Apprenticeship training is an essential step for many skilled trades in order to become a certified tradesperson.  In order to increase apprenticeship opportunities and promote a highly skilled workforce, the federal government is working with partners to make this happen. Incentives come in the form of two different apprenticeship grants – the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG).

According to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, under the Official Languages Act and the Official Languages Regulations, under section 90 of the Act, parliamentarians MPs are exempt from this law when they are communicating in their own name.

Section 90 of the Official Languages Act stipulates that “nothing in this Act abrogates or derogates from any powers, privileges, or immunities of members of the Senate or the House of Commons in respect of their personal offices and staff or of judges of any Court.” Under this section, MPs are not subject to the Official Languages Act while carrying out their constituency work. They can communicate with the public in one or both official languages at their discretion.

This section applies to mail-outs sent from an MP’s office. Mail sent by an MP in his or her name does not have to be in both official languages. However, if the MP sends mail on behalf of the Government of Canada, the use of both official languages is mandatory. Since a newsletter was sent out in the MP’s name, and not on behalf of the Government of Canada, your MP has the right to provide information to you in only one language.

That being said, your MP would be better able to serve his or her constituents by providing bilingual pamphlets and newsletters. If you receive a unilingual brochure or newsletter in French only and you would like to have it in English, contact your MP and ask him or her if an English version is available. Members of Parliament represent the people in their riding, so it is important to bring this issue to their attention.

As of 2009, to comply with federal laws aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing, law societies in Canada have adopted new rules on Client Identification and Verification, also known as the “Know your Client” rules. In Quebec, this rule also applies to notaries. So what does this mean?

When a lawyer (and notary in Quebec) is contacted by a new client, or a current client with a new matter, he or she must obtain certain information. If the client is an individual, they must produce identification with their full name, home address and phone number, business address and phone number, and occupation. If the client is an organization, they must produce identification with the organization’s name, address, phone number, incorporation or business identification number and place of issue, and a general description of the organization. The individual authorized to give instructions on the legal matter must also show proper identification.

For certain financial transactions, such as receiving, paying, or transferring funds on behalf of a client, or giving instructions for these activities on behalf of a client, the lawyer must obtain information. If the client is an individual, a piece of identification such as a driver’s licence or passport is required. If the client is an organization, the name and occupation of each director must be given, along with a piece of identification for each person authorized to give instructions on payments or transfers.

Do not hesitate to ask your lawyer or notary for more information on this subject.

Whether you want to check out road conditions for that important trip, find a bicycle path to try out, or know how long you’ll have to wait at the border crossing, you can now do all of that with Quebec 511.

Québec 511 is part of a North American trend for obtaining information on transportation through an abbreviated 511 telephone number. The aim is to facilitate access to information on transportation, both by phone and on the Web, allowing road users to better plan their trips throughout Québec. The information specifically concerns winter road conditions, road work, major incidents, weather alerts, ferry schedules and waiting times at border crossings. On the website, this list is enriched by traffic Webcam images, services offered at wayside parks, etc.

The services vary according to whether you use the phone or the website, but they are always current and as up-to-date as possible. On the Web, users can find a wide range of information in the transportation field, including the MTQ’s traffic Webcam images. They can also learn how to subscribe to a carpooling list, look up the Québec bikeway network, access the main public services regarding transportation or the 511 services of the neighbouring road networks, and find the estimated road distance of a trip.

This service is accessible everywhere in Quebec and works on all phone systems. All you have to do is call 511 for instant access free of charge. It is possible to consult Quebec 511 free of charge from anywhere in North America by calling 1-888-355-0511. The information offered by phone and on the website is updated automatically, and it is identical to the information provided by the representatives. However, should you wish to speak to someone, the General Information Service is available on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This service can be reached by pressing 3 on the general menu.

Starting a business can be both personally and financially very rewarding. However, you must be prepared to work hard and do a lot of planning.

The first thing that you need to do before starting a business is to come up with a written business plan. The business plan should include the following information: a description of the product or service to be offered; the market for the product or service; anticipated pricing level; business structure; record keeping and legal requirements; financial resources; expected timeline; and a bibliography of yourself and other team members.

We all need to take a vacation now and then to “get away from it all.” What we don’t need is to arrive back home to find that it has been burglarized. The following tips from the Insurance Bureau of Canada can help protect your home against theft:

·        Make your home look lived in. Ask a neighbour to collect the mail and newspapers, keep the sidewalk and driveway clear, and even have him park his car there.

·        Inspect the premises the night before you leave. Put away bicycles and gardening or snow removal equipment, and lock your shed. Bring inside anything that could give burglars a leg up, such as ladders and trash cans. Closely trim trees and shrubs so your house can be seen.

·        Timers are effective and inexpensive theft-prevention devices, especially multiple timers on a random setting. Timers make your home look lived in, tricking burglars when a lamp or radio suddenly comes on.

