) is responsible for:• basic vehicle insurance (called Autoplan)• driver licensing and B.C. Identification Cards• claim service if you have a crashICBC is owned by the B.C. government.ICBC’s website (www.icbc.com) has a lot of usefulinformation about driving in B.C. Some is available inChinese and Punjabi.Basic insuranceYou must not drive a car without insurance. Every car in B.C. must have basic Autoplaninsurance. Basic insurance pays for the damage to someone else’s car if you cause a crash. Italso pays costs for anyone hurt in the crash.You can buy Autoplan insurance for your vehicle at any Autoplan broker office.74

Chapter 7: Cars and DrivingAutoplan brokers are independent businessesthat sell vehicle insurance for ICBC. To findregistered Autoplan brokers in Kamloops,visit the ICBC website at: www.icbc.com/autoplan/brokerMany things affect the cost of your carinsurance—for example, where you live, thetype of car you have, if you use your car forwork or just for pleasure, and your drivingrecord.driver’s licence from yourcountry or from anotherprovince of Canada, youcan use your licence for90 days. You must applyfor a B.C. licence within90 days.If you are a visitor, you can drive in B.C. forup to six months with a valid driver’s licencefrom your country.75More protectionWhen you go to the Autoplan office, askabout more protection. A bad crash may costmore than your basic insurance covers. Youcan also buy other kinds of insurance—forexample, if you damage your own car. Youdo not have to buy these other kinds ofinsurance, but it is a good idea to get as muchprotection as possible.If you were a safe driver in your country,you can ask your insurance company in thatcountry to write a letter about your insuranceclaims record. This must be an official letter.It must be in English on the company’sletterhead. If the letter is not in English, youmust get it translated. Take the letter with youwhen you buy your insurance. You may get asafe driving discount.You can find more information about thislower rate (discount) at: www.icbc.com/autoplan/moving/moving-to/newres-discountDriver’s licenceAll drivers in British Columbia must have avalid (legal) driver’s licence. If you have a validBRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICESThe process for getting a B.C. driver’s licencedepends on the country where you already haveyour licence. You may be able to get a B.C.driver’s licence right away, or you may need topass knowledge and road tests first. Go to theDriver Licensing section of: www.icbc.com tofind out what you need to do.There are guides and other supports at: www.icbc.com to help you prepare for these tests.You can also visit a B.C. driver licensing office.To find the phone numbers and locations ofthese offices, go to: www.icbc.com/driverlicensing/find-licensingor look in the greypages of the telephone book, under ICBC–Driver Licensing Services. Many ICBC servicesare available in Chinese and Punjabi, and driverlicensing offices have telephone translationservices in more than 170 languages.

Cars and DrivingTo find out what the signs, signals, andlane markings along the roads in B.C.mean, visit: www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/pass-veh/roadsense-driversand review Chapter 4 of the Learn to DriveSmart guide. You can also take a practice testat: http://apps.icbc.com/licensing/opkt/signFor more information in Kamloops, go tothe Service BC Centre or the KamloopsDriver Licensing Office.Service BC250 – 455 Columbia StreetTel: 250 828-4540www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/kamloops.htmlKamloops Driver Licensing937 Concordia WayTel: 250 851-3700www.icbc.com/licensing/Applying for a driver’s licenceIn B.C. you need different types of licences todrive a motorcycle, bus, large truck, or taxi.To apply for a B.C. driver’s licence, you mustbe 16 years old or older. If you are under19 years old, a parent or guardian (someonewho is responsible for you) must sign theapplication.You can apply for a driver’s licence ata Service BC or the Kamloops DriverLicencing office.You will need to take two pieces ofidentification (ID).To find out what ID documents you need, andto find out how much you will need to pay, goto: www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/gettinglicensed/pass-veh/knowledge-passengerKnowledge testTo get a driver’s licence you must know thedriving rules in British Columbia. You canfind the Learn to Drive Smart guide at: www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/pass-veh/roadsense-drivers, or visit a ServiceBC office for a free copy. It has informationabout learning to drive, B.C.’s traffic laws,the rules of the road, and safe driving.When you have studied the guide, you canfind practice tests at: www.icbc.com/driverlicensing/getting-licensed/pass-veh/opkttohelp you prepare.When you are ready to take the knowledgetest, visit the ICBC driver licensing office.Kamloops Driver Licensing937 Concordia WayTel: 250 851-3700The test is on a computer. You must answerat least 40 out of 50 questions correctly topass. You will also have a vision test. If youuse glasses or contact lenses, wear them totake the vision test.Knowledge tests are available in English,Arabic, Croatian, Farsi (Persian), French,Punjabi, Russian, Simplified and TraditionalChinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If youneed a translator, check with the ICBCdriver licensing office.76

Chapter 7: Cars and DrivingGraduated Licensing ProgramIf you have had a driver’s licence for at leasttwo years, you may not need to go throughthe Graduated Licensing Program. See:www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/gettinglicensed/graduated-licensingfor moreinformation on what documents you willneed to prove your driving experience.If you have never had a driver’s licencebefore, you will have to go through B.C.’sGraduated Licensing Program.Learner stageWhen you pass theknowledge and visiontests, you will get alearner’s licence. Thislicence is good fortwo years and hassome restrictions.You can practicedriving with this licence, but you must alwayshave someone 25 years old (or older), whohas a full privilege driver’s licence, sittingnext to you. Your car must have a sign withthe letter “L” (for learner) on it. You can finda list of all restrictions at: www.icbc.com/licensing/lic_getlic_passenger_learner.aspIf you have never had a driver’s licence,you may want to take driving lessons oran ICBC-approved course from a drivingschool. You may take the road test 12months after getting your learner’s licence.To book a road test in Kamloops, visit theKamloops Driver Licensing office.Kamloops Driver Licensing937 Concordia WayTel: 250 851-3700Novice stageWhen you pass theroad test, if this is yourfirst driver’s licence,your car must have an“N” sign (for novice)on it for 24 months.You can have onlyone passenger withyou—unless there isa licensed driver 25 years or older beside youor the passengers are close family members(parents, spouse, brother or sister). You mustnot drive after consuming any alcohol. You canfind a list of all restrictions at: www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/graduatedlicensing/novice-stageAfter 24 months of the novice stage, you cantake a second road test and get a full-privilegelicence.Road testDuring the road test, an ICBC driverexaminer will come with you to test howsafely you drive. If you pass the road test,you will get a B.C. driver’s licence. If you failthe test, you will need to practise more. Askwhen you can take the test again.There are fees for the knowledge test, roadtest, and driver’s licence.77BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Cars and DrivingDriving schoolsDriving schools can help you learn to drive.You may be able to find a teacher whospeaks your language. Look in the yellowpages, under Driving Schools, to find a listof schools in your area. Make sure it is anICBC-licensed driving school. To find ICBClicenseddriving schools in Kamloops, go to:www.dtcbc.com/resource/all_sch.htmTraffic lawsSpeedingIn most cities the speed limit is 50 kilometresper hour (km/h). Outside cities, the speedlimit is usually higher. Watch for speedlimit signs. Near parks and schools, thespeed limit is usually 30 kilometres per hour(km/h). The fines for speeding (driving fasterthan the speed limit) can be very expensive.If you do not pay the fine, you will not beable to renew your driver’s licence.Seat beltsSeat belts can protect you from injuries ordeath. In British Columbia, all drivers andpassengers must wear seat belts. The policecan give you a ticket, and you will have topay a fine if you or other people in your carare not wearing a seat belt.Child safety seatsYou can find details about child safety seats inthe Road Safety section of: www.icbc.com/road-safety/safer-drivers/child-seats. Someinformation is available in Chinese and Punjabi.A baby or a young child under nine years oldmust sit in a special safety seat. A child mustnot sit on an adult’s lap.All babies from birth to one year AND upto 9 kg (20 lb.) must be in a child car seatthat looks towards the back of the car (rearfacing).Never put a child car seat in thefront passenger seat.Children over one year AND 9 kg to 18 kg(20 to 40 lb.) can be in a rear or forwardfacingcar seat, depending on the child’sweight. The car seat manufacturer willprovide the weight limits for the seat.The British Columbia AutomobileAssociation (BCAA) Road Safety Foundationrecommends keeping your child facing therear of the vehicle for as long as possible. Arear-facing seat is the safest option as long asthe child’s weight is within the limit.Forward facing seats must always be usedwith a tether.All children over 18 kg (40 lb.) must use abooster seat until they are nine years old, oruntil they are at least 145 cm (4 ft. 9 in.) tall.All children over nine years old must useregular seat belts.78

Chapter 7: Cars and DrivingFor more information, visit the BCAAwebsite at: www.bcaaroadsafety.com/childpassenger-safety/children-1-to-4-years-oldChildren in carsChildren under 12 years old should ride in theback seat of a car. In a car crash, an airbag canseriously injure a child sitting in the front seat.Check with an expert to find out if youhave put in your child car seat correctly.For information and help, call the BCAARoad Safety Foundation at 1 877 247-5551or visit: www.bcaaroadsafety.com/childpassenger-safety/For more information, visit the BCAAwebsite at: www.bcaaroadsafety.com/childpassenger-safety/children-1-to-4-years-oldDrinking and drivingBritish Columbia has very strict laws aboutdriving after you have been drinking alcohol.If the police stop you after you have beendrinking alcohol, you could have yourvehicle taken away, lose your driver’s licence,pay fines, and go to jail.Traffic ticketsYou have to pay a fine if the police catch youbreaking traffic laws, such as driving througha red light or using handheld devices, suchas cell phones or iPods, while driving. If thepolice stop you for breaking a traffic law, stayin your car. The police officer will come toyour car to talk to you.• any ICBC driver licensing office• most Autoplan brokers• any ICBC claim centre• provincial court registry• Service BC centreYou can also pay the fine by sending acheque to the address on the ticket, or onthe Internet using a credit card. Look for thewebsite on the ticket.If you disagree with the ticket, you can go tocourt. The judge will decide if you have to pay.Drivers who get tickets may have to pay anextra premium to ICBC, or they may evenhave to give up their licence.Special lanesIn some cities and on some highways, thereare special lanes for buses. In some citiesthere are special lanes for bicycles. On somehighways there is a special lane for carswith two or more people. This is called ahigh-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane. Payattention to these special lanes. You can get atraffic ticket if you drive in the wrong lane.Parking ticketsKamloops has parking meters in thedowntown area. You have to pay to parkat a meter, and you can only stay there fortwo hours. There are parking lots in thedowntown area where you can pay to parkall day.79You do not pay the police officer who givesyou the ticket. You can pay by bringing yourticket and payment to one of these locations:BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICESYou have to pay a fine if you get a ticket forparking in a no parking area or if you do notput enough money in a parking meter. Be

Cars and Drivingsure to check the signs on the street. In manyplaces, you can only park at certain times ofthe day. For example, some signs or parkingmeters say: “No Parking Between 3 p.m. and6 p.m.” If you park at these spaces betweenthose hours, your car will get a ticket andwill be towed away. You cannot park in frontof a fire hydrant (which firefighters use toget water to a fire), or at places where publicbuses stop to pick up passengers.You can also get a ticket and be towed fromparking lots if you have not paid enoughmoney.For more information, contact the City ofKamloops.City of Kamloops7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828 3311E-mail: info@kamloops.cawww.kamloops.ca/bylaws/index.shtml(See Parking Control)Disabled parkingSome parking places have a special sign. Theseparking places are reserved for people with aphysical disability. You must not park thereunless you have a special permit. Talk to yourdoctor if you need a disabled parking permit.In Kamloops, people who qualify for disabledparking can get temporary and permanentparking cards at the People In Motion office.For more information, or to download anapplication, contact People in Motion.People In Motion182B Tranquille RoadTel: 250 376-7878www.peopleinmotion.orgCar crashesIf you have a crash, you must:1. Dial 9-1-1 if anyone is hurt.2. Write these down:• name, address, and phone number ofeach driver• driver’s licence number of each driver• car licence plate number of each driver• insurance information for vehicles notinsured by ICBC• police file number if it is a serious crashYou should also note:• date, time, and location of the crash• weather conditions• what direction you and each otherdriver were travelling• where your vehicle was, and where theother vehicle was3. Give your information to the other driver.4. Get the name, address, and phone numberof anyone who saw the crash (a witness).Reporting to the policeIf you need the police to come, call 9-1-1 orthe emergency number in your area. If it isnot an emergency call the Kamloops RCMPat 250 828-3000.Reporting to ICBCYou should phone ICBC as soon as possibleafter a crash.80

