Canada is a country that cares for its residents. Therefore, there are a number of Social Welfare programs offered by the country. And these programs provide the much needed mental security required, if need arises, in an individual's life and old age.

In addition to the free healthcare program and children education until grade 12, Canada provides for the following social programs:

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE:
In most cases you must have worked a minimum of 420 - 720 insurable hours to qualify for EI. The basic benefit rate is 55% of your average insured earnings up to a maximum of $413.oo per week.

SOCIAL WELFARE ALLOWANCE:
A Canadian resident is entitled to social welfare allowance from the government if he/she is unable to support himself/herself and is not able to get any job.

PENSION PLAN:
A Canadian resident is entitled under the Canadian Pension Plan to receive a retirement pension. It depends upon the age at which he/she chooses to opt for the plan and is optimal at age 65. It increases/decreases by 0.5 percent for every month above or less than age 65. It also depends upon the contribution made to the plan or the years worked in Canada.

OLD AGE PENSION:
A Canadian resident is entitled to old age pension in Canada. The amount of pension will depend upon the number of years-lived in Canada. If a person has stayed in Canada for 40 years after the age 18, the maximum amount applies. For each year less than that, it is reduced by 1/40 of the full-entitled amount.

CHILDCARE BENEFIT:
Federal and Provincial governments provide certain amount every month for upbringing of each child. The amount depends upon the income earned by the parents in the last year.

EDUCATION SYSTEM:
Getting a good education is more important today than ever before. It is the best thing you can do to build a better future for your children and yourself. Education is free until grade 12.

Canadian School System
Most children attend public schools. Public schools are completely funded by governments through tax revenue. Boys and girls attend the same schools and share the same courses and classes. Schooling in Canada is provided in English and in French.

The rest of Canadian children attend private schools, which are supported mainly by fees paid directly by parents. Some private schools enroll only boys or girls. By law, children must attend school from age 5 to 16. Children are usually in school between 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 or 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, from September to the middle of June.

There are several different levels in the Canadian education system. The first is called Elementary School. In most provinces Elementary School includes Kindergarten through grades 7 or 8. From grades 8 or 9 through 12 or 13, children go to Secondary School or high school. High school students must take certain courses for several years, such as English or French and mathematics. Some courses help students get a job after they graduate from school. Other courses prepare students for college or university. In Canada, teenagers usually make these choices for themselves, with the advice of their teachers, guidance counselors and parents. Schools usually offer extra activities at the end of the normal school day (i.e. after 3:30 or 4:00 p.m.). These include sports, games, music and clubs.

Most elementary and high schools encourage parents to take part in school activities. Parent nights are organized from time to time. These are opportunities for parents to discuss their children's progress with teachers. You may wish to bring an interpreter or friend with you.

After graduating from high school, many young adults continue their studies through post-secondary education. Three general types of post secondary education are available:

Governments use taxes to support post-secondary education. However, all post-secondary institutions also charge tuition fees.

Enrolling Your Child in School
You should enroll your child in school as soon as possible. The first step is to arrange to visit your local school. (Telephone your school board to find out the name and location of the elementary or high school in your area.)

Bring your child's:

. birth certificate;
. Immigration landing papers;
. passport;
. health (medical) records; and
. school records.

The school will decide which grade your child should attend. If the school feels that your child needs lessons in English or French, he or she may be enrolled in special classes.

Children with Special Needs
Children with mental and/or physical disabilities also have a right to a free public education. Classes for these students are often held within the regular schools. However, some schools are designed especially for students with particular needs, such as children who are blind or deaf.

Religion and Schools
A large number of religions are practiced in Canada. For this reason, religion does not play an active role in most regular public schools. Public schools usually teach world religion as a subject instead of providing religious instruction.

School Vacations
All schools are closed on all national holidays. In addition, all schools are closed between Christmas and New Year's Day, and most are closed for one week in March. The March holiday is known as Spring Break.

However, the most important school holiday occurs during the summer. Elementary schools and high schools are closed between the middle of June and early September. In universities, regular classes usually end in April.

HEALTH SYSTEM
Canada has one of the finest health care systems in the world. Excellent hospitals, clinics or doctors' offices are located in most communities. Their services are usually available free of charge to all residents of Canada registered under the national health insurance program. This program is funded by governments (and paid for through taxes) but it is very costly. It is important to use it wisely.

Do not hide the fact that you or any member of your family is sick. This is very important when the disease or condition can be passed to others. It is important to respect and protect yourself, your family and other members of the community.