·        Consider other prevention systems such as outdoor motion detectors or an alarm system.

·        Leave your car in the garage when loading your luggage to prevent undesirables from knowing you're leaving for a trip.

If your pets are not vacationing with you or will not be staying in a boarding kennel, make sure that you have a very reliable person to come in and take care of them in your absence.

Maneuvering around the complex world of government offices can be confusing and frustrating. Services Quebec can take the guesswork out of your search for information. Whether you’re looking for one of their many informative brochures, have a question about a birth certificate, or need information about the Public Prescription Drug Plan, Services Quebec can help. They can also put you in touch with one of the many government offices as well.

According to the Canada Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), over one-quarter of all occupational injuries happen to workers between the ages of 15 and 29. In 2005, 118 workers in the same age bracket died in the workplace in Canada.

Many young people (and adults as well) are unaware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to workplace safety. Employees need to know and comply with all regulations; they must protect themselves, their co-workers and the public who may be affected by their actions; report unsafe conditions to their employer; use protective equipment as required; and immediately report any accident, incident or illness to their employer.

Employers also have responsibilities towards their employees. They must provide a safe and healthy workforce; train employees on potential hazards and ensure employees have the required certification; correct unsafe actions and conditions; ensure protective equipment is available and being used; and report all accidents and incidents.

According the Quebec coroner’s office, 222 people drowned in swimming pools between 1986 and 2005. Of these, 120 were children under the age of 5. More than 50% of drownings are caused by an accidental fall into the pool outside of swimming times; others were the result of jumping or diving off of a diving board.

Between 2001 and 2006, 41 people were hospitalized in Quebec alone with spinal cord injuries caused by diving or jumping in the water. It is estimated that half of these injuries occurred in backyard pools, both above and in-ground.

So what can you do to make sure your pool is safe?

1.      Install a proper fence around your pool. It must be impossible for young children to climb over, open, and get through. Gates must be self-latching and self-locking. In short, a fence should serve as a physical barrier to the pool. When purchasing a pool, check with your municipality for specific regulations. In many places it is illegal to have an un-fenced pool.

2.      Have life jackets – and use them.

3.      Have and enforce pool rules: no swimming without adult supervision, no diving if the pool is not designed for diving; no toys in the pool outside swim time; and make sure the gate is securely closed and locked when swim time is over.

4.      Recognize the signs of drowning. According to the Lifesaving Society, drowning can happen in less than 20 seconds and in just a few centimeters of water. Remember, a child in distress may not call out for help, and can appear to be playing in the water.

5.      Learn first aid and CPR. CPR can safe a life if performed within 10 minutes of drowning.

When properly secured, backyard pools can be a great source of fun and relaxation. So stay safe and stay cool!

You can apply for a Social Insurance card at any Service Canada Centre. When you apply, you must bring along a primary document. A primary document is an official document that proves your identity and status in Canada. The document must be the original. A primary document must be either a birth certificate or certificate of Canadian citizenship (if you are a Canadian citizen); a Certificate of Indian Status (for First Nations); a Permanent Resident Card for permanent residents or a work permit or study permit for temporary residents.

If the name on the primary document is different from the name you currently use, you will also need to provide a legal document indicating the name that you currently use. You will need one such supporting document, and it must be the original. Supporting documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, legal change-of-name document, adoption order, notarial adoption certificate, or confirmation of Permanent Residence.

Parents or legal guardians can apply for a SIN for children under the age of majority of their province. You will need your SIN or primary document, your child’s primary document, and a document confirming legal custody (if applicable).

There is no fee to apply for a SIN, to change your name in the case of a legal name change (marriage, divorce, adoption), change the expiry date on a temporary SIN card, or to amend information on your record. A fee of $10 is charged to replace a SIN card.

According to the Ministry, children may be enrolled in English-language schools if they fall into one of the following three categories:

§         Children who are permanent residents of Quebec and who qualify for a certificate of eligibility for instruction in English;

§         Children who are permanent residents of Quebec and who are entitled to receive instruction in English under a special authorization;

§         Children who are living in Quebec temporarily and who qualify for a temporary authorization to receive instruction in English.

A certificate of eligibility is generally delivered to children:

1.      Who did most of their elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada;

2.      Whose brother or sister did most of his or her elementary studies in English in Canada;

3.      Whose father or mother did most of his or her elementary studies in English in Canada;

4.      Whose father or mother attended school in Quebec after August 26, 1977 and could have been declared eligible for instruction in English at that time.

In the first two cases, the father or mother of the child must be a Canadian citizen. In the third case the father or mother must be a Canadian citizen, unless he or she did his or her studies in Québec.

There are cases for special authorization, such as children who have serious learning disabilities as defined under the Charter, or for serious family or humanitarian reasons.