Chapter 7: Cars and DrivingICBC’s Dial-a-Claim Centre is open 24hours a day. Call toll-free: 1 800 910-4222.Telephone translation service is available inmore than 170 languages.Some claims can be reported online. Go to:www.icbc.com/claims/report-onlineBuying a new or usedvehicle (car or truck) froma dealerCar dealers sell new and used vehicles. Beforeyou start looking, know how much money youcan spend and what kind of vehicle you need.It is a good idea to look on the Internet or goto several dealers to compare prices before youbuy. You can bargain with the salesperson toget a lower price.If you are buying a used vehicle, the dealermust tell you its history and make sure it issafe. You should test drive the vehicle andmake sure that all promises the dealer makesare written into the purchase agreement andanything you sign.Make sure the dealer you buy your car from islicensed by the Motor Vehicle Sales Authorityof B.C. (VSA). This agency has informationabout buying a car. It also may be able tohelp if you have a problem or complaints.Go to the Consumer Resources section of thewebsite at: www.vehiclesalesauthority.com towatch videos about buying vehicles in English,Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi.The names of dealers are in the yellow pages,under Automobile Dealers–New Cars orAutomobile Dealers–Used Cars. Mostdealers also have websites with prices of andinformation about the vehicles they are selling.WarrantiesNew cars have a warranty from the companythat made them. If you buy a used vehiclefrom a dealership, it may also have awarranty. Having a warranty means thedealer will replace or repair certain parts forfree or at a lower price.There are many types of warranties. Somemay cover only some things. Before you buya car, find out what the warranty covers andhow long it lasts.Getting a loanIf you are borrowing money to buy a car, aska bank or credit union for a loan with a lowinterest rate. A car dealer may also have loansavailable. Check at several places to see whatthe interest rate will be for your loan. Do notleave a dealership with a vehicle if the termsof the loan are not final.Buying a used car fromanother personYou can buy a car directly from the owner.Check the classified advertisements in thenewspaper or look for special newspapersthat only advertise vehicles. You can alsosearch online.Always test drive a car before you buy it.Take along someone who knows about carsfor advice. Remember, some people maytry to sell you a car with problems. Fortips about buying used vehicles, visit the81BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Cars and DrivingConsumer Resources section of the MotorVehicle Sales Authority of B.C. website at:www.mvsabc.com/consumer-resources orICBC at:www.icbc.com/road-safety/safer-vehiclesMany people who say they are selling theirown vehicle are really unlicensed dealers,called curbers. They may have lower pricesbut you take more risks. For example, the carmay not be safe. If you have problems, youwill also not be able to take the vehicle backor get help from the Vehicle Sales Authority.You should check the history of the carbefore you buy it to find out if it has been ina crash or has other problems. You can gethistory reports at: www.icbc.com orwww.carproof.com. There is a fee for bothservices, but the money you spend could saveyou from making a big mistake.For more information, call any B.C.Autoplan broker. Look in the yellow pages,under Insurance Agents and Brokers, or visitwww.icbc.com/autoplan/broker. You can alsocall the Service BC office to ask about vehicleinspections.Service BC250 – 455 Columbia StreetTel: 250 828-4540www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/kamloops.htmlCheck for liensSometimes, a private seller has the ownershippapers but still owes money on the car. If youbuy the car, you may have to pay the moneystill owed on it. This is called a lien. It isimportant to ask for a lien search. Service BCCentres do lien searches. You will need the year,make (model), and serial number of the vehicle.There is a fee for this service. This service isincluded in a CarProof report. Licensed dealersmust sell cars that have no liens.Vehicles from outside B.C.If you buy a used car from outside of B.C.,or if you buy a car that has been modified(changed), you must pay to have it inspected(checked) before you can register it. Onlygovernment-approved garages can dothis inspection. Look in the yellow pages,under Vehicle Inspection Service. For moreinformation, call any B.C. Autoplan broker.Autoplan brokers are listed in the yellowpages under Insurance Agents and Brokers.Look for a Service BC office in communitiesthat do not have these services. In Kamloops,call the Service BC office at 250 828-4540.Registration andinsuranceYou must register your car, buy licenceplates, and buy car insurance. You can dothis at any Autoplan (insurance broker)office. Autoplan offices are listed in theyellow pages, under Insurance Agents andBrokers.82

Chapter 7: Cars and DrivingDrivingVisit the DriveBC website to get up to dateroad conditions and driving tips:www.drivebc.caYou can find driving routes for cities andregions across British Columbia:www.hellobc.com/british-columbia/transportation-maps/maps.aspxYou can also use the distance chart(www.th.gov.bc.ca/popular-topics/distances/calculator.asp) to find out how far othercities and towns are from each other, andhow long it will take you to drive fromone community to another. For example,Kamloops is 355 kilometres from Vancouverand it usually takes approximately four hoursto drive there.Winter drivingKamloops and the surrounding area canget a lot of snow in winter months. It isimportant to be prepared for winter drivingconditions.To winterize your car, you need to do thesethings:• Have the right tires on your vehicle. Ifyour vehicle has all-season tires and youlive in or travel to areas where it snowsregularly, you should change all four towinter tires.• Make sure your windshield wipers arein good condition, and that the tankthat holds your windshield washer fluid(reservoir) is full.• Some roads outside cities have lots ofsnow and ice. The police may requireyour car to have snow tires or chains totravel on these roads.• Keep an emergency kit in your car. Putwarm clothing, dry food, water, a blanket,a shovel, and a flashlight in the kit.You can talk to the people at your garage,service station, or dealership for informationand advice about winter car care. For dailyinformation about road conditions in andnear Kamloops and in other parts of B.C.visit: www.drivebc.caSummer drivingSome areas of the province, like theOkanagan Valley, can have very hottemperatures in the summer. Kamloopsusually has warm summers. On hot days, thetemperature inside a parked car can be veryhigh.Here are some tips:• Never leave children or pets in a parkedcar on a warm day.• Bring lots of drinking water with you inthe car.83• Make sure your battery is in goodcondition.• Keep antifreeze in the radiator. Have yourradiator tested to make sure it will notfreeze in very cold weather.BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES• Before going on a long trip, take your carin for a safety check. Your local garage orthe service department of your car dealercan help you. They should check the tires,engine, brakes, and radiator.

Chapter 8: Employment and Business• Social InsuranceNumber• Finding a job• Applying for a job• Discrimination• Credentials• Working• Laws about working• Getting paid• Losing your job• If you get hurt at work• Harassment at work• Starting your ownbusinessSocial Insurance NumberTo work in Canadaor to have access togovernment programsand benefits, you need aSocial Insurance Number(SIN). When you arrivein Canada, you mustapply for your SIN inperson. For information on how to apply andwhat documents you will need, please call1 800 O-Canada (1 800 622-6232) or visit theService Canada website: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sin/apply/how.shtmlIf you do not speak English or French, youmay want to bring an interpreter with you.Remember that your SIN is confidentialand has important information about you.Visit this website to read the Social InsuranceNumber Code of Practice:www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/about/reports/sin/cop/toc.shtmlService Canada520 Seymour StreetToll-free: 1 800 622-6232www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/sc-dsp.cgi?rc=5986Finding a jobThe economy in Kamloops is strong andthe job market is healthy. Forestry, mining,ranching and farming have always beenimportant, and businesses in technology,bioenergy, sustainability, tourism andmanufacturing are creating jobs.84

Chapter 8: Employment and BusinessThere are three main employers in Kamloops:the Interior Health Authority, the SchoolDistrict, and Thompson Rivers University.Kamloops has excellent transportation links.It also promotes itself as a great tourismdestination and a centre for sports events.Low interest rates and strong demand havehelped the housing market, and there aremany construction jobs.It is expected that Kamloops will continueto grow as people discover a city with anaffordable cost of living and lower taxes forbusiness.Where to look for a jobIn Kamloops, go to a WorkBC EmploymentServices Centre. All unemployed BritishColumbians who are eligible to work canaccess the services offered here.• Kamloops WorkBC EmploymentServices Centre (Open Door Group):ˏˏˏˏKamloops North Shore795 Tranquille RoadTel: 250 377-3670www.kamloopsesc.caKamloops South Shore100 - 275 Lansdowne StreetTel: 250 434-9441www.kamloopsesc.caOther helpful resources:• To find all job postings in B.C., visit theWorkBC website at: www.workbc.ca/• www.jobbank.gc.ca• BC Public Service Job Postings at:employment.gov.bc.ca• www.workopolis.com• www.bcjobnetwork.com• Venture Kamloops has an online jobboard:www.venturekamloops.com/jobopportunities.htm• Tell many people that you are lookingfor a job. Friends, relatives, teachers,neighbours, and counsellors may knowabout jobs.• Check notice boards in your communityfor job advertisements.• Look for help wanted signs outsidebusinesses and stores.• Apply at the human resources departmentof hospitals, hotels, and large companies.• Phone or visit companies that might hireyou. Some companies have jobs, but theydo not advertise them. Use the yellowpages or Internet to find where to go. Forexample, if you are a car mechanic, lookunder Automobile Repairing and Servicefor your community.BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES85• Look in the yellow pages or search theInternet for private employment agencies.An employment agency must not chargeyou a fee for finding you a job.

