Moderator

all messages by user

5/27/2016
Topic: Would like some information regarding Citizenship

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your question with us.

You can find some helpful information in our Settlement.Org Citizenship section.

You can find specific information in our How do I apply for Canadian Citizenship? 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.
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Anna
Settlement.Org Content and Information/Referral Specialist, CIRS
Settlement.Org

5/27/2016
Topic: Looking for Settlement Services in London

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

It is great that you are looking into this type of information ahead of time.

You may want to contact a settlement service in London and an employment service by using our Services Near Me section.

In terms of information regarding ESL classes, you can find some helpful information in our Where can I take ESL classes? article.

You can find some general information regarding mortgages and buying a home in our Settlement.Org Buying a Home section.

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

5/27/2016
Topic: What are steps to get a Driver's Licence?

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some detailed information on the DriveTest website.

You may want to contact DriveTest at their Toll Free Number 1-800-489-8450 to speak to a Customer Service Agent to find out what your options are in 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

5/30/2016
Topic: ESL Tutor - Would like to Teach English

Moderator

Hello,

Thanks for sharing your question with us.

Our Settlement.Org/At Work website occasionally has job listings for ESL positions in the immigrant-service sector.

Visit the Settlement.Org/At Work Job section for more details.

Here are some additional web sites where you can get more information about the Ontario ESL job market and job listings:

TESL Canada

TESL Ontario

Charity Village Job Board

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

5/30/2016
Topic: Hour Requirement For Employment Insurance

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.

It is best if you contact the Employment Insurance Telephone Information Service directly for information specific to your situation.

You can find the information here:

Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218 (TTY: 1-800-529-3742)

The EI Telephone Information Service is an automated telephone service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you would prefer to speak to a representative, call this number between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, and press "0."

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

5/30/2016
Topic: Would like to get my Marriage Licence

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

A marriage licence is different from a marriage certificate. You apply for a marriage certificate after you get married.

If you have already gotten married, you may be looking to get your marriage certificate instead of your marriage licence.

You can find some detailed information on how to get your marriage certificate in our Settlement.Org How do I get a marriage certificate? article.

Here is an excerpt,

You need to apply for a marriage certificate after you get married in Ontario. You can apply online, by mail, fax, or in person.

A marriage certificate is different from a marriage licence, which you get before you get married. It is also different from a Record of Solemnization of Marriage, which your officiant might give you after your marriage ceremony. The Record of Solemnization of Marriage is not a legal record of your marriage.

5/30/2016
Topic: Divorce and PR Status

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

Regarding getting divorced in Canada, you can find some information in the Marriage and Divorce publication from the Family Law Education for Women website.

Here is an excerpt,

"Getting a divorce in Canada

There is one law about divorce for everyone in Canada. It is called the Divorce Act. No matter where you live in Canada, the law and the process of getting a divorce are the same.

You must apply for a divorce in family court. Either you or your spouse can file the application or both of you can file a joint application. Your application can ask for just a divorce, or it can ask the court to decide about custody, support and how to divide property. These are called claims for corollary relief.

When you apply for a divorce, you must show that your marriage has broken down. There are three ways to do this. The most common way is when you and your spouse have been living separate and apart for at least one year before you applied for a divorce. You can live “separate and apart” in the same house if you no longer behave as though you are married.

It is also possible to get a divorce if one of you has committed adultery or your spouse has been so physically or mentally cruel that you can no longer live together."

In terms of filing in Ontario, it does not matter if you were married in another province or country. You can apply for divorce if you have been living in Ontario for at least one year.

Only one spouse must reside in the Province of Ontario for at least a year before the divorce is granted.

In your situation, we suggest that you speak to a lawyer regarding your situation if necessary. You can contact an Information and Referral Coordinator through the nearest Family Law Information Centre (FLIC). Information and Referral Coordinators are available at certain locations.

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

5/30/2016
Topic: Re-Activate My Social Insurance Number (SIN)-How?

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

From the information we have previously received from Service Canada - (Social Insurance Number line)

According to a Service Canada Representative, it may be that case that your SIN has a "dormant" flag in your file. In these cases, you can still use your SIN number however, you cannot use it for the online services.

They stated that SIN numbers may be flagged as dormant when there is no activity recorded with the number for more than 5 years.

In order to re-activate it, they suggested that you go into the nearest Service Canada office and complete a questionnaire from the SIN Registry that they will provide.

You will be asked to present some identification such as a Canadian Birth Certificate, Canadian Citizenship Card/Certificate, PR Card etc.

You may want to also contact Service Canada - (Social Insurance Number line) directly to verify this information and for some information on this your situation.

It is important that you contact Service Canada directly for instructions on how to re-activate your dormant SIN at:

1-800-206-7218 (select option "3").

Agents are available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (local time), except statutory holidays.
If you are calling from outside Canada, the number is 506-548-7961 (long distance charges apply), from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Atlantic time).
If you have a hearing or speech impairment and use a teletypewriter (TTY), please call 1-800-926-9105.

5/31/2016
Topic: How can I make a Consumer Complaint?

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

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

You mentioned that you have already written three e-mails and have not received a response.

In terms of any other additional steps you can take, you can find some 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

5/31/2016
Topic: OHIP - Proof of Residence Document

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

You can find some detailed information in our Settlement.Org What documents do I need to apply for a Health Card (OHIP)? article.