Children can also receive temporary authorization, which falls into three categories: dependant children of persons living temporarily in Quebec to study or work; dependant children of persons who are not Canadian citizens and who are temporarily posted in the province are representatives of another country; or dependant children of members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are temporarily posted in Quebec.

Difficulties with reading and writing go beyond a mere inconvenience. What if you were not able to write a letter to an old friend? What if you could not to read a bedtime story to your child? Imagine not being able to read the instructions on a medicine bottle or a legal form.

Fortunately, there is help. Literacy groups work with adults of all ages and all reading levels to learn or improve their skills. Volunteers work one-on-one with people who need basic reading and writing, as well as those who simply want to brush up on their skills. This service is free, private, and confidential.

A handicapped parking permit allows access to a designated parking space for disabled people who have limited mobility. The permit allows a handicapped person, whether a passenger or a driver, to use the handicapped parking space. The permit must be visibly displayed by hanging it on the rearview mirror inside the vehicle, and the disabled person must carry the accompanying parking certificate at all times. The permit is valid for a minimum of five years up to a maximum of six years. The cost of a permit, and all subsequent renewals, is $15. The SAAQ will send out a renewal notice approximately two months before the expiry date.

A will is a confidential document that spells out your last wishes. While some people believe that a will is only essential for people with families, the fact is, every one should have a will. For example, you can include details on how you would like your funeral to be conducted and what you want to have done with your remains afterwards. A will can also outline any special wishes you may have, such as a treasured item that you would like leave a particular person or specify who will take care of a beloved pet after your death. A testament will also be an essential document when dealing with a deceased person’s financial affairs. Even a spouse will be denied access to their partner’s bank account without a will.

Besides the “conventional” will, people now have the option of drawing up a living will. Who will make medical decisions for you if you are physically or mentally unable to do so? Who will take care of your finances if you are incapacitated? These are all decisions which can be put in writing.

It is important to know that once a will has been drawn up, it can be changed as many times as you wish.

Quebec recognizes three types of wills: a holograph will, which is written by the testator and does not require witnesses; a will drawn up in the presence of witnesses, which is drawn up and then dated and signed by two witnesses; and a notarial will. Only the notarial will does not have to probated by court.

Once your will has been drawn up, write down where the will is kept (the notary’s office, a safe deposit box, a filing cabinet, etc) and keep this information in a place that make it easier for relatives to find and also ensure that your will be kept secret. You are not required to give a copy of your will to anyone for whatever reason.

Wills can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your last wishes will be respected and carried out as you would have liked.

For more information and documentation relating to wills, you can contact Communication Quebec at 1-800-363-1363, and ask them for the brochure on wills.

Absolutely not! We contacted one of the major banks, and were told that these are called “phishing” emails. They work by tricking people into giving the sender confidential information, such as your name, account number, and password. Typically, the email will require you to send this information by replying through a fake website that looks completely legitimate.

If you receive such an email, do not respond to it. Financial institutions never ask you to provide confidential information by email or over the phone. If you have any doubts, contact your bank or financial institution.

A birth certificate is an essential piece of identification. You will be required to present one when applying for a passport, government pensions, a social insurance card or a first driver’s licence. It is also required for a person enrolling in daycare or school – whether elementary, secondary, college or university.

There was a time when birth certificates were issued by the church when children were baptised. Now all birth certificates are issued through the provincial government. In fact, birth certificates issued from the church are no longer valid, and must be replaced by the official version.

Almost all municipalities require dogs to be licensed, and some cities, such as Sherbrooke, also require this for cats. Many of these licenses must be renewed each year. In some areas, this is overseen at the municipal office. Other towns have delegated this service to the Eastern Townships Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA).

A licence is an invaluable identification tool. It can be used to locate and contact an owner if an animal is lost. A record of the license number is kept along with the owner’s name, address and phone number. If an animal is found wearing identification, its owners can be contacted immediately and their pet can get back home safely. An animal found without a license is considered a stray, which means that it can be taken to the SPA and put up for adoption after being held for a specific length of time. Dogs without licenses do not have a strong chance of being returned to their owners, and cats without a license fare even worse – it is even more difficult to locate their family.

Buying a license for your faithful companion is a small price to pay for a lifetime of love and devotion.

In order to send your children to an English school in Quebec, you must first meet the eligibility requirements as outlined under the Charter of the French Language. A Certificate of Eligibility is generally given to children (1) who did most of their elementary or secondary studies in English in Canada; (2) whose sister or brother did most of her or his elementary studies in English in Canada; (3) whose mother or father did most of her or his elementary studies in English in Canada; or (4) whose mother or father attended school in Quebec after August 26, 1977, and could have been declared eligible for instruction in English at that time. When a child is declared eligible for instruction in English, her is his siblings may also be declared eligible. The certificate for eligibility is permanent – there is no time limit after which it expires.

Children who attend school in French may transfer to an English school provided they meet eligibility requirements.