Employment and BusinessHow to apply for a jobWorkBC Employment Services CentreKamloops:North Shore795 Tranquille RoadTel: 250 377-3670www.kamloopsesc.caSouth Shore100 – 275 Lansdowne StreetTel: 250 434-9441www.kamloopsesc.caApplication formsMany companies have application forms. Bringall the information you need to fill in the formor take the application form home to complete.Government and large companies may havetheir application forms on the Internet.ReferencesEmployers usually want references (names,addresses, and phone numbers of peoplewho can recommend you for the job). Someemployers may also want a criminal recordcheck (an official paper from the police whichshows that you have no criminal record). Someemployers may ask you for a health check.Workers at the Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society can also help you to writea resume.Kamloops Cariboo Regional Immigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caThere are also businesses that write résumésfor you. They charge a fee. Look in theyellow pages, under Resume Service.Job interviewsRésumésMany companies ask for a résumé. This is awritten summary of your work experience andeducation. Some companies want you to sendyour résumé by e-mail. Some employers mayalso ask for a short cover letter that explains whyyou are applying for the job in their company.Staff at Kamloops WorkBC EmploymentService Centre can help you with your resumeand cover letter.At a job interview, the employer will askquestions about your education, skills,86

Chapter 8: Employment and Businessand work experience. Often employers askquestions such as:• Why do you want to work here?• Why do you think you are the bestperson for the job?• Tell me about yourself.Employers want you to explain your skills.They expect you to show interest in theirbusiness. Practise answering questions beforethe interview.You may want to learn about the companybefore your interview. Visit: www.workbc.ca/Job-Search-Tools/Pages/Prepare-For-Interviews.aspx to find out what informationyou can research as you prepare.At the interview, you can also ask the employerquestions about the job. For example, askabout the duties, the salary, and the hours ofwork. Also ask about benefits, such as medicaland dental insurance, and vacation time.You can find information about writingrésumés and cover letters, and tips for jobinterviews at: www.workbc.ca/Job-Search-Tools/Pages/Job-Search-Tools.aspxEmployment programsThere are courses to teach you how to lookfor a job. There are also job training courses.In many of these programs, you are paidwhile you learn new skills. For informationabout training programs in your area, go toa Kamloops WorkBC Employment ServicesCentre.WorkBC Employment Services CentreKamloops:North Shore795 Tranquille RoadTel: 250 377-3670www.kamloopsesc.caSouth Shore100 – 275 Lansdowne StreetTel: 250 434-9441www.kamloopsesc.caDiscriminationThere are laws to protect workers from unfairtreatment. For example, an employer musthire employees on the basis of qualifications.Employers cannot refuse to hire you becausethey do not like your skin colour or yourreligion. This is discrimination. Other kindsof discrimination are also against the law. Itis discrimination if someone does not giveyou a job because of your sex, age, maritalstatus, disability, or sexual orientation.If you have a problem with discrimination,and you want advice, call the B.C. HumanRights Coalition. If you want to make anofficial complaint, contact the B.C. HumanRights Tribunal. You can get guides andcomplaint forms at: www.bchrt.bc.caIf the employer is federal—for example,government, post office, or airlines—contactthe Canadian Human Rights Commission.See the listing for human rightsorganizations at the end of this chapter.BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES87

Employment and BusinessHave your qualificationsassessedHow your qualifications are assessed in B.C.depends on whether your occupation isregulated.Regulated occupationsMore than 280 occupations in B.C.are regulated. In order to work in theseoccupations, you need to be certified.Each regulated occupation has differentstandards to become certified. A regulatoryauthority establishes and upholds thesestandards, and assesses the qualifications ofinternationally trained applicants. Downloadthis document (www.welcomebc.ca/local/wbc/docs/immigration/Regulatory_Organization.pdf ) to find out which regulatory authority isresponsible for your occupation.If your occupation is regulated, find outwhat you will need to become certified.The first step is to contact your regulatoryauthority to learn what information youmust provide, how long it will take, howmuch it will cost and other requirements.Many regulatory authorities post therequirements on their websites.You may be asked to:• complete an application form andprovide documents. This usuallyincludes educational transcripts, reliablereferences, employment history, a resuméand a completed application form. Findout what documents you will need fromthe regulatory authority.• have your educational credentials assessed.Some regulatory authorities will assess youreducational credentials themselves, andothers will use an outside organization.The International Credential EvaluationService (ICES) will assess your educationcredentials on a fee-for-service basis. Beforepaying to have your credentials assessed byICES, contact the regulatory authority tofind out what they require. You may notneed an ICES assessment.As part of the assessment process, you willlikely be required to take exams and pay fees.The cost of the assessment will vary, dependingon the occupation and the regulatoryauthority. You can expect to pay anywherefrom a few hundred to several thousanddollars. You may qualify for program andfinancial support for an assessment. For moreinformation, visit these websites:• www.skillsconnect.ca/• www.success.bc.ca/FCRloanRegulatory authorities may:• contact your work references to verifyyour experience;• ask for a practical assessment of jobrelatedskills;• ask to interview you;• ask you to provide more documents orinformation.It will take between few weeks to severalmonths to verify your credentials.88

Chapter 8: Employment and BusinessNon-regulated occupationsEmployers in non-regulated occupationswill decide if they will recognize yourqualifications. Many employers will ask foran assessment of your educational credentialsand/or previous work experience.You can ask the employer you wish towork for if they require an independentassessment of your educational credentialsand past work experience. They will tell youwhat they expect for a position with theorganization.UpgradingYou may need to upgrade your qualificationsin order to become certified and/or employed.• Regulatory authorities often havelinks with specialized educational or“bridging” programs to help people withinternational qualifications.• Sign up for an English as a SecondLanguage program to improve yourlanguage skills. See Chapter 5 forinformation. If your occupation is regulated,verify the English Language Benchmarkrequired for certification to make sure youreceive the appropriate training level. Checkwith the regulatory authority to make sureyou are taking the appropriate course.• Find post-secondary institutions thatoffer upgrading programs for your career.You can contact them directly. SeeChapter 5 for a list of post-secondaryinstitutions in British Columbia. Forregulated occupations, check with theregulatory authority to make sure that theprogram is recognized.BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES89• Ask about the Skills Connect forImmigrants Program – an individualizedemployment bridging program providingassistance with the assessment andcareer planning process, skill upgrading,workplace language supports andworkplace practice opportunities.Go to: www.skillsconnect.ca• Contact the InfoCentre for SkilledImmigrants at: www.skilledimmigrants.vpl.caIf you require upgrading in order to workin your occupation, you should look for aprogram as soon as possible. This includesensuring that your English language abilitymeets the standards required for certificationand/or employment.Questions?Occupational Guides for Immigrants toB.C. can answer many of your questions.They will also help you understand howyour occupation is practiced in B.C. Goto: www.welcomebc.ca/Work/find-a-job/occupational-guides.aspx. If there is no guidefor your occupation, please visit the pageagain as new guides are regularly being added.To find out more, you can also contact thefollowing:• International Credential EvaluationService (ICES) at: www.bcit.ca/ices• Canadian Information Centre forInternational Credentials at:www.cicic.ca/2/home.canada

Employment and Business• Skills Connect for Immigrants Programat: www.welcomebc.ca/wbc/immigration/come/lmp/employment_services/skillsconnect/index.page• Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre at:www.skilledimmigrants.vpl.caWorkingLaws about workingIn British Columbia, there is a law to protectmost workers. It is called the EmploymentStandards Act. Both workers and employershave responsibilities under this Act. If youremployer is not obeying these laws, discuss theproblem with your employer. If you still havea problem, phone the Employment StandardsBranch. If you belong to a union, theEmployment Standards Branch cannot helpyou. You must talk to someone in your union.For information about the EmploymentStandards Act, call 1 800 663-3316. You canvisit the website at: www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esbIf you are an employer, it is important for you toobey the laws of the Employment Standards Act.Hours of work and overtimeWorkers in British Columbia usually work8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. Ifemployers ask you to work more than this,they must pay you more money. This is calledovertime pay. It is at least one-and-a-half timesyour hourly pay. This is called time and a half.If you go to work as your employer asks youto do, you must be paid for at least two hoursof work. This is true even if there is no workto do or if you worked fewer than two hours.Time offAfter you have worked for five hours, youremployer has to give you a 30-minute break.The employer does not have to pay you forthe time of your break.You may work a split shift (for example, inthe morning, and then again in the evening).The time between when you start your firstshift and the time you finish your last shiftcannot be more than 12 hours.In a work week, you should have a breakof at least 32 hours. If your employer asksyou to work during the 32 hours, you mustreceive one-and-a-half times your hourly pay.Getting paidMost workers get paid by cheque every twoweeks or twice a month. Your employer mustpay you within eight days after the end ofeach pay period and give you a pay slip withevery cheque. The pay slip should show thehours you worked, including overtime, yourrate of pay, the amount you were paid, anddeductions from your pay.DeductionsThe law says that an employer must deductmoney from your paycheque to pay for thefollowing:• Canada Pension Plan (CPP): When youwork in Canada, some money is deductedfrom your paycheque each month. Themoney goes to the federal government sowhen you retire, you get a governmentpension cheque every month. CPP is onlyfor people who have worked in Canada.You can get CPP at age 60 (before youare officially a senior).90

Chapter 8: Employment and Business• Employment Insurance (EI): You paymoney into this insurance each monththat you work. If you lose your job, youmay receive money from the governmentwhile you look for a new job.• Income tax: This money helps to pay thecosts of government expenses, such ashealth care, roads, and education.• Taxable benefits: Your employer maypay some or all of the premiums forsome benefits, such as a dental plan. Theamount the employer pays is a taxablebenefit. This means you will pay tax on it.• Union dues: If you are in a union, andthe union has an agreement with youremployer, some money will be deductedto pay for the union dues.• Voluntary deductions: A worker may givethe employer written permission to deductmoney for other things, such as additionalhospital or life insurance, charitabledonations, or Canada Savings Bonds.Minimum wageAs of May 1, 2012, the minimum wage inBritish Columbia is $10.25 per hour.Both full-time and part-time workers mustget at least the minimum wage.Some workers are not paid by the hour—forexample, farm workers picking fruits andvegetables by hand are often paid a piece rate(how much they pick). Ask how you will bepaid before you start work.Children and workChildren under 15 years old cannot workduring school hours. To hire them whenthey are not in school, an employer mustget permission in writing from the parents.Children under 12 years old must have apermit of employment from the EmploymentStandards Branch. But children are allowedto do small jobs before or after school, suchas delivering newspapers or babysitting.Joining a unionA union is a group of employees who jointogether to talk about wages and workingconditions with the employer. Everyone hasthe right to belong to a union at work. Insome jobs, all employees must join the union.If you have a problem with your employer,tell someone in the union. That person willspeak to the employer about your problem.For more information about unions, contactthe B.C. Federation of Labour. (See thelisting at the end of this chapter.)VacationsAll workers must get at least two weeks ofpaid vacation every year. If you leave your jobbefore you take your vacation, your employermust give you some extra money (vacationpay). It is at least 4% of your earnings. Afterfive years of work, you should get three weeksof vacation and 6% vacation pay.BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES91

Employment and BusinessHolidaysIn British Columbia, there are 10 statutory(by law) holidays. Employers must giveworkers the following statutory holidays:• New Year’s Day (January 1)• Family Day (Second Monday in February)• Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)• Victoria Day (Monday before May 24)• Canada Day (July 1)• B.C. Day (first Monday in August)• Labour Day (first Monday in September)• Thanksgiving (second Monday in October)• Remembrance Day (November 11)• Christmas Day (December 25)If you have worked for your employer forone month or more, and if you have workedat least 15 of the 30 days before the holiday,you should get an average day’s pay for thatholiday. Also, if you work on any of these days,your employer must pay you overtime pay.For more information about being paid forworking statutory holidays, visit: www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/facshts/statutory_holidays.htm. You can also contact the EmploymentStandards Branch for more information. (Seethe listing at the end of this chapter.)Maternity and parental leaveA working pregnant woman may take 17weeks maternity leave from work withoutpay. This can start up to 11 weeks before thebaby is born. She may also take up to 35weeks of parental leave after the baby is born.The maternity and parental leave can be atotal of 52 weeks off work. She may applyfor money from Employment Insurance (EI)during her maternity leave. The father of ababy or a parent who adopts a child maytake up to 37 weeks of parental leave.Compassionate care leaveIf a close member of your family is very ill ordying, your employer must give you a leavefrom work. By law you can take up to eightweeks of compassionate care leave withoutpay in a six-month period. Some employerswill give you a leave with pay for a shortertime. For more information go to:www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esbLosing your jobIf you have worked for an employer for less thanthree months, your employer can let you gowithout giving you notice or extra pay. Givingnotice means telling you in writing before yourjob ends. If you have worked for more thanthree months, your employer must give you oneweek’s notice or pay you one week’s pay. If youhave worked for a year, your employer must giveyou two weeks’ notice or pay you two weeks’pay. In extreme cases, an employer may have“just cause” to fire an employee without noticeor pay. If your employer says they do not needto give you notice or pay, you should talk to theEmployment Standards Branch. (See the listingat the end of this chapter.)When you leave a full-time job, youremployer must give you a record ofemployment. You need this paper to applyfor Employment Insurance (EI). If you arefired or if you quit your job, you may not beable to get Employment Insurance.92

