OECS OnBoarding Brochure: Toronto, Canada

ORGANISATION OF EASTERN CARIBBEAN STATES

MOVING TO TORONTO CANADA Things you need to know

What you need to know

ABOUT TORONTO Toronto, the capital city of the province of Ontario and the largest city in Canada by population. It's the anchor of an urban agglomeration, known as the Golden Horseshoe in Southern Ontario, located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario.

A global city, Toronto is a centre of business, finance, arts, and culture, and is recognized as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Its dynamic metropolis comprises a core of soaring skyscrapers, all dwarfed by the iconic, free-standing CN Tower.

CURRENCY The official currency is the Canadian Dollar.

TIME ZONE The time zone is (GMT-5) .

CLIMATE Toronto has a temperate climate with four seasons namely: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn.

Winters are cold with frequent snow. During the winter months, temperatures are usually below 0 °C (32 °F). The summer months are characterized by very warm temperatures.[74] Daytime temperatures are usually above 20 °C (68 °F), and often rise above 30 °C (86 °F).

What you need to know (cont'd)

AIR TRAVEL Air travel provided on first passage for employee and family members under the age of 18 and spouse (common law included).

PERSONAL EFFECTS Shipment of personal effects of employee and dependents up to a max. of a 20ft container plus a vehicle.

SETTLEMENT GRANT Settlement grant of one (1) month base salary will be paid upon arrival. This process takes approximately one week for disbursement.

HOUSING Housing for the first month at the expense of the Commission is available, however, should the employee decide to take this option, the employee forfeits that month’s housing allowance.

CLOTHING ALLOWANCE Warm clothing Allowance is received and included in the first month’s pay . This allowance is given upon each renewal of a contract with the Commission.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD There is a mandatory probation period of 3 months for all employees.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation will be provided from the airport upon first arrival into Canada.

Commuting to/from the Airport can also be done via train, bus and taxi.

What you need to know (cont'd)

WORK PERMIT All Non-Nationals are required to obtain permission to work in Canada.

DRIVER'S LICENSE Everyone requires a valid Ontario Drivers Licence or an International Drivers license to drive in Canada.

ORIENTATION During your first few days you will be required to attend an orientation session.

NECESSARY DOCUMENTS For seamless transitioning, there are a few important items/documents one should have prior to leaving: At least 5 passport size photographs Birth Certificates Marriage Certificate Referral from home bank Referral from schools Driving record from vehicle insurance (assists with obtaining driver's license in Ontario) Driver's License Immunization Records Other medical records for insurance purposes

Public Holidays 2018

NEW YEAR'S DAY FAMILY DAY GOOD FRIDAY EASTER MONDAY WHIT MONDAY CANADA DAY CIVIC HOLIDAY LABOUR DAY THANKSGIVING

1 January 19 February 30 March 2 April 21 May 1 July 1 August 3 September 8 October

CHRISTMAS DAY

25 December

BOXING DAY

26 December

Supermarkets & Pharmacies

SUPERMARKETS - Located throughout the city LOBLAWS SOBEYS METRO NO FRILLS FRESHCO

PHARMACIES - Located throughout the city SHOPPERS DRUG MART REXALL PHARMACY PLUS PHARMASAVE

Banking Services

There are a number of banks with branches located throughout the City.

BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA CIBC ROYAL BANK OF CANADA TD CANADA TRUST BANK OF MONTREAL

The Office can assist in finding suitable housing for colleagues.

Taxi & Public Transport Services

There are several reputable taxi companies in Toronto: BECK TAXI

Tel#: (416) 751 5555

CITY TAXI

Tel#: (416) 740 2222

AIRPORT TAXI AND LIMOUSINES Toronto Transit Commission provides public transportation throughout the City utilizing buses, subways and street cars.

Via Rail provides train service to other Cities.

Greyhound Bus Service provides bus service to other Cities and the United States.

Vehicle Rentals

There are a number vehicle rental companies with locations throughout Toronto.

ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR HERTZ CAR RENTAL AVIS RENT-A-CAR SERVICES BUDGET CAR RENTAL THRIFTY CAR RENTAL

Prayers & Worship

There are numerous churches of varying denominations all over Toronto: ROMAN CATHOLIC SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST ANGLICAN METHODIST PENTECOSTAL SALVATION ARMY

Things to do for FUN

ATTRACTIONS: CN TOWER RIPLEYS AQUARIUM CASA LOMA ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE TORONTO CITY HALL HARBOURFRONT CENTRE TORONTO ISLANDS TORONTO ZOO CANADA’S WONDERLAND NIAGARA FALLS MARINE LAND

Living in Toronto

Toronto is a very multicultural city and as a result there are a number of great restaurants serving all types of foods.

Most major restaurants will deliver food to your home within a 3 mile radius.

Tipping for services is customary in Canada. One is expected to tip for good service for food delivery, restaurants, hairdressers, manicurists and taxi drivers. The Standard tip is between 10-20% of the bill.

There are a number of professional sports teams in Toronto: Hockey, Football, Soccer Baseball and Basketball.

Medical Services

FIRE BRIGADES AND AMBULANCE – 911 FEDERAL POLICE – 911 MEDICAL EMERGENCIES – 911

There are a number of hospitals throughout Toronto: ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL SUNNYBROOK HOSPITAL NORTH YORK GENERAL MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL APPLETREE MEDICAL CLINC Appletree Medical Clinc has a number of walk-in Clinics throughout the City.

Contact the HR Unit: Zena Jules: (758) 455 6322 Eurisca Chandler: (758) 555 6323 Gale Jean Baptiste: (758) 455 6362