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9/18/2017
Topic:
Complaint About Car Dealership - How? Where?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

You can find some detailed information in our Settlement.Org How do I make a consumer complaint? article.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/18/2017
Topic:
Doctor Refused to Fax Prescription Refill

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be very concerned about this situation.

You may want to contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons to find out what their rights are in this situation and also to find out what their complaints process is.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/19/2017
Topic:
Time Limit to Bring Items on Goods to Follow Form?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this.

According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Border Information Service, there is absolutely no time limit on when you can bring in your items listed on your Goods to Follow form.

As long as they were specifically listed on your Goods to Follow form, they can be imported at any time.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.
=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/21/2017
Topic:
Return without PR card

Moderator
Moderator
Hello Bhawna,

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.


In terms of leaving and re-entering Canada without a PR card, you can find some detailed information on the IRCC website in the I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada? section.



Here is an excerpt,

I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada?

Canada’s entry requirements are changing

Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and present their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier. If you do not carry your PR card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada, and to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires.

Returning by private vehicle

There are other documents you can use to enter the country.

When you return to Canada, apply for a PR card if you plan to travel outside Canada again.

Some examples of private vehicles include, but are not limited to: a car, truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle that you own, borrow, or rent, and that is not available for public use.

Returning by commercial vehicle: airplane, bus, train, or boat

You must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD), valid for one entry. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada.

You can apply to replace your PR card when you return to Canada.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/22/2017
Topic:
Rent Increase - What is legal?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

We wanted to update this post.

Under the new Rental Fairness Act, any rent increases given to tenants since April 20, 2017 must meet the annual rent increase guideline.

Buildings constructed after November 1, 1991 are no longer excluded from this rule. Read more about the recent changes to rental guidelines by the Ontario Ministry of Housing.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.


=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/25/2017
Topic:
Entry From USA to Canada with Expired PR Card

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and questions with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

As you already know, as a permanent resident, you may travel outside Canada after you arrive. However, you must meet certain residency obligations to maintain your status as a permanent resident.

To meet these residency obligations, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period.

This means that you can spend a total of up to 3 years outside of Canada during a 5-year period. However, if you have been a permanent resident for less than 5 years and decide to leave the country for an extended period of time, it is up to you to prove to IRCC that you will be able to meet your residency requirements.

The 5-year period is assessed on a rolling basis. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will look back at your time in Canada over the previous 5 years each time you try to enter Canada or try to apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD).

You can find some additional information regarding meeting your residency requirements in our Settlement.Org What are the residency requirements for permanent residents (PRs)? article.

In terms of the process when re-entering Canada, each time you enter Canada, Citizenship and Immigration may calculate 5 years back from the date you have entered or re-entered Canada to see if you have fulfilled your residency obligation.

You can find information on the process that is followed when entering Canada in this Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ENF 23 - Loss of Permanent Resident Status manual.

Here is an excerpt from the manual on what happens at the port of entry here:



"7.8 Examining Permanent Residents at a POE (Port of Entry)

When a permanent resident appears at a POE for examination, the officer must confirm that the person is a permanent resident. Officers must remain cognizant of the fact the Act gives permanent residents of Canada the right to enter Canada at a port of entry once it is established that a person is a Permanent Resident, regardless of non-compliance with the residency obligation in A28 or the presence of other grounds of inadmissability.

Port of entry officers (POE) can refuse entry to a Permanent Resident only when the person has already lost the status in accordance with the provisions of A46 (such as when a final determination has been made that they have failed to comply with the residency obligations or when a removal order comes into force).

In other words, once a permanent resident's status is established, the person may enter Canada by right and the immigration examination under IRPA concludes.

If an officer has concerns that a permanent resident has not complied with the residency obligation of A28, the officer should advise the permanent resident when the examination is concluded that they are authorized to enter Canada; however, the permanent resident may wish to answer additional questions so the officer may determine whether their concerns are well founded or not.