Chapter 8: Employment and BusinessEmployment Insurance (EI)EI is money the government gives to someonewho loses a job. When you work, some moneyis deducted from your paycheque each month.Then if you are laid off, you may get money eachmonth while you are looking for a new job.You must have worked a certain number ofhours to get EI. You may not get EI if youare fired or if you quit your job. You can callEmployment Insurance at 1 800 206-7218,or go to the website at: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/ei/Income assistanceIf you have been unemployed for a year, yourEI payments may stop. You may then qualifyfor help from the provincial government.This help is called B.C. Employment andAssistance, income assistance, or welfare.To find out if you are eligible, call theemployment and assistance centre at1 866 866-0800 to talk about yourapplication or visit the Ministry of SocialDevelopment’s website at: www.sd.gov.bc.caIn Kamloops, contact the KamloopsEmployment and Income Assistance Office:Kamloops Employment and IncomeAssistance Office300 – 619 Victoria StreetToll-free: 1 866 866-0800www.eia.gov.bc.ca/bcea.htmIf you get hurt at workWorkSafeBC (Workers’ Compensation Boardof BC) is an agency that works with companiesand workers to prevent injuries at work. It alsohelps workers who get hurt at work. If youcannot work because you got hurt or sick as aresult of your work, you may get compensation(money) from WorkSafeBC for medical careand lost wages. Employers, not workers, haveto pay for WorkSafeBC coverage.If you have an accident at work, get helpright away. Call or go to the first aidattendant, if there is one. You must go toyour supervisor right away and if you can,bring a witness (someone who saw theaccident). You have to fill out a report form,and the witness and supervisor need to signit. Also, take the form with you if you needto see a doctor. If you miss work because ofyour injury or sickness, call the WorkSafeBCclaim line at 1 888 WORKERS (1 888 967-5377) during business hours.Employers have the legal responsibility to makesure workplaces are safe and healthy. Youremployer must make sure you get the propertraining and have the information you need tostay safe. As a worker, you must follow safetyinstructions, use proper safety equipment, andwear the right kind of clothing.For more information, call WorkSafeBC at1 888 WORKERS (1 888 967-5377), or goto: www.worksafebc.com. Workers who callWorkSafeBC can get help in more than 170languages. There are also printed materialson different subjects in Traditional Chinese,Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Korean,Vietnamese, Spanish, and French.BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES93

Employment and BusinessHarassment at workIf you are treated badly at work for no reason,this is called harassment. If an employer orother workers call you racist or offensive names,this is called discrimination. It is against thelaw. If an employer or other workers makeunwelcome sexual advances, this is called sexualharassment. It doesn’t matter if you are a manor a woman, it is still against the law.If someone is harassing or discriminatingagainst you, you should report it. Manydisputes get settled before they become official.Make sure you write down what happened andhave witnesses, if possible. If you belong to aunion, talk to them. If you do not know whoto talk to, contact an immigrant settlementagency for information.For advice, you can contact the B.C. HumanRights Coalition. To make an officialcomplaint, contact the B.C. Human RightsTribunal. You can get guides and complaintforms at: www.bchrt.bc.ca. If you work for afederal employer—for example, government,post office, or airlines—you should contact theCanadian Human Rights Commission.You can watch videos about harassment,discrimination, and human rights in English,Mandarin, and Punjabi at:www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/humanrights-in-bcSee the listing for human rights organizationsat the end of this chapter.Starting your ownbusinessKamloops is a great place to start or expand abusiness. Land costs less and the cost of livingis more affordable than in other parts of BritishColumbia. Kamloops is a growing city thatwelcomes new businesses.There are many rules for starting a business.Businesses must be registered and, in somecases, licensed by the government. There aregovernment programs that can help you starta business.Small Business BC can give you informationand resources to start a business. It offersseminars on more than 50 different subjects,including regulations, government help andtraining, and business advisors can help youget started. Call 1 800 667-2272. Visit thewebsite at: www.smallbusinessbc.ca. Thereis also good information at: www.workbc.ca/Workplace-Resources/Pages/Workplace-Resources.aspx94

Chapter 8: Employment and BusinessVenture Kamloops is the economicdevelopment department of the City ofKamloops. Contact them for informationabout doing business in Kamloops.Venture Kamloops297 1st AvenueTel: 250 828-6818www.venturekamloops.comThe Kamloops City Hall website hasinformation about business licences, and thelaws you must follow in the city.City of Kamloops7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828-3311www.kamloops.caWomen interested in starting their ownbusiness can contact the Women’s EnterpriseCentre. It has offices in Vancouver, Victoriaand Kelowna. www.womensenterprise.caWhere to go for helpWorkBC Employment Services CentreKamloops:North Shore795 Tranquille RoadTel: 250 377-3670www.kamloopsesc.caSouth Shore100 – 275 Lansdowne StreetTel: 250 434-9441www.kamloopsesc.caCommunity Futures101 – 286 St. Paul StreetTel: 250 828-8772www.communityfutures.netService Canada520 Seymour StreetToll-free: 1 800 622-6232www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/sc-dsp.cgi?rc=5986BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES95

Employment and BusinessCitizenship and Immigration CanadaCitizenship and Immigration Canadacan provide information about getting apermanent resident card or work permit.Toll-free: 1 888 242-2100www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/index.aspSkilled Trades Employment Program(STEP)This program helps people who want towork in skilled trades. If you are already askilled worker, STEP can help you:• get your skills recognized• get the certification you need• connect with training programs andemployersSTEP101 – 1410 Pearson PlaceTel: 250 682-2375www.stepbc.caEmployment Standards OfficeToll-free: 1 800 663-3316www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esbB.C. Human Rights Coalition1202 – 510 West Hastings StreetVancouver, B.C. V6B 1L8Toll-free: 1 877 689-8474www.bchrcoalition.orgB.C. Human Rights Tribunal1170 – 605 Robson StreetVancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3Toll-free: 1 888 440-8844www.bchrt.bc.caCanadian Human Rights CommissionToll-free: 1 888 214-1090www.chrc-ccdp.caB.C. Federation of Labour200 – 5118 Joyce StreetVancouver, B.C. V5R 4H1Tel: 604 430-1421E-mail: bcfed@bcfed.cawww.bcfed.com96

Chapter 9: The Legal System• Canada’s legal system• Human rights• The courts• The police• Going to court• Assault, rape andabuse• Finding a lawyerCanada’s legal systemNewcomers to Canada often bring ideas about the law and legal system (how the laws works)from their own countries. It is important to understand the laws and the legal system in Canada.Canada’s legal system and political system came from Britain. We got our ideas of personal rightsand freedoms from the British system. In Quebec, parts of the legal system also came from France.In Canada, the courts are separate from the government. Canadians elect their governments. Thegovernments make the laws.There are three levels of government: federal (for all of Canada), provincial, and municipal (fortowns and cities). Each level of government makes laws. The courts enforce the law, but they areseparate from the government.Canada has a law called the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These rights andfreedoms are very important to Canadians. They include the right to free speech, freedom ofreligion, freedom to live and work anywhere in Canada, and the right to participate in peacefulpolitical activities.Read the Charter of Rights and Freedoms at: lawslois.justice.gc.ca/eng/Const/page-15.html97BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

The Legal SystemHuman rightsCanada and British Columbia have humanrights laws to protect people from many kindsof discrimination. Generally, it is discriminationif someone does not give you a job or a placeto live because of your colour, ancestry, place oforigin, political belief, religion, marital status,family status, physical or mental disability, sex,sexual orientation, or age. It is also unlawfulnot to hire someone because of a prior criminalconviction that is not related to the job forwhich they are applying.Generally, it is also discrimination for hotels,restaurants or other businesses open to thepublic to refuse service. However, there aresome exceptions. For example, bars cannotserve people under 19 years old, there can beseparate bathrooms for men and women, andseniors’ housing may not rent to people under55 years of age.You can get help if you have a problem withdiscrimination. If your problem is witha federal government department, bank,telecommunications company (telephone,Internet, TV, or radio), or transportationcompany (airline or train), contact theCanadian Human Rights Commission.(See the listing at the end of this chapter.)If your problem is with a provincial governmentdepartment or agency, a landlord or localbusiness or service, contact the B.C. HumanRights Coalition. (See the listing at the end ofthis chapter.) To make an official complaint,contact the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. Youcan get guides and complaint forms from theirwebsite at: www.bchrt.bc.ca. (See the listingat the end of this chapter.)For more information on human rights,visit: www.ag.gov.bc.ca/human-rightsprotection.You can watch videos abouthuman rights in English, Mandarin, andPunjabi at: www.justiceeducation.ca/resources/human-rights-in-bcFreedom of Information andProtection of Privacy ActThe law in B.C. protects your privacy.People and agencies cannot get or use yourpersonal information, such as your name,address, birthdate, or Social InsuranceNumber without your permission. The lawalso gives you the right to see informationabout yourself—for example, your medicalrecords. You also have the right to see anyreports about you—for example, by teachers,employers, or the police.Gay, lesbian, andtransgendered peopleIn Canada, it is socially and legallyacceptable to be gay or lesbian (homosexual).Gays and lesbians have the same rights andfreedoms as all Canadians. They can getmarried, adopt children, and be on theirsame-sex spouse’s medical and pension plans.(For information on agencies and supportgroups, see Chapter 6.)The courtsDifferent courts deal with different kinds oflegal problems. The main courts are:• Supreme Court of Canada• B.C. Court of Appeal98

The Legal SystemCall the police non-emergency number if noone is in danger or time has passed since thecrime happened. Look in the front pages ofthe telephone book for this number. If youare not sure which number to call, call theemergency number. Tell the police what ishappening. They will help you. You can callthe police any time, day or night.For more information on emergencies, visit:www.ecomm911.caPolice arrestsThere are rules for the police when they arearresting people. Police officers have to saywho they are and show their identificationdocument or badge. They must explain whythey are arresting you and tell you what yourrights are.When the police arrest you or ask youquestions about a crime, the officers must letyou phone a lawyer right away. They have tolet you talk to a lawyer alone.If you do not know a lawyer or cannot affordone, you can ask the police for the legal aidphone number. The police officer must giveyou the legal aid phone number and let youcall them. (For more information about legalaid see the listing at the end of this chapter.)When the police officer asks, you should giveyour name and address. You do not have tosay anything more until after you talk to alawyer. Within 24 hours, the police musttake you to court or let you go.If you have a complaint against themunicipal police, you have a right to saywhat happened. You can contact the Officeof the Police Complaint Commissioner. Call1 877 999-8707, or visit: www.opcc.bc.caIf you have a complaint against the RCMP,you can contact the Commission for PublicComplaints Against the RCMP (CPC).Commission for Public Complaints Againstthe RCMPToll-free: 1 800 665-6878www.cpc-cpp.gc.caGoing to courtIn Canada, laws are made by the federaland provincial governments, and by pastdecisions of the courts. The courts upholdthe law but they are separate from thegovernment. Everyone must obey Canada’slaws. Members of the police, the army, andthe government must also obey the law.If you go to court and you do not speakenough English, you can ask for aninterpreter who speaks your language. It isyour responsibility to ask for an interpreter.For a criminal trial, people who speak Frenchcan ask for the whole trial to be in French.They must do this before the trial begins.Hate crimesIt is against the law if someone hurts you, orsays they will hurt you because of your skincolour, religion, national origin, sex, or sexualorientation. Call the Kamloops RCMP at250 828-3000 for help. You can also contactVictimLink BC at 1 800 563-0808.100