Here is an excerpt,

Proof of Residency

A document that has your name and current home address. This document confirms that your principal home is in Ontario.

Child Tax Benefit Statement
Employer record (pay stub or letter from employer on company letterhead)
Income tax assessment (most recent)
Insurance policy (home, tenant, auto or life)
Monthly mailed bank account statements for savings or chequing accounts (does not include receipts, bank books, letters or automated teller receipts)
Mortgage, rental or lease agreement
Ontario Motor Vehicle Permit (plate or vehicle portions)
Property tax bill
School, college or university report card or transcript
Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Works
Statement of Direct Deposit for Ontario Disability Support Program
Statement of Employment Insurance Benefits Paid T4E
Statement of Old Age Security T4A (OAS) or Statement of Canada Pension Plan Benefits T4A (P)
Statement of Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Registered Home Ownership Savings Plan (RHOSP) from a financial institution (bank, trust company, credit union)
Utility bill received by mail (home telephone, cable TV, public utilities commission, hydro, gas, water)
Valid Ontario Driver's Licence
Temporary Driver's Licence (you must also show a photo license card with the same address)
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Statement of Benefits T5007
Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contribution
Valid Ontario Photo Card

For official information about OHIP eligibility and what type of documents are acceptable, please contact Service Ontario:

In Canada: 1-800-268-1154
TTY: 1-800-387-5559

5/31/2016
Topic: Need legal Advice

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 may want to contact the nearest Community Legal Clinic for legal advice.

You mentioned that you are in Mississauga. You can find the nearest one here.

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

5/31/2016
Topic: Dormant Social Insurance Number (SIN) - Options?

Moderator

Hello,

Thanks for sharing your situation with us.

We have contacted the Service Canada - (Social Insurance Number line) directly for some information on this type of situation.

According to a Service Canada Representative, it may be that case that your SIN has a "dormant" flag in your file. In these cases, you can still use your SIN number however, you cannot use it for the online services.

They stated that SIN numbers may be flagged as dormant when there is no activity recorded with the number for more than 5 years.

In order to re-activate it, they suggested that you go into the nearest Service Canada office and complete a questionnaire from the SIN Registry that they will provide.

You will be asked to present some identification such as a Canadian Birth Certificate, Canadian Citizenship Card/Certificate, PR Card etc.

You may want to also contact Service Canada - (Social Insurance Number line) directly to verify this information and for some information on this 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

5/31/2016
Topic: How can we obtain a Driver's Licence?

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

It is great that you are looking into this type of information.

As you may already know, the International Driver's Permit (IDP) is primarily used by visitors to Ontario. If you plan on living in Ontario - that is, you will be a permanent resident living in Ontario - you need to get an Ontario driver's licence within 60 days of moving to Ontario. If you have an International Driver's Permit (IDP), you can use this when you first arrive in Canada.

You can find some detailed information regarding how to obtain an Ontario Driver's Licence in our Settlement.Org I have a driver's licence from another country. How do I get an Ontario driver's licence? article.

Some countries, like the United States, Australia, France and Korea, have an agreement with Ontario which allows licensed drivers to obtain an Ontario licence without having to go through the regular process for obtaining a licence in this province.

If your licence is from a country that does not have a reciprocal agreement, you must present official, written confirmation of your driving experience.

You can find some detailed information on the DriveTest website.

You may want to contact DriveTest at their Toll Free Number 1-800-489-8450 to speak to a Customer Service Agent to find out what your options are in 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

5/31/2016
Topic: Is this covered by OHIP or not?

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us.

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

Unfortunately, we do not have detailed information regarding specific services that OHIP covers.

You can find some general information on the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care website in the What's Covered by OHIP? section.

For more details and information about specific treatments, you may want to contact the nearest ministry office.

To find out information about specific treatments and services you may also want to try and contact ServiceOntario directly at:

ServiceOntario INFOline
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

5/31/2016
Topic: No Hot Water for a 3 Year Period

Moderator

Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation and question with us, and for sharing the steps that you have already taken.

We can appreciate that you would be concerned about this and would want a solution to this situation. Three years is a really long time to be dealing with a situation like this.

You can find some detailed information regarding what your rights are as a tenant in our Settlement.Org What are my rights as a tenant? article.

Here is an excerpt,

Vital Services: You must have access to heat, hot and cold water, electricity, and fuel (such as natural gas). Your landlord cannot shut-off these services, even if you have not paid your rent. Your landlord may shut-off services for a short time so that they can make repairs. Your landlord might pay for vital services; or you might pay for them.

You can find some additional information in this Maintenance and Repairs - A Guide for Tenants.

Here is an excerpt,

Utilities and other vital services

Your landlord is not allowed to cut off or interfere with any vital services. This includes things like your supply of water, electricity, or heat. It also includes food or care services if you get these from your landlord or another service provider.

If any of these things happen, you should get legal help or contact the Investigation and Enforcement Unit (IEU) at 1-888-772-9277. The IEU's website address is www.mah.gov.on.ca/ieu. Click here for more information about the IEU and about getting legal help

Regarding your 311 request, you should have received a 311 reference number (or an explanation if no reference number is to be issued). With this you can track the status of your service request from the 311 homepage, or call 311 anytime for additional information and assistance.

Finally, you may want to contact the nearest Community Legal Clinic to see if they can provide you any additional information or assistance with 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