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The labor market in Canada is presently in full growth.
Quebec, in particular, has approximately 600,000 jobs available
until the year 2005. This province offers interesting possibilities
to those persons looking for employment. Quebec shows a
steady economic growth and it is for this reason that it
must guarantee a qualified workforce. Moreover, the upcoming
retirements will make available a great number of available
employment.
Canada is an ideal country for immigrants
who are professionals since it has available a great number
of positions in advanced sectors.
It is one of the countries that offer the
highest work stability; Quebec in particular, has 3.7 million
workers of which 60% hold at least a high school degree.
More than 5,000 companies constantly employ
people in the information technology, computers, computer
programming, microelectronics, multimedia and telecommunication
technology sectors. Leading these sectors are companies
such as: IBM, Nortel Networks, Ericsson Communications,
Harris Society, Motorola, BAE Systems, Alcatel, etc.
Immigrants have great opportunities and can
access a great array of companies according to their profile
and work experience. Work prospects exist In the fields
of communications and high technology such as: engineering,
science, research and also in sales and marketing, finance,
business administration and many others.
In all regions of Quebec there exists a network
of public employment services such as the Local Employment
Center (CLE). This entity offers to all Quebec residents
various help services for job search, including professional
orientation, general training, access to internships (on-job
training) and contract services. The CLE may offer financial
assistance to find employment; this may be in the form of
salary grants or the payment of expenses incurred in the
search for employment.
Work regulations in Quebec
 Minimum
Wage
The minimum wage is the salary an employee
is entitled to according to the Government of Quebec regulations
and the Commission of work regulations which supervises
and receives complaints
Even in the case where the employer provides
a vehicle, housing or meals to his employee, the minimum
wage cannot be lowered.
| Minimum
wage as of February 1st, 2001 |
| General rate |
7,00
CAN$ / hour |
| Employees that normally receive
tips |
6,25
CAN$ / hour |
| Domestic employees residing
with the employer |
280,00
CAN$ / week |
Payment of salaries
The employer must make salary payments at
regular intervals no greater than 16 days. If payment day
falls on a holiday, the salary must be paid the following
day.
Paid
vacations
The right to paid vacations is acquired after
a period of 12 consecutive working months. The duration
of the vacations and remuneration depends on each particular
employer.
| Continuous
service |
Length
of vacation |
payment
|
| Less than a year |
1 day per month worked |
4 % |
| 1 to 5 years |
2 continuous weeks
|
4 % |
| 5 and more years |
3 continuous weeks
|
6 % |
The employee who is eligible for a two week vacation period
has the right to ask for a third week, although without
pay.
Physical
handicap or illness
The employer has no obligation, according
to the work regulations, to remunerate his employee during
his period of illness.
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