Chapter 9: The Legal SystemAssault, sexual assault,and abuseIf someone hits or hurts you, it is calledassault. If someone says he or she will hit youor hurt you, and you believe that person willdo it, it is also assault. It is against the lawfor someone to assault you. Sexual assault isany form of sexual contact without a person’sconsent. Sexual assault can range fromunwanted sexual touching to forced sexualintercourse (sometimes called “rape”). If youhave been assaulted or sexually assaulted, callthe police. You can also call VictimLink BCat 1 800 563-0808.When one person hurts, mistreats, orthreatens another person or an animal, itis called abuse. In Canada, abuse is againstthe law. (See Chapter 6 to find out aboutagencies and services that can help you.)Young people and the lawSometimes children break the law. In Canada,there is a special law for children 12 to 17years old. It is called the Youth CriminalJustice Act. Young people do not go to thesame court as adults. They go to a youthcourt. (This is also true for an older personwho was under 18 years old at the time of thecrime.) The judge in youth court will makesure the young person gets a lawyer.People 18 years or older who break the law areconsidered adults under Canadian law. Theyhave to go to adult court.Families with children in trouble with thelaw can get advice from probation officers oryouth workers. These government serviceshave different names in different areas. Talkto people at the Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society.Kamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caFamilies and the lawFamilies in B.C. who are going throughseparation or divorce can get help fromFamily Justice Centres. The centres havecounsellors who help couples to make anagreement about their children and supportmoney. The counsellors may help couplesreach an agreement without going to court.Kamloops Family Justice Centre200 – 444 St Paul StTel: 250 828-4688www.justicebc.ca/en/fam/index.htmlFor information on family law in B.C.,visit the Legal Services Society’s family lawwebsite at: www.familylaw.lss.bc.caFinding a lawyerIf you have a legal problem, you may needa lawyer. Sometimes a lawyer can help yousolve a problem before you go to court.How to find a lawyer:• Ask your friends.• Talk to the people at the KamloopsCariboo Regional Immigrant Society101BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

The Legal SystemKamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.ca• Call the Lawyer Referral Service. Thisservice will give you the name of a lawyerwho will talk to you for up to 30 minutesfor $25 plus taxes. The service is runby the Canadian Bar Association. Call1 800 663-1919. This service is listed inthe yellow pages, under Lawyers–Referraland Regulation.Help if you cannot afforda lawyerLegal aidLegal aid is a free service for low-incomepeople with legal problems. People at Legalaid can help with criminal law, family law,and some areas of immigration law. Legal aidis run by the Legal Services Society of B.C.Louise Richards, Barrister & Solicitor208 – 300 Columbia StreetTel: 250 314-1900www.lss.bc.caAccess Pro Bono Society of B.C.Volunteer lawyers give free help topeople with low incomes. Toll-free:1 877 762-6664. Visit the website at:www.accessprobono.caBC Centre for Elder Advocacy andSupportLegal assistance is available for older adults(55 years and older) who are experiencingelder abuse (See Chapter 6 for informationabout elder abuse). Toll-free: 1 866 437-1940.Visit the website at: www.bcceas.caFor more legal informationThe Immigrant Public LegalEducation & Information (PLEI)Consortium ProjectThe PLEI Consortium Project helps deliverpublic legal education and informationfor immigrants in Metro Vancouver. Thewebsite has information about employment,residential tenancy (renting a place to live),family law and domestic violence. Go to:www.immigrantlegal.caThe Elizabeth Fry Society assists andsupports women, children and youth.Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society827 Seymour StreetTel: 250 374-5768www.kamloopsefry.comDial-a-LawYou can phone Dial-a-Law for freeinformation about the law. This is alibrary of recordings by lawyers.Toll-free: 1 800 565-5297.102

Chapter 9: The Legal SystemMultilingual Legal websiteThe Multilingual Legal website has legal informationin different languages for communityworkers and newcomers. Go to: www.mosaicbc.com/multilingual-legal-publicationsMultilingual Legal GlossaryYou can look up Canadian legal termsonline. The definitions are in simple English.They are also translated into Chinese, Farsi(Persian), Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish,and Vietnamese. Go to: www.legalglossary.caJustice Education Society of BCIf you want to know how the court systemin B.C. works or get information aboutthe court system, call the Justice EducationSociety of BC. School classes and othergroups can ask for a tour of their nearestcourthouse.For more informationB.C. Human Rights Coalition1202 – 510 West Hastings StreetVancouver, B.C. V6B 1L8Toll-free: 1 877 689-8474www.bchrcoalition.orgB.C. Human Rights Tribunal1170 – 605 Robson StreetVancouver, B.C. V6B 5J3Toll-free: 1 888 440-8844www.bchrt.gov.bc.caCanadian Human Rights CommissionToll-free: 1 888 214-1090www.chrc-ccdp.caImmigrant Legal – B.C.’s ImmigrantTool Kitwww.immigrantlegal.caJustice Education Society of BCTel: 604 660-9870 (Vancouver)www.justiceeducation.caPeople’s Law SchoolThe People’s Law School offers special ELSAclasses and legal information workshops tohelp newcomers understand Canadian andB.C. laws. These classes are free. For moreinformation on the ELSA program aboutlaws, call 604 331-5408 or visit the website:www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/programs. Checkthe calendar at: www.publiclegaled.bc.ca forworkshops online and in your community.The People’s Law School also has freepublications in easy English and in someother languages. For more information, call604 331-5400 or visit the website at:www.publiclegaled.bc.ca103BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 10: Government and Citizenship• Government: federal,provincial, municipal• Multiculturalism• Citizenship andImmigration Canada• Permanent ResidentCard• Sponsoring a relative• Becoming a Canadiancitizen• Rights andresponsibilitiesGovernmentCanada has three levels of government:federal, provincial or territorial, andmunicipal. These governments are all electedby the citizens of Canada.Federal government: Governmentof CanadaThe federal government has responsibilitiessuch as immigration, defence, and trade withother countries. The names and telephonenumbers of federal government departmentsare listed in the blue pages of the telephonebook, under Government of Canada.If you do not know the department to call,there is a toll-free number on the first pageof the Government of Canada section:1 800 622-6232. You can get informationon how to contact federal governmentdepartments and agencies. You can also getthis information in English and French at:www.canada.gc.ca, or by visiting theKamloops Service Canada office.Service Canada520 Seymour StreetToll-free: 1 800 622-6232www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/sc-dsp.cgi?rc=5986There must be a federal election every fiveyears. The Prime Minister decides when itwill be. The last federal election was onMay 2, 2011.There are 36 federal ridings in BritishColumbia. Each riding elects one Member ofParliament (MP). The MP has an office in thecommunity called a constituency office. MPsalso work in Ottawa, where Parliament meets.If you have a problem that relates to thefederal government, such as immigration orcitizenship, your MP may be able to help you.104

Chapter 10: Government and CitizenshipKamloops is in the Kamloops–Thompson–Cariboo federal riding.You can use your postal code (part ofyour mailing address) to find your MPat this website: www.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOCFor more information about voting in federalelections, contact Elections Canada.Elections Canada257 Slater StreetOttawa, Ontario, K1A 0M6Toll-free: 1 800 463-6868www.electionscanada.caYou can also visit the Service Canada officein Kamloops.Service Canada520 Seymour StreetToll-free: 1 800 622-6232www.servicecanada.gc.ca/cgi-bin/sc-dsp.cgi?rc=5986Provincial government: Governmentof British ColumbiaCanada is divided into 10 provinces andthree territories. Each province and territoryhas its own government. The responsibilitiesof provincial governments include education,highways, and hospitals. The names andtelephone numbers of provincial governmentdepartments are listed in the blue pages ofthe telephone book, under Government ofBritish Columbia.You can get information about provincialgovernment departments at Service BC.Call 1 800 663-7867, and operators atthis toll-free number will transfer your callto government offices. You do not needto pay long distance costs. The provincialgovernment’s homepage is at: www.gov.bc.caIn Kamloops you can go to a Service BCoffice for government services, such asapplying for income assistance, paying traffictickets, and buying government licences.Service BC250 – 455 Columbia StreetTel: 250 828-4540www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/kamloops.htmlProvincial ElectionsBritish Columbia has a scheduled date forprovincial elections: the second Tuesday inMay, every four years. The last one was onMay 14, 2013.There are 85 provincial ridings (constituencies)in British Columbia. Registered voters ineach riding elect one Member (MLA) torepresent them in the Legislative Assembly.The MLA has an office in the communitycalled a constituency office. MLAs also workin Victoria, where the Legislature meets. If youhave a problem that relates to the provincialgovernment, such as health or education, yourMLA may be able to help you.Kamloops is in the Kamloops–NorthThompson and Kamloops–South Thompsonprovincial ridings.Find your MLA at this website:www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm105BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Government and CitizenshipTo vote in B.C., you must be registered. Youcan register to vote if:• you are a Canadian citizen• you are 18 or older• you have lived in B.C. for the past sixmonths• you are not disqualified from votingRegister to vote at: www.elections.bc.ca/ovror 1 800-661-8683.For more information about voterregistration, the provincial electoral process,or voting in provincial elections, pleasecontact Elections BC.Elections BCPO Box 9275 Stn Prov GovtVictoria B.C., V8W 9J6Toll-free: 1 800 661-8683E-mail: electionsbc@elections.bc.cawww.elections.bc.caLocal governmentCities, towns, or villages in British Columbiaare known as local or municipal governments.Local governments provide police service,fire protection, garbage collection, drinkingwater, sewers, and recreation (parks andcommunity centres). Telephone numbers forKamloops are listed in the blue pages of thetelephone book, under Municipalities andRegional Districts.City of Kamloops7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828-3311www.kamloops.caThe city of Kamloops has a mayor and eightcouncillors.Every municipality in British Columbiais part of one of 27 regional districts.Municipalities generally provide services inurban areas (cities, towns, and villages) andareas outside municipalities are administeredby regional districts. The KamloopsThompson–Nicola Regional Districtprovides regional services such as emergencyand environmental programs. It providesmunicipal services to rural communities.Thompson–Nicola Regional District300 – 465 Victoria StreetTel: 250 377-8673www.tnrd.caEvery local government has a town hall youcan visit to pay property taxes and utilitybills, get a licence to operate your businessor have a dog, and register to vote in amunicipal election. Town or city halls andwebsites are also a good place for informationabout the community, services, parks,recreation, and other programs for residents.Elections for municipalities, regional districts,and school boards are held every three years.The next local government election will beheld in November 2014.Kamloops/Thompson School District 73When voters choose their municipalgovernment, they also elect school trustees.There are nine school trustees with theKamloops/Thompson School District andmunicipal elections are held at the same time.Kamloops/Thompson School District 731383 9th AvenueTel: 250 374-0679www.sd73.bc.ca106