In cases where:
- permanent resident status is established;
- the permanent resident refuses to provide any further information and enters Canada;
and
- the officer believes, on a balance of probabilities that the person is in non-compliance with the residency obligation, officers may report the person, pursuant to A44(1). if there is sufficient evidence to support an inadmissibility allegation. In the absence of sufficient evidence to support the writing of an inadmissibility report, officers may enter any available information into FOSS (date of entry, last country of embarkation, current address in Canada etc.).

In terms of leaving and re-entering Canada without a PR card, you can find some detailed information on the IRCC website in the I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada? section.



Here is an excerpt,

I am outside of Canada and do not have a PR card. How can I return to Canada?

Canada’s entry requirements are changing

Permanent residents (PR) of Canada must carry and present their valid PR card or permanent resident travel document (PRTD) when boarding a flight to Canada, or travelling to Canada on any other commercial carrier. If you do not carry your PR card or PRTD, you may not be able to board your flight, train, bus or boat to Canada.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your PR card is still valid when you return from travel outside Canada, and to apply for a new PR card when your current card expires.

Returning by private vehicle

There are other documents you can use to enter the country.

When you return to Canada, apply for a PR card if you plan to travel outside Canada again.

Some examples of private vehicles include, but are not limited to: a car, truck, motorcycle, or recreational vehicle that you own, borrow, or rent, and that is not available for public use.

Returning by commercial vehicle: airplane, bus, train, or boat

You must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD), valid for one entry. Otherwise you may not be able to travel to Canada.

You can apply to replace your PR card when you return to Canada.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/25/2017
Topic:
Eligibility for maternity leave

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your girlfriend's situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

According to the Service Canada website in the Am I allowed to leave Canada while receiving EI maternity or parental benefits? section,

Am I allowed to leave Canada while receiving EI maternity or parental benefits?

Yes, you can receive EI maternity and parental benefits while you are outside Canada. However, if you leave the country, please let us know by calling 1-800-206-7218 (TTY: 1-800-529-3742) and pressing "0" to speak with a representative.

Note: Different provisions may apply to Quebec residents who received Quebec Parental Insurance Program benefits.



We suggest that it is best to contact Service Canada directly to confirm this information and for information specific to your girlfriend's situation.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/25/2017
Topic:
Maternity Leave for Canadian Citizens Abroad

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your girlfriend's situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in this type of information.

According to the Service Canada website in the Am I allowed to leave Canada while receiving EI maternity or parental benefits? section,

Am I allowed to leave Canada while receiving EI maternity or parental benefits?

Yes, you can receive EI maternity and parental benefits while you are outside Canada. However, if you leave the country, please let us know by calling 1-800-206-7218 (TTY: 1-800-529-3742) and pressing "0" to speak with a representative.

Note: Different provisions may apply to Quebec residents who received Quebec Parental Insurance Program benefits.



We suggest that it is best to contact Service Canada directly to confirm this information and for information specific to your girlfriend's situation.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/26/2017
Topic:
Canadian Engineer and Military Related Project

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be interested in what your rights and responsibilities are as a Canadian in this particular situation and circumstance.

You may want to contact the local Canadian consulate for some information specific to your situation.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/26/2017
Topic:
Landlord Increased Rent by 11%

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation.

You can find some helpful information in our Settlement.Org How often can a landlord increase the rent? article.

Here is an excerpt,

How much can my landlord increase the rent?

Once you have moved into a unit, the landlord must follow a rent control guideline. The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing sets this guideline every year. The guideline limits how much your landlord can increase your rent that year.

In 2017, the limit is 1.5%.

In 2018, the limit will be 1.8%.

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) must approve any increases above this percentage. For example, the LTB might approve a higher increase if your landlord has made large repairs or installed a security system.



and

Is my building rent controlled?


Important Note: Under the new Rental Fairness Act, any rent increases given to tenants since April 20, 2017 must meet the annual rent increase guideline.