Medicare
Canada's national health insurance program, sometimes known as Medicare, pays for most necessary medical services. You must have an official health card from the province you live in to qualify for Medicare. To get one, get an application form from a doctor's office, hospital or pharmacy. Your Medicare card will be accepted throughout Canada. However, you must register again if you move to another province.

Your Medicare card allows you to get to medical services from a licensed medical doctor (MD). Medicare does not pay for prescription medicines. Medicare coverage is a little different in each province. There may be a fee for getting Medicare in some provinces.

It is important to use the medical or health service that matches your condition.

Medical Emergencies
If you or a member of your family is seriously injured or suddenly becomes very sick, go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. If a life is in danger, call your local emergency telephone number. In many Canadian cities you can dial 9-1-1 to get ambulances and other emergency services immediately. In other communities, dial "0" and ask the operator to send an ambulance. If your doctor decides that you did not need an ambulance, you will be required to pay for it. In some provinces, you must pay part of the ambulance fee even if the service is required. Interpreters may be available at larger urban hospitals. However, make sure that every member of your family knows enough English or French to call for help in an emergency.

Routine Medical Services
In Canada, most people choose one doctor to help them with ordinary medical problems. By using one doctor, you will be treated by someone who knows your medical history. This can be an advantage in both emergency and routine situations. There are more men than women doctors. However, among younger doctors there are now as many women as men.

To choose a doctor, ask friends or co-workers to recommend one they know and trust. You can also look in the yellow pages of the telephone book - they list the names of doctors and their specialties, and may identify the languages they speak. Agencies that help newcomers often have names of available doctors. Doctors limit the number of patients they accept, so the first doctor you call may not be able to take you as a patient. However, the doctor's receptionist can usually tell you of another doctor nearby who is accepting new patients.

In most cases, patients make an appointment to visit a doctor. It is important to arrive on time. Some clinics will see patients on a first-come, first-served basis. It is your right to choose your doctor. You may change doctors at any time. If you disagree with your doctor, you may also seek another opinion from a different doctor. People sometimes do this if they have been advised to have an operation, or if they have been told they have a serious condition.

Public Health
Public health laws protect all Canadians in many ways. For example, they ensure that the food you buy is clean and meets approved standards; that restaurants and food stores are properly maintained; and that children are immunized from serious diseases. Polio, diphtheria, mumps, measles and chicken pox have been eliminated or reduced because of high public health standards.

Your children must be routinely inoculated against serious diseases that easily spread to other people. These are called infectious diseases, and include diphtheria, polio and tetanus. Your child cannot go to school without an immunization card to prove that his or her inoculations are up to date. You can arrange inoculations through your doctor or through public health clinics. Children with infectious diseases should stay home.

Schools teach health from a scientific and non-religious point of view. Children learn about cleanliness, nutrition and other ways to maintain good health. They also study human biology, including reproduction and the avoidance of sexually transmitted diseases.

Medicines
Medicines (drugs) are strictly controlled. Many kinds of drugs for minor conditions like headaches and colds are available in the self-serve sections of pharmacies. The pharmacist can help you choose the proper ones.

Medicines for more serious conditions are available only by prescription. Your doctor must write a prescription which explains how to use the medicine. You give it to a licensed pharmacist to get your prescription.

You should only take prescription medicines that the doctor has prescribed just for you. Sharing medications can be very dangerous.

Prescription medicines can be expensive. They are usually paid for by the patient. In large cities, herbal medicines may be available in special stores.

Pregnancy
If you are or think you may be pregnant, call your doctor as soon as possible to arrange an examination. Almost all births in Canada take place in hospitals.

Child birth and child care courses are available at most local hospitals and clinics. You should register for these courses if you are pregnant or have recently had a baby. They will help you learn about special foods, products and services for new mothers.

AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Like many other countries, Canada has recognized the threat of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). This fatal disease is spread through the exchange of blood or semen. All people can get the disease, no matter what their social or ethnic group or sexual preference is. Canadians learn about AIDS through television and radio announcements, schools, information distributed on the job and other communication programs. People are becoming more aware of the risks of having sex with different partners without using a latex condom.

There are pamphlets available at hospitals, clinics and doctors'offices on many topics, such as sexually transmitted diseases. These pamphlets are useful sources of information on how to prevent illnesses and where to go for treatment.

Mental Illness
There is professional medical help available for emotional or other mental problems. Your doctor may recommend psychiatric counseling, which, like other medical services, is paid for by Medicare.

Death
All deaths must be officially certified by a licensed physician. Without this certification it is impossible to process wills, inheritances, insurance claims and related legal matters.

In most parts of Canada, bodies may only be buried in recognized cemeteries. You must arrange burials through a professional mortician called a funeral director. A funeral director will arrange burial or cremation according to your wishes and religious practices.