Chapter 10: Government and CitizenshipVital statisticsFor birth, death, and marriage certificates,and name changes, call the Service BCgeneral information line at 1 800 663-7867and ask to be connected to the Vital StatisticsAgency. You can also visit the website at:www.vs.gov.bc.caMulticulturalismHere are some ways you can do this:• Meet your neighbours.• Join in neighbourhood activities.• Go to meetings in your community or atyour children’s school.• Volunteer in your community. (For moreinformation on how to volunteer, seeChapter 11.)• Ask the people at the Kamloops CaribooRegional Immigrant Society for waysyou can get involved or volunteer in yourcommunity.Canada is a multicultural country. Peoplehave come to Canada from many differentcountries and cultures. The governmentencourages people to take pride in theirlanguage, religion, and culture. It alsoencourages all Canadians to treat each otherwith respect.Canada has a culture of acceptance anddiversity (accepting people who are differentfrom you). Canadian law upholds individualrights and freedoms, such as freedom ofspeech and religion, and same-sex marriage.(See Human Rights in Chapter 9.)People living in Canada have a responsibilityto take part in Canadian society. You canstart by taking part in your community.Kamloops Cariboo Regional ImmigrantSociety448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470 -6101www.immigrantservices.caCitizenship and ImmigrationCanada (CIC) call centreYou can get general information aboutcitizenship and immigration from the CIC callcentre. On a touch-tone telephone, you canlisten to recorded information about permanentresidence and refugee claims. You can also hearinformation about visiting Canada, working orstudying in Canada, and sponsoring a relative.Information on becoming a Canadian citizen isalso available from the call centre.To contact the call centre from everywhere inB.C., call 1 888 242-2100. If you need moreinformation, you can speak to someone inEnglish or French. The CIC website is:www.cic.gc.ca107BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Government and CitizenshipPermanent resident cardThe Permanent Resident Card is a walletsizedplastic card. It is the official proofof your status as a permanent resident inCanada. All permanent residents who want tocome back to Canada on a commercial carrier(airplane, boat, bus, or train) must showthis card. You can also use your PermanentResident Card as identification to requestother government documents (health card orSocial Insurance Number), to use governmentservices, or to open a bank account.If you are a new permanent resident, you willautomatically receive your card by mail atyour address in Canada. If you do not have aCanadian mailing address before you arrive inCanada, you must give your new address toCitizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)as soon as possible.If you change your Canadian address beforeyou receive your card in the mail or at anytime while you are here, you must tell CICyour new address. You can do this online at:www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/changeaddress.aspor by calling CIC.If your Permanent Resident Card is expired(outdated), lost, or stolen, you can apply fora new one.For further information and questions onthe Permanent Resident Card, go to:www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/pr-card/or call CIC at 1 888 242-2100.Sponsoring a relativeIf you are a permanent resident or aCanadian citizen, you may sponsor (help)a relative to come to live in Canada. To dothis, you must be 18 years or older. Youmust prove that you have enough money totake care of your relatives while they settlein Canada. When you sponsor relatives, youmust give them basic support—for example,medical and financial support. You areresponsible for them for up to 10 years.For information on which relatives you cansponsor, and the application costs, contactthe CIC call centre at 1 888 242-2100, orvisit the website at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/sponsor/index.aspBecoming a CanadiancitizenThe moment you arrive in Canada, you canget ready to become a Canadian citizen. Youwill need to show a commitment to Canadaby living here, learning to speak and writein English or French (the official languages),learning about Canada, and obeyingCanadian laws.To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you:• must be a permanent resident• must live in Canada for at least threeyears before applying to become a citizen• will need to know either English or French• will need to show that you know aboutCanada’s history, institutions, andtraditions, and the rights, responsibilities,and privileges of being a citizen108

Chapter 10: Government and Citizenship• must be 18 years old or more to apply foryourself• must pass a citizenship test if you are 18years of age or older• must attend a citizenship ceremony andtake the oath of citizenshipAdults who are 55 years old or older do nothave to know English or French, or aboutCanada’s history and traditions, but they areencouraged to learn.When you apply for citizenship, you mayalso apply on behalf of children who arenot 18 years old yet. These children mustbe permanent residents of Canada. They donot need to meet the residency, language, orknowledge requirements.For more information and to apply tobecome a Canadian citizen, visit: www.cic.gc.ca or call Citizenship and ImmigrationCanada (CIC) at 1 888 242-2100.Ask for the application for citizenship forms.You will need an application form for eachadult and child in your family. Complete theapplication form(s), attach all the necessarydocuments and fees, and mail the applicationto the Citizenship Case Processing Centre.The address is on the forms. If you need moreinformation, go to: www.cic.gc.ca or call theCIC call centre.To learn more about Canada and the meaningof Canadian citizenship, read the free studyguide for the citizenship test called DiscoverCanada: The Rights and Responsibilities ofCitizenship available online at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discoverCitizenship testMost people have to take a citizenship testbefore they can become Canadian citizens.The test has questions about Canada’shistory, traditions, symbols, and government.The questions are based on Canada’scitizenship study guide, called DiscoverCanada: The Rights and Responsibilitiesof Citizenship. Everyone who applies forcitizenship gets this guide. Study the guidebefore you take the test. You can also practisesample questions on the Internet. For moreinformation, visit: www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/discover/questions.aspOnly people between 18 and 54 years oldhave to take the citizenship test. If you are17 or younger, or 55 years or older, you donot have to take the test.109BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Government and CitizenshipCitizenship HearingsYou may be asked to have an interview witha citizenship judge if the judge needs moreinformation about your application. Theinformation that you give will help the judgemake a decision.Citizenship classesYou may want to join a citizenship class tohelp you prepare for the citizenship test.For information, call your local immigrantsettlement agency, school, communitycollege, or library.Rights and responsibilitiesIn Canada, the federal, provincial, andterritorial governments protect the rightsand freedoms of individuals. The CanadianCharter of Rights and Freedoms is partof Canada’s Constitution Act of 1982.It protects the rights and freedoms thatCanadians believe are necessary in a free anddemocratic society. The Charter guaranteescertain political rights to Canadian citizens.It also guarantees civil rights to everybody inCanada. You can read the Charter at:www.laws.justice.gc.ca/en/charterThe Canadian Charter of Rights andFreedoms protects:• the freedom to express your beliefsand opinions freely (including throughnewspapers, television, radio, andInternet)• the freedom to associate with anyone youwish and gather peacefully with otherpeople• the freedom to practise any religion or noreligion• the right to live anywhere in Canada• the right to protection from unlawfulor unjust arrest or detention by thegovernment. You also have the right todue legal process under Canadian law.This means that the government mustrespect all your rights under the law.• the right to equality. You cannot bediscriminated against because of race,national or ethnic origin, colour, religion,sex, age, or mental or physical disability.• the same rights whether you are a womanor a man• the right to receive services from thefederal government in English or FrenchGays and lesbians also have the same rightsas everyone else in Canada and are protectedagainst discrimination under the law. In2005, Parliament passed a law making itlegal for couples of the same sex to marry.The law also respects religious freedom, so noofficial of a religious group can be forced tomarry same-sex couples if it goes against theirbeliefs.While you live in Canada, your rights inthe list above are protected. You also haveresponsibilities, such as:• voting in Canada’s democratic elections• learning English or French or both• working to take care of yourself and yourfamily110

Chapter 10: Government and Citizenship• helping others in your community• protecting Canada’s heritage and naturalenvironmentIf you become a Canadian citizen, you willhave the right to:• vote in federal, provincial or territorial,and municipal elections• be a candidate in elections• apply for a Canadian passport and enterand leave the country freelyYou will also have the legal duty to reportto the police any crimes you know about orsee happen. You may also be asked to helpthe criminal justice system by sitting on ajury, being part of a court case to decide ifsomeone is guilty or innocent of committinga crime. For more information about juryduty, see: www.justice.gc.ca/eng/dept-min/pub/just/09.htmlLeaving CanadaTo remain a permanent resident, you must livein Canada for two of the last five years. If youlive outside Canada longer, you may lose yourpermanent resident status and receive a removalorder. A removal order means you must leaveCanada permanently. Check with Citizenshipand Immigration Canada to find out if youneed to renew your permanent resident card.You can leave Canada for short holidays orfamily visits. When one parent leaves Canadawith the children, the other parent must writea note giving permission for the children totravel.If you leave Canada for a longer time, be sureto tell the Canada Revenue Agency. You mayneed to file an income tax return even if youlive somewhere else that year.DeportationSometimes the Canadian governmentorders a permanent resident to leave Canadapermanently. This is called deportation.Deportation means that once you leaveCanada, you cannot return.Here are some reasons why people may bedeported:• They were convicted of a serious crimebefore they came to Canada and theydid not tell Citizenship and ImmigrationCanada about it.• They were convicted of a serious crimewhile in Canada.• They lied or used false documents to enterCanada.• They were involved in organized crime.• They were involved in terrorism.If the Canadian government decides todeport someone, that person should getinformation about immigration laws fromCIC. There are also lawyers who specializein immigration laws. To find a lawyer, lookin the yellow pages, under Lawyers, or seeChapter 9.111BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 11: Community, Culture and Sports• Cultural activities• Volunteering• Community centres• Seniors’ programs• Libraries• Sports and outdooractivities• ParksCultural activitiesKamloops has many cultural attractions.You can enjoy theatre, music, museums, artgalleries, and events all year round.Kamloops has the only outdoor SummerTheatre Festival in the Interior of B.C. X FestOutdoor Theatre Festival is in Prince CharlesPark in the heart of downtown Kamloops.For information about the festival, visitwww.projectxtheatre.caThe Kamloops Art Gallery focuses oncontemporary art. It organizes and hosts upto 25 exhibitions every year. For the past fiveyears, attendance has ranged between 24,000and 37,000.Kamloops also hosts the largest CowboyFestival in Canada, and one of the largest inNorth America. It is a celebration of westernheritage in Kamloops and showcases thebest in cowboy poetry and western music,as well as cowboy artists and artisans. Forinformation, visit www.bcchs.comThe city has venues for live music, and has alsocreated cultural and heritage walking tours.For more information on cultural activities inKamloops, visit or contact the Visitor Centre.Tourism Kamloops1290 West Trans Canada HighwayTel: 250 372-8000www.tourismkamloops.comKamloops Art Gallery101 – 465 Victoria StreetTel: 250 377-2400www.kag.bc.ca112

Chapter 11: Community, Culture and SportsVolunteeringVolunteering is an important part of Canadianlife. It is a good way to meet new people, learnnew skills, and get Canadian work experience.A volunteer helps people without gettingpaid. Most communities need volunteers. Youcan help at your children’s school, at a localhospital, or at a community agency.Talk to the people at Kamloops CommunityVolunteer Services or at the Kamloops CaribooRegional Immigrant Society about ways thatyou can volunteer in your community.Kamloops Community Volunteer Services707 Seymour StreetTel: 250 372-8313www.volunteerkamloops.orgKamloops Cariboo RegionalImmigrant Society448 Tranquille RoadTel: 778 470-6101www.immigrantservices.caCommunity centresMost cities and towns have communitycentres. They usually have swimming pools,ice rinks, tennis courts, and playgrounds.Community centres may have classes inarts and crafts, dancing, physical fitness,computers, and English as a SecondLanguage (ESL).Each season, community centres usuallypublish a flyer (a special newspaper) with alist of programs, their times, and how muchthey cost. Community centre programs areusually not expensive.In Kamloops people can take swimming, skatingor aquafit classes or play squash and racquetballat one of the five community centres.Brock Arena2470 Fleetwood AvenueTel: 250 376-9646Interior Savings Centre300 Lorne StreetTel: 250 828 3492McArthur Island Sports and Events CentreMcArthur IslandTel: 250 828-3602Memorial Arena740 Victoria StreetTel: 250 314-1659Valleyview Arena353 Highland RoadTel: 250 314-0429For more information about activitiesand community centres, contact the cityrecreation staff at Tournament City Center.113BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Community, Culture and SportsCity of Kamloops Recreation Department910 McGill RoadTel: 250 828-3580E-mail: recreation@kamloops.cawww.city.kamloops.bc.ca/activityguide/index.shtmlFor information about swimming pools,schedules or swim lessons, contactAquatics Staff at Canada Games Pool.Canada Games PoolTournament Capital Centre910 McGill RoadTel: 250 828-3655E-mail: swim@kamloops.cawww.tourismkamloops.com/canada-gamesaquatic-centre-kamloops-british-columbiaSeniors’ programsSeniors are people 65 years or older. Mostcommunities in B.C. have seniors’ groups. Theyusually accept people 55 years or older. Thesegroups have programs and activities for seniors.Seniors Outreach Society127 – 540 Seymour Street (Desert GardensCommunity Centre)Tel: 250 828-0600www.kamseniorsoutreach.caYou can also call the Health and SeniorsInformation Line at 1 800 465-4911 orcontact the Seniors Service Society at 604520-6621, www.seniorsservicessociety.caSeniors may get a discount or get in free inmany places if they show their BC ServicesCard—for example, in provincial parks, artgalleries, museums, movies, theatres, hotels,and restaurants. Seniors may also get speciallow prices on buses, ferries, trains, andairplanes. For a list of seniors’ centres andactivities, visit: www.senioryears.com/bc.htmlLibrariesIn Kamloops, contact the North ShoreCommunity Centre Society and ask aboutactivities for seniors. Community events areopen to the public.North Shore Community Centre452 – 730 Cottonwood AvenueTel: 250 376-4777www.nsccs.webs.comIf you are facing a difficult situation andneed support, call the Seniors OutreachSociety. They work with seniors to find helpfor problems and connect with resources.You can borrow books, magazines, CDs,DVDs, and eBooks from the Thompson–Nicola Regional District Library, KamloopsBranch. The library has programs and activitiesfor children, including pre-school story time,a babies and books program and a summerreading program. The library has books,magazines, and DVDs for children andfor teens.114