Buildings constructed after November 1, 1991 are no longer excluded from this rule. Read more about the recent changes to rental guidelines by the Ontario Ministry of Housing.

You can contact a legal clinic or housing help centre for more information. To find help in your area, go to Services Near Me.




I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/26/2017
Topic:
Renewing PR card - balance of term?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ENF 27 Permanent resident card Manual,

Periods of validity of the PR card:
-Valid for five years from the date of issue



You may want to contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre for some information specific to your situation.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/26/2017
Topic:
OHIP - out of Ontario for over 212 days

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this situation and that you would be interested in what your options are.

According to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website,

If it is determined that you are not eligible for OHIP coverage, or that you are no longer eligible, you can ask that this decision be reviewed by the OHIP Eligibility Review Committee (OERC).


If this is the case, you may want to try and contact the OHIP Eligibility Review Committee (OERC) to see if there are any other options in your situation.

We suggest that you also try and contact ServiceOntario for some information regarding your situation.


Call ServiceOntario, INFOline at:
1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)
TTY 1-800-387-5559.
In Toronto, TTY 416-327-4282
Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm


I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/26/2017
Topic:
Renewing PR card - balance of term?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,


Thank you for providing this clarification. We apologize for not providing this information in our first response.


The date you will see on your next PR card will be based on the date of issue. The date on the "date of issue" will depend on how long it takes for them to process your new PR card.


Therefore, it may not necessarily cover the 9 month period that is still remaining on your current PR card.


It is very important to note that the date on the PR card just indicates that you are a PR. The fact that someone's PR card is still valid does not mean that they have met their residency requirements.

You still have to meet the residency requirements.

To meet these residency obligations, you must be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) in every 5-year period.

This means that you can spend a total of up to 3 years outside of Canada during a 5-year period.

So, although it is possible to stay up to 3 years outside of Canada, if you leave Canada for an extended period of time, it is up to you to prove to Citizenship and Immigration Canada that you will be able to meet your residency requirements.

Basically what happens is that, each time you enter Canada, the officer may calculate 5 years back from the date you have entered or re-entered Canada to see if you have fulfilled your residency obligation.


You may want to contact the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre for some additional information and for some information specific to your situation.


I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.


=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/27/2017
Topic:
Expired Driving License from Country of Origin

Moderator
Moderator
Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

According to the DriveTest website in the Foreign Licence Experience Credits section,

Present acceptable identification, a valid and original driver’s licence, and supporting documentation.



We suggest that you contact DriveTest directly to find out what your options are in your particular situation.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org
9/27/2017
Topic:
Sponsor Brother with Disability?

Moderator
Moderator
Hello Ramzi,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

Your brother can find some detailed information on what the requirements are to be eligible for this type of sponsorship are on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website in the Determine your eligibility – Sponsor your eligible relatives(CIC) section.

Here is an excerpt of the requirements,

Who you can sponsor

You can sponsor:

-brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren who are orphaned, are under 18 and do not have a spouse or common-law partner,

-relatives of the above (for example, spouse, partner and dependent children) who will come with them to Canada, or

You can sponsor one relative of any age or relationship, but only if you do not have one of these living relatives who could be sponsored as a member of the family class:

-spouse or common-law partner,
-conjugal partner,
-son or daughter,
-parent,
-grandparent,
-sibling, or
-uncle, aunt, nephew or niece, and

you do not have any relative who is a:

-Canadian citizen,
-permanent resident or
-registered Indian under the Indian Act.

Who you cannot sponsor

You cannot sponsor other relatives, such as brothers and sisters over 18, or adult children who support themselves financially.

If they apply to immigrate under the Skilled Worker Class, they may get extra points for having a relative in Canada.


As you may have noticed, it is not easy to meet these requirements.

You can find some information on how you may be eligible apply to immigrate to Ontario in our Settlement.Org How can I apply to immigrate to Ontario? article.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let us know if you have further questions and if there is any follow up to your question/situation.

=====
Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org