Chapter 11: Community, Culture and SportsThe library has large print and audio booksfor people who cannot see well, as well asprograms to deliver books to seniors andpeople who cannot go to the library.Sports and outdooractivitiesThe library is a good place to meet people inthe community.Library staff can help you find information onalmost any topic. Libraries also have computersyou can use to find information, write letters,or send e-mail. Some library services areavailable to you on your own computer.Public libraries are free to use. You need alibrary card to borrow books or other items.You can apply for a card at your local library.Bring some identification (ID) with yourname and address on it. You can also borrowbooks from other public libraries in B.C.with your local library card and ID.Thompson–Nicola Regional District LibraryKamloops Branch100 – 465 Victoria StreetTel: 250 372-5145www.tnrdlib.caEthnic mediaAll newspapers, radio, and TV programs inKamloops are in English. To find out aboutnewspapers, radio, and TV programs in yourlanguage, visit: www.bcethnicmedia.caKamloops is an active community. People hereenjoy sports and outdoor activities all year.Kamloops is sometimes called the “tournamentcapital” of B.C. A large number of sport teamsplay games and hold practices in the city. Thecity is well equipped for popular sports likehockey, basketball, curling, softball, swimming,skating and curling.For more information about recreationalactivities contact the recreation departmentof the City of Kamloops.City of Kamloops Recreation Staff910 McGill RoadTel: 250 828-3580E-mail: recreation@kamloops.cawww.kamloops.ca/recreation/index.shtmlStudents play sports at school. Communitycentres have many low-cost sports programs.People can also join private sports clubs. Formore information on private sports clubs,look in the yellow pages, under Clubs.115BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Community, Culture and SportsThe lakes and rivers around Kamloopsprovide great fishing experiences. You musthave a licence to fish in B.C. fresh waters.You can get a freshwater licence online at:www.fishing.gov.bc.ca or from a Service BCcentre.Service BC250 – 455 Columbia StreetTel: 250 828-4540www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/kamloops.htmlParksMunicipal parksParks in cities and towns often have a sportsfield for baseball and soccer, a playground forchildren, and sometimes places for picnics.Kamloops has 26 open-space parks.The largest and most popular are KennaCartwright and Peterson Creek Parks.• Kenna Cartwright Park has an extensivenetwork of gentle nature trails for hikingor cycling with panoramic views. It isthe largest municipal park in B.C. Fordirections and other information, visit:www.kamloops.ca/parks/kenna.shtml• Peterson Creek Park has more than30 kilometres of nature trails. It is alarge park that covers 94 hectares. Fordirections and other information, visit:www.kamloops.ca/parks/petersoncreek.shtml• Albert McGowan Park is an awardwinning park. It includes ball diamonds,a playground, a pond and a communitycentre. There is also a water spray park.For directions and other information,visit: www.kamloops.ca/parks/cityparks.shtmlProvincial parks and national parksBritish Columbia has more than 1,000 provincialparks and protected areas, and 7 nationalparks. Many of these are very large and havebeautiful forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes.People can visit provincial and national parks forhiking, camping, skiing, boating, and fishing.Visitors should keep parks clean and safe.You should put all garbage in garbage cans.If there are no cans nearby, take your garbagehome with you.Paul Lake Provincial Park is within a halfhourdrive of downtown Kamloops. It haseasy access, beautiful scenery, plentiful fishingand many outdoor recreational activities. Formore information, visit: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/paul_lk/For a full listing of provincial parks nearKamloops, go to: www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/map.htmlTo see a map of the parks in B.C. and theirfacilities, visit the BC Parks website at:www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks116

Chapter 11: Community, Culture and SportsFor information on national parks, call 1 888773-8888 or visit the website at: www.pc.gc.caCampgrounds and picnic sitesMany national and provincial parks havecampgrounds and picnic sites. Campgroundsusually have campsites with a picnic table, afirepit, and space for a tent or camper. Peoplecan camp overnight for a fee. Picnic sites canbe used only during the day. They are usuallyfree.Back country recreation sitesand trailsWhile many beautiful parts of BritishColumbia are in parks, there is muchmore to explore. Recreation sites and trailsare on Crown land (owned by the B.C.government). You can usually only reachthem by driving on gravel (unpaved) roads.Basic services (toilets, fire rings and picnictables) are provided. For more information,visit www.sitesandtrailsbc.caYou can reserve a campsite in some parks. Toreserve a campsite in a provincial park, call1 800 689-9025 or visit:www.discovercamping.caTo reserve campsites in national parks call1 877 737-3783 or visit: www.pccamping.caThere are also private campgrounds in allparts of the province. People can usually makereservations for a private campground. Mosthave services such as laundromats and grocerystores. Private campground fees are usuallyhigher than fees at provincial or nationalcampgrounds. To find private campgrounds,look in the yellow pages, under CampingGrounds and Recreational Vehicle Parks orvisit: www.campingrvbc.com117BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Chapter 12: Environment• Garbage and recycling• Saving energy• Saving water• Programs to saveenergy and moneyEnvironmentB.C. has beautiful mountains, rivers, lakes, beaches, and forests. But we are using up ournatural resources, such as water, forests, and energy. Our environment (air, water, land, forests)is changing.The climate is also changing. The earth is warming up. This happens because of gasesfrom industry, farming, and cars. These are called greenhouse gases. The government andenvironmental organizations are working with communities and industry to reduce thesegases.British Columbians need to protect their environment. You can do your part. Everything youdo affects the environment. For example, how much electricity, water, natural gas, or gasolineyou use; what you buy and what you throw away as garbage.When you are shopping, travelling, and using water or energy, think about your choices.Think about the environment.118

Chapter 12: EnvironmentGarbage and recyclingThe City of Kamloops will collect householdgarbage and recycling from the curb in frontof your home. On average a household willhave two or three bags of garbage each week.To see which day garbage is picked up inyour neighbourhood, call Public Works andUtilities at 250 828-3461 or visit: www.kamloops.ca/garbage/index.shtmlFor information about waste collection,see Garbage and Recycling in Chapter 2 orcontact Kamloops City Hall, Public Worksand Utilities Department.Kamloops City Hall, Public Works andUtilities Department955 Concordia WayTel: 250 828-3461E-mail: publicworks@kamloops.cawww.kamloops.caYou can reduce what you throw away asgarbage. If you buy food and other thingswith less packaging, there is less garbage.You can also recycle. This means using thingsagain and not putting them in the garbage.In many towns and cities in B.C., people putthings such as bottles, cans, paper, plastic,and newspapers in special blue boxes. Theseare picked up for recycling. You pay a smallamount of money when you buy drinks inbottles and cans. You can return the emptybottles and cans to the store where youbought them, or to recycling depots for arefund (get your money back).Kamloops encourages recycling and hasseveral ways to reduce waste by recycling.Each household must have one recycling cartwith their weekly pick-up of garbage.The recycling program is for paper, plastic,metal, and glass products only.A guide to garbage and recycling can befound here: www.kamloops.ca/garbage/index.shtmlThere are also recycling depots that will takenewspaper, metal and larger cardboard items.Recycling Depot Locations:• Cinnamon Ridge Compost Facility3765 Tranquille RoadTel: 250-554-3349• McGill Road Yard Waste Depot1455 McGill Road(the driveway to enter the Depot is onBunker Road)• Barnhartvale Compost Site970 Eliza RoadLearn more about recycling services inKamloops at: www.kamloops.ca/garbage/recyclingdepots. shtmlYou can also call the BC Recycling Hotlineat 1 800 667-4321 or go to: www.rcbc.bc.caMany things can hurt wild animals and theenvironment. For example, plastics, usedmotor oil, paints, and other chemicals cankill birds, fish, and animals. Find out wherethese things can be recycled properly in yourarea by calling the recycling hotline.When you travel, do not throw garbage bythe road. There are garbage cans in mostpublic places, such as parks, malls, stores,and highway rest areas. Some public placeshave recycling.119BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

EnvironmentIf you live outside major cities, be very carefularound bears. Every year, many bears aredestroyed because of problems between peopleand bears. Most of these problems beginwhen people let bears find food near theirhome. Make sure your garbage bins are tightlyclosed, don’t leave pet food outside, and cleanyour barbeque every time you use it.You can pay your bill by mail, on theInternet, or at your bank or credit union.Saving energyYou can save money and help theenvironment by using less energy. Here aresome ways of saving energy.In Kamloops, the Bear Bylaw is in effectbetween April 1 and November 30 everyyear. Residents are reminded not to putgarbage on the curb before 4 a.m. oncollection day and not to store things thatwould attract bears. If you do, you mayreceive a $100 fine.For more information, visit the Bear Awareprogram at: www.bearaware.bc.caIt is against the law to litter (throw garbageon the ground). You may have to pay a fineof up to $2,000 for littering.Paying for energyIn British Columbia, most energy forheating and lighting homes and businessescomes from electricity, oil or natural gascompanies. These companies are calledenergy utility companies (utilities).You have to pay each month for the gasand electricity you use. How much youpay depends on how much you use. If yourent your home, your utility costs may beincluded in your monthly rent. If you own ahouse or apartment, you will receive a bill bymail or e-mail each month from the utilitycompany.Saving energy in your homeLighting• Change your regular light bulbs to lowenergycompact fluorescent light bulbs(CFLs).• Lamps or work lights let you to put lightwhere you need it.• Turn off lights when there is enoughnatural light and when you leave theroom, even if it’s only for a few minutes.• Use timers, dimmer switches, and motionsensors. Motion sensors turn the lightson when you walk into a room, and offwhen you leave. They will help you useonly as much electricity as you need tolight your home.120

Chapter 12: EnvironmentHeating• Turn the thermostat down overnight orwhen you are not home. Turning thethermostat down can save 5% to 10% ofyour heating costs.• Change furnace filters at least every threemonths. Clogged filters cut the airflow,making your furnace work harder.• Seal gaps and cracks with caulking andweather stripping to cut heat loss by upto 10%.Appliances (for example, stove,refrigerator, dishwasher)• Use smaller appliances, such as a microwaveor toaster oven instead of the regular oven.• Only turn on the dishwasher when it isfull, and use the “no heat” dry button.This means water will drip off yourdishes, instead of heating them up to dry.• Using cold water is the best way to useless energy when washing your clothes.• Hang your clothes to dry instead of usinga clothes dryer.For more information and tips, visit:www.bchydro.com/guides_tips orwww.livesmartbc.caSave energy at work• Turn off lights in areas that you are notusing and when there is enough lightfrom outside.• Turn off your computer and monitorwhen you are not using it.• Adjust window blinds to keep heat out inthe summer and in during the winter.For more information and tips, visit:www.bchydro.com/worksmartSaving waterWe need to save water and keep it clean. Donot put harmful chemicals such as motoroil and gasoline down toilets or drains. It allgoes back into the water system.Use less water in your homeKitchen• Do not let the water run while cleaningfruits and vegetables. Rinse them in a potand use the leftover water for your plants.• Compost leftover food, fruit andvegetable peelings and other food wasteinstead of throwing it into the garbageor using a garbage disposal (garburator).Composting means letting the unusedfruits and vegetables rot, and using it asfertilizer in the garden.• Buy low phosphate or phosphate-freedetergents. Read the labels before you buy.Bathroom• You save more water and energy by takingquick showers instead of baths. Use atimer to help take shorter showers.• Use a low-flow showerhead that uses onlynine litres of water per minute. It willsave you money because you do not needto heat as much water.121• Turn off office machines, such asphotocopiers and printers, when you arenot using them.BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES• Replace old toilets with dual-flush or lowflushtoilets. They use six litres of water orless per flush.

Environment• Check your toilet and taps for leaks. Evena small leak can add up to hundreds oflitres of water a year. It is easy and cheapto replace a washer (rubber ring) in awater tap.• Do not leave the faucet running whenbrushing your teeth, washing your face,or shaving.Laundry• Use a full load in the washer wheneverpossible. For small loads, change waterlevels to match the amount of clothes.• Don’t use the “permanent press” washcycle. It uses as much as 20 litres morewater to rinse the clothes an extra time.OutdoorsYou use a lot of water when you washyour car or water your garden and lawn.Kamloops has water sprinkling restrictionsfrom May 1 to August 31 every year.• Property addresses that end in evennumbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) are allowed tosprinkle or irrigate on even numbereddays.• Property addresses that end in oddnumbers (1, 3,5, 7, 9) are allowedto sprinkle or irrigate only on oddnumbered days.You may water your lawn or garden on yourwatering day between 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. or6 p.m. to midnight. You could have to pay a$100 fine if you water on the wrong day.City of Kamloops, Environmental Services7 Victoria Street WestTel: 250 828-3757www.kamloops.ca/environment/waterrestrictions.shtmlHere are some ways to save water:• Use a system that drips water instead ofsprinkling it in the air to water your garden.• Set timers for your watering system so itturns off automatically.• If you use sprinklers, set them upproperly so that water goes on the plants,not the driveway or patio.• If you use a hose to water, use one witha water-saving water gun spray head andshut-off nozzle.• Use a rain barrel to collect rain water.• Include a pond or other water feature inyour garden to use as a water reservoir.• Let your grass grow a little longer. Thisallows the roots to be more shaded so thatthey hold water better. Set your mowerblades to five to eight centimetres.For more information on ways to save waterat home, go to: www.waterbucket.ca, or thewebsites of your local government or waterutility.122

Chapter 12: EnvironmentEnergy Star productsLook forproducts with theEnergy Star label.They use lessenergy, save money, and help protect theenvironment. For more information, go tothe website: oee.nrcan.gc.ca/energystarPrograms to help you save energyand moneyThere are programs to help you save energyand money. For example, you can get helpfrom utility companies and the governmentto make energy-saving improvements in yourhome.You can also get a company to look at yourhouse or apartment. They will tell you whatkind of changes you can make to use lessenergy. This is called an energy audit. See thelisting at the end of this chapter.For more informationThompson–Nicola Regional District300 – 465 Victoria StreetTel: 250 377-8673www.tnrd.caKamloops City HallPublic Works and UtilitiesTel: 250 828-3461E-mail: publicworks@kamloops.caEnvironmental ServicesTel: 250 828-3757E-mail: ecoinfo@kamloops.cawww.kamloops.caNatural Resources Canada(Government of Canada)Toll-free: 1 800 387-2000www.oee.nrcan.gc.cawww.ecoaction.gc.caLiveSmartBC (Government of B.C.)www.livesmartbc.caBC HydroToll-free: 1 800 224-9376www.bchydro.comFortisBCToll-free: 1 866 436-7847www.fortisbc.comBC Ministry of Environmentwww.env.gov.bc.ca/casBC Sustainable Energy Associationwww.bcsea.org123BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Abbreviations and acronymsIn Canada, many people use short forms made from the first letters of the words in a groupof words. Sometimes we say these letter by letter. For example, we say “E-S-L” for English asa second language. These abbreviations are pronounced letter by letter:ATM Automated Teller MachineB.C. British ColumbiaBCEA British Columbia Employment and AssistanceBCSPCA BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsCPP Canada Pension PlanCIC Citizenship and Immigration CanadaCPR Canadian Pacific RailwayEAS Employment Assistance ServicesEI Employment InsuranceESL English as a Second LanguageGAR Government Assisted RefugeeGIC Guaranteed Investment CertificateGIS Guaranteed Income SupplementGST Goods and Services TaxICBC Insurance Corporation of British ColumbiaID IdentificationMSP Medical Services PlanOAS Old Age SecurityPST Provincial Sales TaxRCMP Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceRESP Registered Educational Savings PlanRRSP Registered Retirement Savings PlanTV TelevisionWCB Workers’ Compensation Board/WorkSafeBCYMCA Young Men’s Christian AssociationYWCA Young Women’s Christian AssociationSometimes we pronounce these short forms as a word. For example, we say the word CANNfor Community Airport Newcomers Network. These acronyms are pronounced as words:ABESAP Adult Basic Education Student Assistance ProgramCANN Community Airport Newcomers NetworkELSA English Language Services for AdultsICES International Credential Evaluation ServicePIN Personal Identification NumberSAFER Shelter Aid for Elderly RentersSIN Social Insurance Number124

Index125Symbols9-1-1 14AAbuse 65Airlines 24Ambulance 48Apartment 27BBank machines 39Banks 38B.C. Benefits Family Bonus 71BC HealthGuide 46B.C. health insurance 44B.C. Identification card (BC ID) 74Bicycles 23, 79Buses 24Business, starting your own 94CCanada Pension Plan (CPP) 90, 91Canadian citizenship 107Canadian money 15Cars 24, 74Cash 15, 39Cheque 39Child care 71Children and work 91Child safety seats 78Child Tax Benefit 13, 42, 71Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) 107Climate 118CollegesContinuing education 57Distance education 56ESL 57List of colleges 60Community centres 113Compassionate care leave 92BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICESContinuing education 58Court 98Credentials 88Credit card 39Credit unions 38Crisis centres 64Cultural activities 112DDebit card 39Deductions 90Dentist 49Deportation 111DiscriminationHousing 29Job 87Distributed (distance) learning 55Doctors 47Drinking and driving 79Driver’s licence 75Applying 76Graduated Licensing Program 77Driving schools 78Duplex 26EEducation system 52Elementary schools 53EmergenciesCalling police 14Medical emergencies 47Emergency Shelter 65Employment and income assistance (welfare) 62Employment Insurance (EI) 93Deductions 91Energy 118Saving energy 120English as a Second Language (ESL) 57Environment 118Ethnic media 115Eviction 34

IndexFFederal government 104Food banks 63Freedom of Information and Protection of PrivacyAct 98FrenchFrancophone settlement services 25French and Francophone education programs 54GGarbage and recyclingand the environment 119Gay, lesbian and transgendered people 70Goods and Services Tax (GST)And banking 41Government 104Government-assisted refugees (GAR) 12Graduated Licensing Program 77Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) 43HHarassment 94Hate crimes 100HealthHealth insurance 44Health services 45Healthy Kids Program 48HelpFor addictions 68For food and housing emergencies 65For legal problems 101For victims of abuse and violence 65, 67For victims of a crime 99Holidays 92Hours of work 90HousingEmergency housing 65Finding housing 28Types of housing 26Human rights 98, 103Gay, lesbian, and transgendered people 98IIncome assistance 93Income tax 41, 91Independent schools 55InsuranceCar 74House 31Medical 44Internet 40Banking by internet 40Getting internet service 32JJobFinding a job 84Losing a job 92LLandlord 34Law 97Lawyer 101Legal system 97Libraries 114Loans 40Losing your job 92Low-cost housing 27MMail 32Maternity and parental leave 92Medical insurance 44Medical Services Plan (MSP)Fees and assistance 45Metric and imperial measure 15Minimum wage 91Money 15Banking 38Borrowing and owing money 40Sending money 40126

IndexMortgage 40Multiculturalism 107Municipal government 106NNurse 46OOld Age Security Pension (OAS) 43Optometrists 50Outreach 65Owing money 40PParental leave 92Parks 116People with disabilitiesHealth care 51Property tax deferral 42Transportation 23Permanent resident card 108Personal safety 14PharmaCare and Fair PharmaCare 50Pharmacist 46, 49Police 99And reporting car accidents 80And victims of crime 67Arrests 100Post-secondary education 56Premium assistance for MSP 45Prescription drugs 49Private insurance 45Private schools. See Independent schoolsProperty taxes 42Protection of Privacy Act 98RRapeVictim services 66, 67RecyclingRecycling and the environment 119Recycling services 32Refugee claimants 11Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) 107Health care 45Renting 28SSeat belts 78Secondary schools 53Seniors’ programs and benefits 68Seniors Supplement 43Service BCCars and driving 79, 82Sexual assault 66Shopping 15Social customs 16Social Insurance Number 84Special needs 54Sponsoring 108Sponsorship breakdown 63Sports 115Subsidized and low-cost housing 27Subsidized housing 27TTaxable benefits 91Taxes 41, 91Taxis 23Telephone books 19Telephones 17Banking by telephone 40Getting telephone service 32Tenancy agreement 30, 31Disagreements and disputes 34127BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

IndexTrains 25Transportation 21Trust companies 38UUnions 91And laws about working 90Union dues 91Universities 56Continuing education 58Distance education 59ESL 57UtilitiesAnd renting a place to live 31Utility services 35VVacations 91VictimsHelp for victims of crime 99Help for victims of trauma and family violence 64Voluntary deductions 91WWalk-in clinics 48Walking 23WinterDriving 83Witness 99Working 90128

Questionnaire1. How did you find out about the B.C. Newcomers’ Guide?FFFamilyFFFriendFFInternetFFImmigrant settlement agencyFFEmployerFFOther (please specify)_____________________________________________________2. What information in this guide did you find helpful? (for example,education, health care, legal system)______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. What do you think we could do to improve this guide?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________4. Did you read the guide:FFIn printFFOn the InternetFFBoth130

Questionnaire5. If you read the guide both in print and on the Internet, which way wasmore useful?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6. Do you have any suggestions for other information you would like tosee included?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Thank you for your feedback!Please send your questionnaire to:Mail:B.C. Newcomers’ Guide Feedback800 – 360 West Georgia StreetVancouver, B.C. V6B 6B2E-mail: WelcomeBC@gov.bc.caPlease include “B.C. Newcomers’ GuideFeedback” in the subject line.131BRITISH COLUMBIA NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE TO RESOURCES AND SERVICES

Map of British ColumbiaYUKONALASKA(U.S.)FORT ST. JOHNDAWSON CREEKSMITHERSTERRACEPRINCE RUPERTPRINCE GEORGEALBERTAQUESNELWILLIAMS LAKECariboo Chilcotin CoastKootenay RockiesNorthern British ColumbiaThompson OkanaganVancouver, Coast & MountainsVancouver IslandCOURTENAYTOFINONANAIMOKAMLOOPSWHISTLERKELOWNAVANCOUVERABBOTSFORDPENTICTONNELSONCRANBROOKVICTORIA

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